Scene of the crime
There are also opportunities for nanotechnology in crime-scene investigations. Scientists could analyse very small amounts of a forensic sample at the scene of the crime using a hand-held 'laboratory'.
The ultimate lab-on-a-chip technology combines tiny fluid channels with nano-scale sensors and electronics. These devices offer the potential to rapidly process a sample and simultaneously run many different tests to detect compounds such as gunshot residues, blood types and drugs.
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| Forensic tests currently restricted to the lab could be carried out at the crime scene using a hand-held device. |
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