scientists have discovered a way to observe the activity of microorganisms from the air. using drones equipped with hyperspectral cameras, they have for the first time recorded signals emitted by bacteria that have been specially "trained" to secrete specific molecules.
this was made possible thanks to transducers that convert cellular signals into the visible light spectrum for cameras. until now, bioengineers have only been able to work with fluorescent proteins and dyes that are visible at close range. however, scientists have now succeeded in cultivating bacteria that produce dyes with unique spectral "fingerprints".
the scientists dispersed these bacteria into the soil and flew drones equipped with hyperspectral cameras up to a height of 90 meters. the processing algorithm enabled them to clearly distinguish the signals from the microorganisms from the "noise" of the soil. according to calculations, the system can detect changes over an area of several thousand square meters.
however, the path to practical application is not easy. us regulations strictly limit the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, and many projects violate decades-old laws. meanwhile, a startup company called fieldstone bio has been established to bring this technology to the market and make "aerial microbial sensors" a reality.
