Nosing around; In association with the NHS

SCIENTISTS say they are a step closer to developing a sensor which mimics the workings of the human nose.

The US researchers claim to have overcome one of the biggest hurdles - mass production of proteins called olfactory receptors.

The average human has 100 million - and the MIT team say their technology could one day sniff out certain cancers which have distinctive chemical scents.

A UK expert welcomed the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study.

Many researchers worldwide are working on 'E-noses', which detect the same molecules that make up the scents we recognise.

Prof Krishna Persaud, who carries out biosensor research at the University of Manchester, praised the MIT breakthrough, but said there were still some important hurdles to overcome before the dream of a sensor based on the human nose could be realised.

He said: "This is excellent research, and brings this kind of biosensor a little closer.

"There are many, many applications for this kind of sensor - looking for low concentrations of pollutants in the environment, or testing food. A sensor based on the human nose is likely to work better than anything that uses an electronic sensor."

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