University of Edinburgh researchers have created a custom-made bacteria that glows green when it comes into contact with chemicals leaked by buried explosives. The bacteria can be mixed into a colourless solution that, when sprayed on to the ground, forms green patches to indicate the presence of landmines.

Researchers say that the organism, which is cheap to produce, could be delivered from the air onto areas thought to contain landmines, with results available within a few hours. The bacteria is not dangerous to people or animals.

Scientists and engineers were able to create their bespoke bacteria with an emerging technique known as BioBricking . The tool enables bacteria molecules to be assembled from a range of tiny BioBrick parts, like a very small-scale machine.

Researchers involved in the project say that although as yet they have no plans to make their product commercial, they believe it could form a cheap, accessible and easy-to-use alternative to existing landmine sensors.

Dr Alistair Elfick of the University’s School of Engineering, (who earlier this year developed a ground-breaking “fingerprinting” Raman Spectroscopy method for testing the quality of a sperm before it is used in IVF treatment and increase the chances of conception) co-supervised the project.

He said: “This anti-mine sensor is a great example of how innovation in science can be of benefit to wider society. It also demonstrates how new scientific techniques can allow molecules to be designed for a specific purpose.”