As a kid, G.I. Joe taught me that “knowing is half the battle," and the U.S. military seems to agree wholeheartedly.
While we’ve covered a number of innovative military technologies focused on providing advanced detection of enemy movements, this might be the most unique: According to a post on DefenseOne.com, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is exploring how water-based microorganisms could be used to detect enemy submarines and divers, serving as a sort of living motion sensor.
To help make this a reality, scientists are working to genetically modify sea bacteria so that it reacts to particular substances or materials — like human skin, diver suits, metals, or even fuel emissions. These reactions could trigger the bacteria to expel electrons, and the process could be detected by other marine equipment, tripping an alarm or providing some sort of alert.
The project is reportedly about a year away from a proof-of-concept demonstration, with the biggest obstacle seeming to be determining the best way to apply or shape the bacteria. Some of the most viable options include embedding the organisms in uniforms or equipment, in a way that is similar to how sensors are used.
The project is part of a broader $45 million initiative for all branches of the armed services called the Applied Research for the Advancement of Science and Technology Priorities Program on Synthetic Biology for Military Environments. (This might be the first time the military is in desperate need of an acronym.)
Essentially, the military wants to leverage the sensing capabilities found throughout the biology lab and bring them to the battlefield. As previously mentioned, the biggest problem is finding the right shell or housing for such delicate organisms.
One option involves advancing the availability of 3D-printing equipment so that the right coating or enclosure could be created or modified, thereby ensuring that the use of these bio-sensors fits the exact needs of the mission at hand.