A sensor inspired by an African thumb piano could root out bogus medicines
The device can distinguish a common cough syrup ingredient from a poisonous look-alike
Identifying faulty drugs or diagnosing kidney problems could one day be as simple as playing an instrument and analyzing the sound.
An inexpensive, handheld tool inspired by an ancient African instrument called an mbira, or thumb piano, can distinguish between liquids of different densities, researchers report online September 12 in ACS Omega. That could help pharmacists and consumers identify counterfeit and contaminated drugs, which make up an estimated 10.5 percent of all medications in low- and middle-income countries.