Acid Spewing ATMs May Become Next Anti-Theft Measure
- 10 years ago
Scientists inspired by the personal defense mechanisms of bombardier beetles have developed an anti-theft system that could easily be used in ATMs.
Scientists inspired by the personal defense mechanisms of bombardier beetles have developed an anti-theft system that could easily be used in ATMs.
The beetles have the ability to spew a noxious gas and keep predators at bay.
At all times, the insect is armed with two chemical-filled chambers – one hydrogen peroxide and one hydroquinone.
When danger approaches, the substances combine and create a gas that the beetle can unleash on its enemy.
It’s pretty powerful and can even cause harm to humans.
Swiss scientists have made their own version of the beetle’s natural defense setup.
They’ve developed a dual-chamber device that houses similar chemicals separated by a wall that breaks apart on impact.
Rather than spraying a gas, it expels hot foam.
As dyes and DNA nanoparticles could easily be included in the recipe, they believe it to be an ideal solution for ATM security.
The substance could mark both the money and the thieves, making them easily detectible later.
Further, it doesn’t require electricity or sophisticated circuitry to be activated.
In situations where those aspects of the money-dispensing machine have been compromised, the foam sprayer will continue to work.
Scientists inspired by the personal defense mechanisms of bombardier beetles have developed an anti-theft system that could easily be used in ATMs.
The beetles have the ability to spew a noxious gas and keep predators at bay.
At all times, the insect is armed with two chemical-filled chambers – one hydrogen peroxide and one hydroquinone.
When danger approaches, the substances combine and create a gas that the beetle can unleash on its enemy.
It’s pretty powerful and can even cause harm to humans.
Swiss scientists have made their own version of the beetle’s natural defense setup.
They’ve developed a dual-chamber device that houses similar chemicals separated by a wall that breaks apart on impact.
Rather than spraying a gas, it expels hot foam.
As dyes and DNA nanoparticles could easily be included in the recipe, they believe it to be an ideal solution for ATM security.
The substance could mark both the money and the thieves, making them easily detectible later.
Further, it doesn’t require electricity or sophisticated circuitry to be activated.
In situations where those aspects of the money-dispensing machine have been compromised, the foam sprayer will continue to work.