Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have demonstrated a biological approach to PFAS detection that uses the neural circuitry of locusts to identify and distinguish multiple forever chemicals. The study recorded neural activity from the insects’ olfactory systems after exposure to several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The researchers found that different PFAS generated distinct patterns of activity in the locust brain. These neural signatures allowed the team to classify seven PFAS compounds with 87% accuracy and distinguish different concentration ranges with 84% accuracy. Environmental-level PFOS was classified with 100% accuracy in the study’s tests. The result points to a potential new form of PFAS detection that could eventually complement conventional laboratory techniques. The Michigan State team is now investigating whether the approach can work with environmental samples and could ultimately be developed into a compact sensor for field monitoring. Why PFAS detection remains difficult PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in applications including non-stick products, waterproof materials and firefighting foams. Their strong chemical bonds make many PFAS …