Now detecting the presence of toxins, including viruses, bacteria, biohazards and toxic chemicals, may be as easy as wiping a toxin-detecting napkin across a surface.

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a nanofiber-reinforced, biodegradable absorbent wipe containing antibodies to numerous biohazards and chemicals. The wipe would signal toxicity by changing color or through another effect when the antibodies attached to their targets. Users would simply wipe the napkin across a surface; if a biohazard were detected, the surface could be disinfected and retested with another napkin to be sure it was no longer contaminated.

"It's very inexpensive, it wouldn't require that someone be highly trained to use it, and it could be activated for whatever you want to find," said Margaret Frey, Assistant Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Design. "So if you're working in a meat-packing plant, for instance, you could swipe it across some hamburger and quickly and easily detect E. coli bacteria." (photo Cornell University)