Sniffing Out E. Coli

You may not see this gadget on the market next week, but in an important breakthrough, Michigan State University researcher Evangelyn Alocilja, an assistant professor in the biosystems engineering department, has developed a sensor capable of “sniffing out” gases emitted by harmful E. coli O157:H7 bacteria present in cow manure.

The device, which uses seven gas sensors, detects gases emitted by E. coli and translates those gases into wavy lines on a computer screen (the O157:H7 strain shows bumps on the wavy lines). Results from the scan are almost immediate, compared with the 10- to 14-day wait for laboratory varification. As a result, livestock producers can use the device and modify cattle diets to eliminate acidic conditions in the animals’ stomachs that promoted the bacteria’s growth.

Dr. Alocilja’s new sensor can also help fruit and vegetable growers, whose produce can become E. coil-laden due to contaminated irrigation water.