• Scientists have developed a light and portable sensor that can detect even the faintest signs of life.
• It could be used to rescue people trapped in rubble after an earthquake or bombing.
• The device is light and portable enough for first responders to hold in their hands or for drones to carry on a search for survivors.
• Current approaches include the use of human-sniffing dogs and acoustic probes that can detect cries for help.
• Drawbacks in these methods such as the limited availability of canines and the silence of unconscious victims.
• The researchers built the palm-sized sensor array from three existing gas sensors, each tailored to detect a specific chemical emitted by breath or skin: acetone, ammonia or isoprene.

Source:TH