Curry powder molecule 'is cheap sensor for explosives'

[Gerald]

The main chemical in the curry spice turmeric could be the basis for cheap explosives detectors, say researchers.

The curcumin molecule is already well-known in medicine for its anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties.

Now, research presented at the American Physical Society meeting suggests it could replace more complex solutions to spot explosives like TNT.

As it gathers molecules of explosive material in air, changes in its light-emitting properties can be measured.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12849781

Note: 25 March 2011 Last updated at 00:07 GMT