A big step has been taken in dramatically increasing the ability to detect these attacks. Researchers from MIT have been utilizing DNA from Jelly fish to help in the detection of these deadly substances.They have created a device which takes air samples which come in contact with specially designed cell antibodies. These antibodies are specific to a known pathogen so that upon contact releases a specific energy of photon. The wavelengths of all the emitted photons can be measured, telling us if any of these dangerous substances are present in the air.
This process is said to be able to detect a pathogen from the air within 2 - 3 minutes, 10 times faster than previous methods.
The key to this device is the special cells that make the detection. Researchers used mouse cells to host the DNA of Jellyfish which is then injected. These can be engineered to glow to detect the necessary substances in the air.
These Jellyfish DNA infused devices are thought to be well suited to be placed on trains, government buildings and other places that are thought of as possible terrorist targets.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0905-jellyfish_fight_terrorists.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioterrorism
Further Info: http://www.ornl.gov/info/ornlreview/meas_tech/threat.htm
Image: http://www.scienceprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/biosecurity.jpg
