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University Of Bath

All articles tagged with #university of bath

paleontology1 year ago•3 min saved

"Moroccan Mine Yields Fossil of Nightmarish Sea Lizard with Dagger-Like Teeth"

Fossils of a new prehistoric marine lizard species, named Kinjaria acuta, have been discovered in Morocco. Estimated to be about 25 feet long, the creature had a skull roughly the size of a contemporary orca and is believed to have been an apex predator 66 million years ago. The species, a mosasaur, had a "demonic" appearance with teeth like knives and is thought to have inhabited the eastern Atlantic Ocean near Morocco. The discovery suggests a diverse marine fauna in the Late Cretaceous period, with other large predatory creatures potentially coexisting in the same region.

via CBS News|

#archaeologist #fossil #kinjaria-acuta

science-and-technology1 year ago•1 min saved

"Rapid Fingerprint Detection with Jellyfish Protein Spray"

Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a forensics spray using a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish to detect fingerprints in seconds. The dye spray, which is water soluble and has low toxicity, enables rapid visualization of fingerprints at crime scenes and can even be used on week-old prints. The spray, made of two different colored dyes, binds selectively with the molecules in fingerprints, emitting a fluorescent glow that can be seen under blue light. This biologically compatible spray, based on a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish, does not interfere with subsequent DNA analysis of the fingerprints and is less messy than traditional powders. The team is collaborating with scientists from Shanghai Normal University to further improve the technology and make the dyes available for sale.

via BBC.com|

#fingerprints #fluorescent-dye-spray #forensics

health-and-science2 years ago•5 min saved

Breakthrough Portable Device Detects Spice and Illegal Drugs Instantly

Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a pocket-sized device that can instantly detect the presence of the synthetic drug Spice, also known as 'fake weed'. The device, which detects Spice with 95% accuracy, works by detecting the fluorescent properties of the synthetic cannabinoid molecule. It lights up in the presence of the illegal substance if it's been soaked into paper or fabric, making it useful for detecting smuggling attempts in prisons. The device is expected to be distributed to police officers and prison guards in the near future, and with further engineering, it could potentially detect all types of synthetic drugs.

via Daily Mail|

#drug-detection #health-and-science #public-safety