Researchers have created two tiny instruments capable of detecting a range of contaminants, from molecules to whole bacteria, in food and water. The device can be made to search for specific things. For example, if the organism to be detected was E. coli, the cantilever could be coated in antibodies specific to E. coli cells. Many different molecules or organisms can also be recognized simultaneously. The applications for this new technology are abundant. The sensors can detect DNA and hence may be used to test for human genetic diseases. They are also extremely sensitive and can measure deflections of just one nanometre and so can detect the presence of very small molecules. Conversely, whole bacteria and even parts of bacteria can be identified, making the sensors ideal for testing the quality of water and food samples.Nanotechnology based lid device can bebe included in food packaging without assistance from external source for energy and is cheap to make. When a food is infected, the control unit in the plastic wrapping becomes coloured. Thus a simple colour indicator can show the quality of the food.