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Wednesday, 22nd April 2009 (1094 views)

Researchers investigating the ways in which gold particles react to light may be able to develop a means to detect explosives, it has emerged.

The Engineer reports that nanoscientists at Imperial College are working on nanosensors, relying on principles similar to stained glass windows in churches.

Lead researcher Stefan Maier explained that small gold particles are used to create red glass, due to the way they respond to light.

"Because gold particles absorb and scatter preferentially in the green, the green light is taken out of the white light coming through so that it looks red," he was quoted as saying.

This fact is now being applied to aid in the development of sensing applications, with the detection of toxins or infections other possible uses.

Last week, scientists at the University of Leicester were awarded a grant to investigate how nanotechnology - which often involves the use of gold - can be used for the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

 

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