Explosives detection with hard-wired moths

Insects, such as moths, can be trained to respond to explosives odors. A prototype system that can use trained insects such as moths to detect explosives was designed, assembled, and tested. It compares the electromyographic signals of insects trained to respond or not respond to a target explosive vapor in order to determine whether or not explosive devices, such as bombs or landmines, are present. The device was designed to be portable by making it lightweight, battery-powered, and energy efficient. The prototype performed successfully during testing. This device is a novel integration of electronics and biology to create a bioinstrument that has not been previously developed.