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Since their domestication, dogs have been useful in a variety of tasks, many of which take advantage of their powerful sense of smell. Hunting dogs track game, rescue dogs search for missing persons, and of course, drug-sniffing dogs detect the presence of illicit substances. But that’s not all our four-legged friends can do. Now biologists are getting dogs to help solve some scientific dilemmas.

In a study released today, for example, dogs were successful at sniffing out spotted knapweed — an invasive plant that threatens the survival of native species. Scientists are also training dogs to find endangered species, such as the dwindling lupine plants of Oregon or the rare skunk species of Alabama. They have even been trained to find killer whales off the coast of Seattle, Washington. Well, their droppings, at least.

Dogs have also been reported to sniff out skin cancer, identify prostate cancer from patient urine samples, and even diagnose breast and lung cancer from patients’ breath.

What will we use these amazing sniffers for next?

–Jef Akst, Associate Editor, The Scientist