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A human network. I’m Bob Hirshon and this is Science Update.
The fifth international Body Networks Conference took place recently in Greece. There, researchers discussed sensors, receivers and transmitters that people could wear or carry. The idea is to create a vast electronic network of people that would share data. One purpose could be to monitor the vital signs of people with medical conditions. Another could be replacing high powered microwave cell phone towers with human beings. And some researchers are just coming up with cool games.
In other techno news, University of Florida researchers are developing odor-eating nanoparticles. Made from silica and copper, the tiny structures pull foul smelling compounds out of the air twice as effectively as activated charcoal. Not only could they revolutionize air fresheners, but they might also be used to pull sulfur impurities out of crude oil. I’m Bob Hirshon for AAAS, the Science Society.