The oil and steroid detector
a knowledge exchange case study
We don't normally put oil exploration and steroid abuse detection in the same box, but Colin Snape and team at the University of Nottingham used the Follow-on Fund to develop a revolutionary technique that will be valuable in both areas.
They have taken a technique called hydropyrolysis, which breaks down samples for analysis in a very selective manner, and applied it to geochemical studies. In so doing they can solve some problems where conventional analysis fails, such as reconstructing the history of a particular petroleum basin to determine whether it is worth drilling for oil - an important aspect of petroleum exploration.
Coincidentally, the team has discovered that you can also use hydropyrolysis to detect the illicit use of steroids, such as in athletics, horse racing and food production. Work continues to explore the commercial possibilities for both uses.