Simulating a dog's sense of smell to

collaborate with canines: Building artificial noses to sense threatening odors 

Surely you're aware of a dogs powerful sense of smell, and you might know that our noses pale in comparison, but have you ever wondered how strong a dogs nose really is? More importantly, wouldn't you like to experience that sense of smell for yourself? What if this supreme sense of olfaction could be replicated and implemented into industries where sensing smell is a top priority? This simulation, or biomimicry, could improve our technologies and even increase our overall security. 

The K-9 is one of natures best chemical detectors. To put it in perspective, these loyal companions' noses that are about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. Even on the low end of this spectrum, this is the visual equivalent of seeing 3000 miles in any direction with clarity! [1]

Photo: When a dog breathes in, the air separates into distinct paths, one (red) flowing into the olfactory area and the other (blue) passing through the pharynx (black) to the lungs. Photo credit: © Courtesy of Brent Craven. 

Because of their powerful noses, specific breeds of dogs — such as German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, and Belgian Malinois — are exploited for a greater good; in industries like the search and rescue, the police force, and airport security, these dogs are especially proficient in detecting subtle odors associated with matter that would otherwise be undetectable. A police dog named Balu even helped locate $1 million dollars worth of cocaine right before his well deserved retirement from the force. [2]

Photo: K-9 Balu,  a valued member of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee

It's amazing what these animals can do, but what if humans could replicate this powerful sense of smell? What if this powerful olfaction could be integrated into an Police officer's or TSA agent's uniform? Simulating a dogs sense of smell would help to increase the probability of tracing undetectable odors and humans would actually be able to collaborate with dogs in practical, benefitial ways!

Scientists have had similar interests in the past; in 2016 researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology found themselves interested in the canines ability to sense vapors that would otherwise go unnoticed. The team produced a 3d-printed replica of a dogs nose complete with the "nasal vestibule, lower jaw and external nose." After simulating a test with the detailed maquette, the printed replica showed just how accurate a dogs nose really is, capable of picking up odors from 10 centimeters away while simultaneously taking in new oxygen.

Photo: A 3D printed female labrador retrievers nose actively "sniffing" in a controlled environment. 

“During the expiratory phase of sniffing, turbulent air jets vectored ventrally and laterally entrain odorant vapor from tens of centimeters ahead of the nose that would otherwise be inaccessible to the dog, During the inspiratory phase of sniffing each nostril draws in air from all directions, including odorant-laden air that was drawn toward the nose during expiration.” [3]

While the replica is functional, it is not designed to be integrated into uniform or other wearable technology, But 3D printing an anatomically correct replica of a dogs nose has helped to further the development of "sniffers"; handheld chemical detectors capable of sensing elusive odors. By essentially equipping these devices with "nostrils", the device is able to function like that of a dogs nose by simultaneously taking in new odors while "exhaling" the already consumed scent. 

Down the line, its possible that we can create technology that truly mimics the dogs powerful nose, but in the foreseeable future we will be able to mimic a dogs nose to detect odors associated with narcotics, explosives, and even pathogens. Someday we might even be able to detect cancer! [4] 

Notes:

1. Biggs, J. Researchers simulate a dog nose to help smell bombs, cancer, pizza https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/08/researchers-simulate-a-dog-nose-to-help-smell-bombs-cancer-pizza/ (accessed Mar 17, 2018).

2. Police dog assists in $1 million cocaine bust https://www.murfreesboropost.com/news/police-dog-assists-in-million-cocaine-bust/article_bf5d1dbc-1807-11e8-9e82-678817786bcf.html (accessed Mar 17, 2018).
3 Staymates, M. E.; Maccrehan, W. A.; Staymates, J. L.; Kunz, R. R.; Mendum, T.; Ong, T.-H.; Geurtsen, G.; Gillen, G. J.; Craven, B. A. Scientific Reports 2016, 6 (1).

4. Biggs, J. Researchers simulate a dog nose to help smell bombs, cancer, pizza https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/08/researchers-simulate-a-dog-nose-to-help-smell-bombs-cancer-pizza/ (accessed Mar 17, 2018).