Part 7/9:
Dogs have long been superior to current technologies in sniffing out diseases because of their incredible olfactory capabilities. By translating this biological talent into electronic form, we could harness similar or even greater sensitivity. Such devices could also detect other threats like spoiled food, cable fires, or explosives, creating a wide array of safety applications.
Societal Impact and Future Directions
Scent data collected from individuals could transform medical diagnostics and public health monitoring, especially during pandemics or health crises. The concept is particularly timely given the ongoing battle against COVID-19, cancer, and mental health disorders—all conditions that animals like dogs can detect effectively.