As technology evolves, sometimes going back to something seemingly basic opens the door to a new realm of possibilities. Researchers at Purdue University have taken this method to create something new out of an ancient process.
For thousands of years, humans have been using yeast to bake delicious breads and, for those who enjoy a good pint, brew beer. Recent years have seen microbreweries popping up in cities and small towns across America. While these are places to go and try new beers, the Purdue scientists are creating their own “microbreweries” that they hope will pop up in hospital labs throughout the world.
The team’s research is based on the basic benefits of yeast, “a microscopic fungus consisting of single oval cells that reproduce by budding, and are capable of converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.” Instead of enhancing beverages and baked goods, they are using yeast as a method to track workers’ daily exposure to radiation.
The team created the tiny yeast breweries within a disposable badge made out of freezer paper, aluminum and tape. After adding a drop of water, the yeast is activated and instantly shows radiation exposure through the use of an electronic readout device.
The more radiation, the more yeast cells that die. Additionally, ions are formed from carbon dioxide bubbling at the surface, which increases the electrical conductivity of yeast.
“We use the change in electrical properties of the yeast to tell us how much radiation damage it incurred. A slow decrease in electrical conductivity over time indicates more damage,” said Rahim Rahimi, Purdue postdoctoral researcher in electrical and computer engineering.
This quick assessment is incomparable to current methods.
“Currently, radiology workers are required to wear badges, called dosimeters, on various parts of their bodies for monitoring their radiation exposure,” said Babak Ziaie, Purdue professor of electrical and computer engineering. “They wear the badges for a month or two, and then they send them to the company that made them. But it takes weeks for the company to read the data and send a report back to the hospital. Ours give an instant reading at much lower cost.”
Besides the inexpensive materials needed to create the badges, they could potentially be adapted for nuclear power plant employees or others affected by a nuclear event. The team also believes that the readout device could eventually be accessible through a smartphone or tablet.
Interested in more ways nature is influencing innovations? Check out Using the Sun and Biology, a Solar Car Becomes More Efficient and Researchers Harness Nature to Create New “Plastic” for Food Packaging.