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Cockroaches Daubed With Yeast As WMD Sensors?

Posted by simoniker on from the stop-laughing-at-the-back dept.

Our Man In Redmond writes "OK, yeah, it sounds weird, but it just might work. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have come up with the idea of attaching genetically-modified yeast to the back of a cockroach - or a cockroach-sized robot - and using the yeast to detect chemical or biological agents. The story's in today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer. They point out some other possible nifty uses for the yeast-based technology, like detecting diseases by having a patient blow on a piece of paper 'printed' with the yeast."

4 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. Problem solved! by obsidianpreacher · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fear not, terrorists, I've got your solution! Just make your WMD in really, really, really bright laboratories! Problem solved!

    *mumble mumble* ... what? Crap, I'm sorry ... gotta go ... some nice men in suits are here and need to talk about some "Patriot Act" or something ... I'll see you in about 20, I guess ...

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  2. Yeast Based Technology by jawtheshark · · Score: 5, Funny
    other possible nifty uses for the yeast-based technology

    Yeah, I know one "nifty" technology based on yeast: it's called "beer" and has been around for thousands of years. Hoooray for yeast! ;-)

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  3. Let's focus, people by writertype · · Score: 5, Funny

    Weapons of mass destruction. Biological outbreaks of plague. Medical sensors. Bah.

    There is one purpose for which yeast, and yeast research, should be put. Beer. Better beer. Beer that tastes great, but is less filling. Beer that I can drink until snookered, then wake up from the next day, hangover free.

    Beer.

    Any questions?

  4. Getting the coackroaches back by rf0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    OK this is cool You send the coachroaches out into an area where there is WMD. How do you check the yeast? Have the coachroacges on a really long leash? :)

    Rus

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