A team of NASA researchers have developed a "sniffer" with “a nose for certain molecules.” The instrument could analyze dust on Mars for signs of life.
Inspired by a sensor currently used by the US military to scan the air for potentially dangerous chemicals and toxins, NASA technologist Branimir Blagojevic and his team adapted the sensor for use on Mars, where they say it could scan dust particles for “bio-signatures,” or signs of life.
If it went to Mars, the sniffer’s technology would be a step forward for efforts to find life on Mars. The scanner can test large areas at once, quickly building a comprehensive map of life on Mars. It can also determine how old the signs of life are.
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