The Science of Sniffing

Dogs are man's best friend, especially in environments where there is a threat that needs to be sniffed out.  The Pennsylvania State University Gas Dynamics Lab has been studying the science of sniffing, why dogs are so good at smelling threats like explosives, drugs, and people. Ultimately, this information can be used to build sampling and detection equipment which provides the same performance as a dog, but without the training and short working times a dog can work.  This same type of approach, using nature as a guide for technology, resulted in the lab, led by Professor Gary Settles, to develop the "Human Thermal Plume" trace explosive detection portal, licensed to General Electric and is currently deployed in airports and other security checkpoints as the EntryScan.  The PSUGDL is also studying the spread of disease through coughing and sneezing, and the effect of explosive blasts, among other topics and was recently featured in the New York Times.

 

For centuries, dogs have been the gold standard for detection, from prey on the hunt to explosives in airports. Now, their noses are the inspiration for security screening technologies. See the dogs at work in Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, courtesy of National Geographic.