SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Sherlock Holmes used a magnifying glass to trace a fingerprint to its source. Andrew Barron favors miniscule rust particles, millions of gallons of water and a magnet.

Researchers in the Rice University chemistry professor’s laboratory have developed nanoparticles that will flow with the fluid used to hydraulically fracture oil and gas wells, slip through rocks and travel wherever the water ends up — in a holding pond at the surface, a tanker on the highway or, in a worst-case scenario, a nearby drinking water well.

Recommended Stories

What we know about who’s behind the fake polling operation Wedgewood Polls

DOJ urged to investigate Slotkin over threats to young professionals seeking work in Trump administration

Sixth Circuit weighs right for public to see Michigan court recordings after judge accused of verbally abusing defendant