Detection

Solution for tracing explosives in compact electronic items
What do laptops, medical devices, and cameras have in common? they are characterized by small size and sophisticated internal components; tracing explosives hidden in them is thus difficult; TraceGuard is developing a solution specifically aimed at sniffing explosives hidden in such devices
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The consequences of one nuclear bomb smuggled into a port in a container
A RAND study says that a 10-kiloton nuclear explosion at the Port of Long Beach could kill 60,000 people instantly, expose 150,000 more to hazardous radiation, and cause ten times more economic loss than the 9/11 terrorist attacks
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London arrests should prompt interest in fluoroscopic detection system
In tests conducted in spring 2004, TSA found that, compared with X-ray machine systems, screeners using the fluoroscopic system from Golan Group were more likely to detect IEDs — especially those “artfully concealed”; it is time to consider to act on the study’s conclusions
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Smiths Detection wins contract to supply Army robot with chemical detector
Army will fit iRobot PackBot with Smiths’ Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD); tests to continue in Alaska
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TVI announces selection as decontamination system provider for DoD
The contract under the Defense Guardian Installation Protection Program is worth $490,000; company will deploy proprietary fabric shelter structures
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TSA fights back against charge that X-rays can not stop shoe-bombers
At a press conference yesterday, officials defended themselves with X-ray images of shoes with and without bombs; the difference was easy to see, they said
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Liquid explosives a known problem for Chinese authorities
In two incidents, passengers doused airline cabins with gasoline; one died after the plane went up in flames, the other was subdued after demanding transit to Taiwan
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University researchers promote biometric screening, emphasize speed
Researchers at the University of Buffalo are working on (and desire further funding for) a chemical detection system that scans passengers’ hands for minute traces of explosives
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Sandia Labs readies its Rapidly Deployable Chemical Detection System
In a series of tests this summer, Sandia deployed its “detect to warn” system at McAfee Stadium in Oakland. A further test at the Nevada Test Site in August, where it will contend with an authentic chemical discharge, will determine when it will be delivered to DHS.
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Sceptor Industries reports excellent results from recent tests of its OMNI 3000 portable air sampler
The Kansas City, Missouri company reports that it achieved collection efficiences as high as 91.8% and managed to process 277 liters of air per minute
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Leaked DHS report says X-rays are ineffective at detecting explosives
According to a 2005 DHS study, images on X-ray machines do not provide enough information to allow the detection of explosives. Still, transportation officials press forward and insist on shoe removal, saying it allows screeners to see if footwear has been tampered with a la Richard Reid.
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QRSciences promotes MRI-like radio waves as answer to chemical detection problem
Sitting pretty after recent reports that X-rays are ineffective explosive detectors, the Australian company pushes forward with its patented Quadropole Resonance technology.
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EST says it has ability to detect TATP components
As worry about liquid bombs grows following the arrest last week of 21 suspected British terrorists, a company claims to have a long-proven record of detecting tri-cycloacetone peroxide and its component chemicals.
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AS&E says its technology can detect liquid explosives
Leading developer of backscatter X-ray detection systems says its technology could help in detecting liquid explosives
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TraceGuard, Rapiscan jointly to develop combined bulk/trace detection system
Two innovative developers of baggage screening technologies will jointly develop an improved system which will allow for more accuracy and shorter lines
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