News Tech A dim view of biologic and chemical agents By Peter Weiss February 27, 2006 at 4:08 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print A new type of sensor that uses tiny optical lenses may someday detect the first signs of disease or chemical contamination in blood or other liquids. SWELL SENSOR. Gel-based optical microlenses such as the one in this artist’s depiction (top) swell when they’re triggered by specific compounds.