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New Breathalyser May Prevent Thousands of Poisonings Each Year

Saul Zimet

created: June 13, 2025, 1:59 p.m. | updated: June 13, 2025, 5:19 p.m.

“Methanol poisoning is a problem that affects thousands of people every year, killing 20-40% of victims…Yet current methods for detecting the presence of methanol remain complex and expensive, and unsuitable for travellers. University of Adelaide researchers have developed a wireless methanol sensor – roughly a centimetre squared – capable of reliably detecting methanol at concentrations as low as 50 parts per billion (below the level of poisoning) in vapour from alcoholic drinks or on someone’s breath.”From The Guardian.

1 month ago: HumanProgress