The Sniffer

The sniffer was born as a tool to aid police investigations. Its operating principle was simple: it detected tiny particles left behind by people and objects and could reconstruct past events.

It consisted of a set of sensors capable of detecting infinitesimal amounts of any substance, connected to powerful software that analyzed and interpreted the captured data.

The key was in the algorithms created by young genius Brandon Nelson. By entering DNA samples and other information about the crime scene into the system, the software could determine who was present, what actions they carried out, and in what order the events occurred.

The sniffer obtained samples from the environment, detected drugs, explosives, bodily fluids and microscopic fibers that went unnoticed to the human eye. From a single drop of sweat it could reconstruct a face and identify a suspect.

The first prototype had cables all over the perimeter of the area to analyze. But later versions were portable, the size of a vacuum cleaner. The suction system captured particles which were analyzed in real time.

It was used at first without revealing details to the public. The technology was so advanced that criminals would try to alter results if they knew about it.

Thanks to the sniffer many complicated crimes were solved. Its Bayesian analysis and data crossing avoided tampering and false accusations. The reliability was so high that results were solid evidence in court.

Of course, there was resistance to change. More traditional police criticized relying on a "toy." But over time the sniffer gained prestige by closing previously unsolvable cases.

It revolutionized forensic science. A powerful tool that functioned thanks to Artificial Intelligence through a neural network. In the right hands it brought justice, but in the wrong hands it could plant evidence and incriminate innocents. A double-edged sword that challenged ideas about privacy and security in the information age.

Francisco Angulo
Madrid, 1976

Enthusiast of fantasy cinema and literature and a lifelong fan of Isaac Asimov and Stephen King, Angulo starts his literary career by submitting short stories to different contests. At 17 he finishes his first book - a collection of poems - and tries to publish it. Far from feeling intimidated by the discouraging responses from publishers, he decides to push ahead and tries even harder.

In 2006 he published his first novel "The Relic", a science fiction tale that was received with very positive reviews. In 2008 he presented "Ecofa" an essay on biofuels, whereAngulorecounts his experiences in the research project he works on. In 2009 he published "Kira and the Ice Storm".A difficultbut very productive year, in2010 he completed "Eco-fuel-FA", a science book in English. He also worked on several literary projects: "The Best of 2009-2010", "The Legend of Tarazashi 2009-2010", "The Sniffer 2010", "Destination Havana 2010-2011" and "Company No.12".

He currently works as director of research at the Ecofa project. Angulo is the developer of the first 2nd generation biofuel obtained from organic waste fed bacteria. He specialises in environmental issues and science-fiction novels.

His expertise in the scientific field is reflected in the innovations and technological advances he talks about in his books, almost prophesying what lies ahead, as Jules Verne didin his time.

Francisco Angulo
Madrid-1976

Gran aficionado al cine y a la literatura fantástica, seguidor de Asimov y de Stephen King, Comienza su andadura literaria presentando relatos cortos a diferentes certámenes. A los 17 años termina su primer libro, un poemario que intenta publicar sin éxito. Lejos de amedrentarse ante las respuestas desalentadoras de las editoriales, decide seguir adelante, trabajando con más ahínco.