Abstract: A method of synthesizing silver nanoparticles using mint can include providing a solution including silver nitrate, providing an extract of mint, mixing the silver nitrate solution and the extract solution to form an aqueous mixture, and resting the aqueous mixture for a period of time to form the silver nanoparticles. The mint can be mint grown and harvested in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a handheld food additive detector are described. In one aspect, the food additive detector includes a test strip treated with or comprising chemical(s) reactive to at least one target characteristic (e.g., additive(s), compound(s) created as a result of stale/old food, etc.). Responsive to a food sample being placed on the strip, a sensor operatively coupled to the handheld device measures one or more of the strip characteristics (e.g., color, contrast, etc.) resulting from placement of the sample on the strip. The device analyzes the sensor measurement value(s) to determine presence, quantity, concentration, percentage, relative amount, and/or so on, of the target food additive(s), or other characteristics of the food that pertain, for example, to freshness or staleness. Results of the analysis are presented to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a smoke monitor are described. In one aspect, a smoke monitor includes a detector to sense when a user lights a smoking device such as a cigarette, pipe, etc. In one implementation, for example, such detection is made by detecting the audible sound of a lighter, via a smoke detector, and/or so on. In one implementation, the smoke monitor includes a counter that counts the number of smoking devices lit by a user, for example, over a predetermined amount of time. Exceeding a threshold number of smoking devices (e.g., lighting one or more smoking devices) over that period of time may cause the smoke monitor to implement one or more configurable events such as audio alarms, vibrations, etc. In one implementation, and responsive to the smoke monitor detecting smoke, a particle generator coupled to the smoke monitor generates particles to freshen surrounding air.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a handheld food additive detector are described. In one aspect, the food additive detector includes a test strip treated with or comprising chemical(s) reactive to at least one target characteristic (e.g., additive(s), compound(s) created as a result of stale/old food, etc.). Responsive to a food sample being placed on the strip, a sensor operatively coupled to the handheld device measures one or more of the strip characteristics (e.g., color, contrast, etc.) resulting from placement of the sample on the strip. The device analyzes the sensor measurement value(s) to determine presence, quantity, concentration, percentage, relative amount, and/or so on, of the target food additive(s), or other characteristics of the food that pertain, for example, to freshness or staleness. Results of the analysis are presented to a user.