Scientists revealed on Sunday that they are working new device that uses sensors to detect sweat and breath to find buried earthquake victims buried under debris.

"This is the first scientific study on sensing systems that could detect trapped people. The development of a portable detection device based on metabolites of breath, sweat and skin could hold several advantages over current techniques," said study co-author Professor Paul Thomas from Loughsborough University.

The portable "sniffer" device can locate signs of life under rubble. The sensors in the device detect carbon dioxide, ammonia and organic compounds which are released from human beings during breathing, sweating and urinating. The device is cheaper than using trained dogs who can also detect these compounds but need rest periods during search operations.

"A device could be used in the field without laboratory support. It could monitor signs of life for prolonged periods and be deployed in large numbers, as opposed to a handful of dogs working, at risk to themselves and their handlers, for 20 minutes before needing extensive rest," said Professor Thomas.

Volunteers participated in the study by spending six hours at a time in a simulated collapsed building. The "victims" lay in a coffin-like space while the sensors probed for any released compounds to find them.

The findings are first published in the Journal of Breath Research, published by the Institute of Physics.

"As the first study of its kind, this preliminary work can be built upon to help prepare for future disasters such as those tragedies we've seen recently in Japan and New Zealand," said a spokesperson for the institute.