Counterterrorism

Bomb-detecting material lights up in the presence of explosives

Fluorescent materials that react with explosives is one of a few ways airport staff can ensure the safety of travelers, but there's still room for improvement. Scientists have developed a light-up material they claim can more reliably detect explosives in the vicinity, by being a bit more selective about when it changes color.

Previously, many of the polymers used to detect explosives are fluorescent in their normal state. When the light passing through the material interacts with an explosive molecule, it is then released as heat rather than light, meaning the material is no longer fluorescent.