Rensselaer researchers to build biosensor capable of measuring critical nutrients in water
The surface of a pristine, transparent freshwater lake may not reveal to ecologists the reality of what’s occurring in its depths. Evaluating the cumulative effects of climate change, pollutants, acidification, or invasive species requires more precise methods. But even the most dynamic and sensitive sensors commonly used today are not always able to tell researchers what they need to know.
Engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are teaming up with an unexpected ally – a metal-breathing bacterium called Shewanella oneidensis MR1 (S. oneidensis) – to try to dramatically improve biosensors for freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems.
Credit: Sean Kelley/NIST
A voltage is applied across the semiconductor. When a photon hits the detector, its absorbed energy kicks an electron off an atom in the semiconductor – the same photoelectric effect that generates electricity in solar panels.
That loose electron is accelerated by the applied voltage and causes a sort of chain reaction in which large numbers of adjacent atoms release an “avalanche” of electrons just as a small added stress can prompt an entire mountainside of snow to collapse. That avalanche current is the output signal. Finally, the device is reset by quenching the current with a counter-voltage and restoring the initial applied voltage. Because the avalanche involves such a large number of electrons, getting the entire system back to a quiet state where it is ready to detect another photon is challenging.
The baby was rushed to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. The driver of the car fled the scene but was later arrested. He has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Ciaran s parents have since issued a tribute to their two-week-old son, saying: Mommy s and Daddy s hearts will always ache, we love you more than anything. We didn t get to keep you for long but we are happy we had the chance to meet you, look after you and call you our son. Fly high angel.
Sergeant Mark Crozier, of the West Midlands Police s serious collision investigation unit, added: We ve all been left numb by the sad death of Ciaran. He was just two-weeks-old and his life has been tragically taken away.
A post mortem will take place in due course.
A male passenger, also in his mid-20s, was taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Garda Forensic Collision Investigators attended the scene.
Gardaí in Finglas are appealing for any witnesses or for anyone with information to come forward.
They are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, who were travelling on the R135, the Old North Road to make this footage available to Gardaí.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 6667500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.