A novel device for detecting asbestos fibres has been developed by Paul Kaye
and colleagues at the University of Hertfordshire. Kaye has discovered that
micrometre-sized particles of blue and white asbestos scatter light in different
ways. In the detector developed at the university the wiggly white asbestos
fibres produce spoke patterns, and the long, thin fibres of blue asbestos
produce lines. The detector works in seconds—far faster than existing
detection methods.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
News
Life
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
News
Humans
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
Features
91É«ÇéƬ
Your menstrual cycle may affect how well vaccines work
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
3
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
4
Remote-controlled cockroach swarm can now breathe underwater
5
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
6
Read an extract from Slow Gods by Claire North
7
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
8
Ancient human DNA found on cave art for the first time
9
Parenting may permanently improve brain health for mums and dads
10
What’s the secret to living well beyond the average life expectancy?
