We already know that cell phones are crawling with potentially lethal bacteria, but now you can use that exact same tool to fight back. A patent has been filed by Gentec for a “method and apparatus for wide-area surveillance of a terrorist or personal threat”, going a little further than just mere germs.

Instead, this detection solution is meant to protect us from potential terrorist attacks (primarily biochemical), as well as common everyday allergic reactions. Users are warned if a particular substance is in the area. The supplied picture is that of the company’s UV sensor, though I suspect the toxin-sniffer wouldn’t look any sexier.