<p>Scientists have created a new graphene-based device that can detect even trace amounts of performance enhancing drugs in an athelete’s blood samples. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Researchers from the University of Manchester and Aix-Marseille University, have created a device which potentially can see one molecule though a simple optical system and can analyse its components within minutes. This uses plasmonics - the study of vibrations of electrons in different materials.<br /><br />The breakthrough could allow for rapid and more accurate drug testing for professional athletes as it could detect the presence of even trace amounts of a substance. It could also be used at airports or other high-security locations to prevent concealment of explosives or stop traffickers from smuggling drugs.<br /><br />Researchers believe graphene could truly find its place with new devices and materials yet to be invented. The researchers, lead by Dr Sasha Grigorenko, suggested a new type of sensing devices: artificial materials with topological darkness. The devices show extremely high response to an attachment of just one relatively small molecule.<br /><br /> This high sensitivity relies on topological properties of light phase. To test their devices, researches covered them with graphene. Testing for toxins or drugs could be done using a simple blood test, with highly-accurate results in minutes. <br /><br />The researchers found that the sensitivity of their devices is three orders of magnitude better than that of existing models.The study was published in the journal Nature Materials. <br /></p>
<p>Scientists have created a new graphene-based device that can detect even trace amounts of performance enhancing drugs in an athelete’s blood samples. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Researchers from the University of Manchester and Aix-Marseille University, have created a device which potentially can see one molecule though a simple optical system and can analyse its components within minutes. This uses plasmonics - the study of vibrations of electrons in different materials.<br /><br />The breakthrough could allow for rapid and more accurate drug testing for professional athletes as it could detect the presence of even trace amounts of a substance. It could also be used at airports or other high-security locations to prevent concealment of explosives or stop traffickers from smuggling drugs.<br /><br />Researchers believe graphene could truly find its place with new devices and materials yet to be invented. The researchers, lead by Dr Sasha Grigorenko, suggested a new type of sensing devices: artificial materials with topological darkness. The devices show extremely high response to an attachment of just one relatively small molecule.<br /><br /> This high sensitivity relies on topological properties of light phase. To test their devices, researches covered them with graphene. Testing for toxins or drugs could be done using a simple blood test, with highly-accurate results in minutes. <br /><br />The researchers found that the sensitivity of their devices is three orders of magnitude better than that of existing models.The study was published in the journal Nature Materials. <br /></p>