A team of scientists have discovered how to measure greenhouse gases up to 200,000 faster than currently used as a result of research by a PHS student from the University of Western Australia and a US team.

The technology has already been deployed by NASA scientists, and has major implications for global warming research, breath analysis, explosives detection, chemical process monitoring and a range of other applications.

UWA physics graduate Gar-Wing Truong used highly-sensitive rapid laser scanning technology to help lead US scientists from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland to build new gas measurement equipment with unparalleled speed, accuracy, precision and spectral coverage.

Mr Truong said better, more reliable data on global warming held significant benefit to society, helping researchers better understand its causes and accurately evaluate the impact of policy decisions. 

"This research is of particular significance to Australia if it is to take the lead in global warming policy and research," Mr Truong said. "It is also highly relevant to WA, where the economy is strongly driven by oil, gas and mineral industries."