This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to produce an infrared photo-elastic stress analysis system utilizing cutting edge technology analogous to visible light photo-elasticity and applied for the first time to optically opaque, yet infrared transparent,… More

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain molds in/on foods and feeds. Aflatoxins have been associated with various diseases, such as aflatoxicosis, in livestock, domestic animals and humans throughout the world. The substance is so toxic that it is one of 19 contaminants-along with… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We believe that unique volatile signatures are associated with fungal outbreaks associated with production of aflatoxin. The long-term goal of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of our innovative nano-crystal line tin oxide sensor detecting these… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The project addresses an important problem that has a direct impact on human and animal health. Mold produced aflatoxins are carcinogenic and represent a direct threat to human health. The product is a nano- crystalline tin oxide sensor. This sensor employs… More

Aflatoxin was discovered in groundnut meal which killed over 10,000 turkeys in England. Poultry are extremely sensitive to aflatoxin B1 with turkeys being more sensitive than chickens. Later research discovered that poultry are the most susceptible food animal species to the toxic effects of… More

The long term goal of this project is to eliminate insect pests from the US food and feed supply with a sensor device, minimize exposure of humans and animals to residual chemicals or insecticides, and reduce financial losses due to grain damage. The lesser grain borer (LGB) is a devastating,… More

The Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus, FST), an exotic, cryptic pest, causes about $1 billion damage in the US annually (Lax and Osbrink). Unlike native species, this aggressive termite attacks living trees, potentially threatening southern forests and the urban/forest interface.… More

Grain production, storage, and processing are important industries. The LGB is a primary pest of cereal grains in the US and other parts of the world. It has been estimated that 5-10% of stored grain in developed countries and 35% of stored grain in developing countries is lost to insect damage.… More