Breathalyser may catch bombers

United States scientists have developed a breathalyser based on drink-drive devices that can catch would-be bombers.

The minute chemical traces were exhaled by anyone who handled explosive material.

The new portable device can detect traces of explosive including TNT, dynamite and C-4 in the breath. Inventor Michael Phillips, from Menssana Research in New Jersey, told New Scientist it was originally intended for medical diagnosis and used to detect lung cancer.