French scientists from the University of Aix-Marseille have developed a new method to detect molecules in the marine environment. They developed a device that detects and analyzes dissolved compounds using a method similar to the sense of smell. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine ACS Center for Science (ACSCS).
The handheld device pumps seawater through discs that resemble makeup remover pads. These filters adsorb molecules for further study.
Experts tested the system in Mediterranean caves at a depth of just over 20 metres. After sampling, scientists evaluated the captured compounds using mass spectrometry. The resulting samples had a diverse composition, many with unknown molecular structures.
The researchers believe that the technology they created will be a promising way to search for new natural products and medicines.
The next step will be to adapt the device for independent and long-term filtering of sea water at great depths.
seals before helped Scientists explore an unknown Antarctic canyon.