Very Private Detectives
Devices that can ID a prospective terrorist by smell? That and other security technology is on its way to make our lives safer
Starting with the first stone tools used thousands of years ago, technology has always had its pros and cons. Stones could grind corn -- or split skulls. Such is the case with many of the sensors now being developed to protect civilized people from modern barbarians: terrorists.
An artificial nose as keen as a dog's, for example, might spot the smell of disease before more-conventional tests could detect it. But turned into a marketing product, it might recognize the unique scent of your body. Then, when you walk into a store, a computer would quickly search your credit-card records and greet you with an electronic message listing things you might want to buy.
People will soon be surrounded by myriad sensors. Some may be disguised as little specks on carpets or nail heads in doorways. You'll never notice most of them. But they'll sure notice you.