University of Sheffield

Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK have received joint funding from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council in Swindon, UK, and from the Ministry of Defence in London to conduct research on a sensor for detecting bacteria. The system will incorporate a polymer that emits a signal through fluorescence nonradiative energy transfer upon contact with microorganisms. The scientists hope that it will prove useful for detection of early-stage bacterial infection in hospitals and on the battlefield.