National Superhero Day, celebrated April 28th, honors heroes—real and fictional—who inspire others by making the world a better place. From comic book legends to everyday champions, the day recognizes those making a difference.
I don’t need luck. I have science! ~ The Hulk
Texas ChE Yang Gao, a post-doctoral scholar in the Keitz Group, uses extracellular electron transferring (EET) to enhance biochemistry study and improve human health. Their lab regularly employs Bunsen burners with a single open gas flame for heating, sterilization and combustion.
In Keitz’ lab, burners create and maintain a sterile field. The burner heat generates an updraft, directing airflow upward and preventing contaminants, such as dust or airborne particles, from settling into open cultures close to the flame. This ensures a controlled environment, reducing the risk of contamination.
The Bunsen burner, invented in 1852 by chemist Robert Bunsen and his lab assistant Peter Desaga at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, improved the simplicity of existing laboratory burner lamps, addressed flame temperature and adaptation to coal-gas fuel. The Bunsen has remained relatively unchanged, though its use poses modern hazards.
In 2018, The University of Delaware reported three fires from the use of burners in the lab when the hose cracked and escaping gas caught fire, and when a flame caught vaporized alcohol. While they caused minimal damage, the threat was real.
With great power comes great responsibility ~ Spider-Man
Recognizing the need for live-flame monitoring, Gao designed a sensor specifically adapted for their lab using mechanical engineering principles. Gao’s innovative sensor system–which was modified through a series of 3D-printed prototypes–enhances lab safety by allowing researchers to electronically monitor burner activity, especially handy when outside of the lab. No more at-home panic that the burner is still burning.
Gao's first prototype featured a gas and motion sensor, housed in a 3D-printed body. However, the initial gas sensor could only detect methane when it was brought very close to the device. “Due to strong air circulation in our lab, the sensor struggled to capture methane emissions from the burner,” Gao confided. The portion connected to the burner initially applied an ultraviolet sensor, but due to its weak detective ability, he switched to a valve sensor. Through trial and error, the current product of Gao’s sensor involves a valve sensor, timer and a notification system.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
By detecting methane leaks or incomplete combustion, Gao’s sensor could help prevent fire hazards, provide visual and audio alarms and reduce the risk of explosions on a larger scale. Real-time monitoring ensures any abnormal emissions are immediately detected, allowing for quick corrective action. And, by regulating gas usage and ensuring burners are turned off when not in use his sensor could improve energy efficiency by minimizing waste and lowering overall lab costs. Furthermore, the sensor contributes to better air quality by preventing unnecessary gas accumulation, creating a safer and healthier working environment for researchers and students.
On National Superhero Day, Gao’s continued mission to improve his lab’s efficiency emphasizes that of the most impactful superheroes, some are not in capes but in lab coats working quietly behind the scenes.
