Soon, scientists could be introducing a technique that detects fake medicines - a problem that is plaguing developing countries, especially Africa, where half of the malaria medication sold could be ineffective or even harmful.

Researchers from Lund and the UK are working on a prototype that will resemble a briefcase in which a pharmacist, customs officer or pharmaceuticals agent can place a packet of tablets, without having to open the packet. After a minute or so the device indicates whether or not the medicine is fake.

It is not only reliable but also simple and cheap, which is a prerequisite if it is to be successfully put into use in developing countries", said Andreas Jakobsson.

The idea is the same as that behind bomb and explosives detection. Researchers have long known that it should also be possible to use this technique to trace counterfeit drugs, but it has not been sufficiently well developed for this purpose.

"The signals that are emitted from a chemical substance are incredibly weak! But we have succeeded in developing mathematical algorithms which allow us to capture them," said Jakobsson.

Professor Jakobsson and his Swedish colleague Erik Gudmundson are responsible for the mathematical calculations, while their colleagues at King's College London are responsible for the chemical experiments and the development of the equipment. (ANI)