LOS ANGELES (USA) - Could technology duplicate the innate ability sharks and stingrays possess to detect electrical fields generated by other creatures in the ocean?

A San Diego technology company and two other firms are trying to find out as part of a U.S. Navy research project that could lead to new ways for the military to detect enemy submarines or mines at sea.

 RD Instruments, which develops acoustic sensors for detecting the speed of currents for marine safety, began working on the project in April, said research specialist Jerry Mullison.

Sharks use their ability to detect electric fields created by other animals moving underwater both for navigation and targeting prey, Mullison said.

The firm is studying sharks to gauge the feasibility of duplicating that sensory skill.