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D.C. tests interoperable public safety system
Interoperability between radio and mobile Internet sought, and new technology — called Radio Over Wireless Broadband, or ROW-B — has the potential to save first responders time in an emergency
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China quake forces rethink over hazard maps
Following the Sichuan earthquake, in which more than 65,000 people died, researchers say that similar regions may also be in danger and that seismic hazard maps should be redrawn
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Modified helicopters help in search and rescue missions
Researchers in Hong Kong develop a helicopter installed with a video camera and linked to the Global Positioning System (GPS), and which flies on its own on a preset course; helicopter used to survey the Sichuan earthquake area; researchers in U.K. work on a similar concept — but one which envisions using a swarm of self-coordinating helicopters
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U.K. SMEs unprepared for business risk
YouGov survey shows small and medium-sized firms lack business continuity plans; only one third of SMEs are taking steps to ensure their business will continue to operate normally in the event of disruption
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IBM invests $300 million to expand disaster recovery offerings
Big Blue invests $300 million in opening 13 new Business Resilience Centers around the world; helping companies cope with and recover from disasters is lucrative new market
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Medical identity thefts on the rise
The move from paper to digital patient records opens new opportunities for identity thieves
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New analysis of earthquake zone raises questions
Oregon State University researchers offer a new analysis of an earthquake fault line that extends some 200 miles off the southern and central Oregon coast that they say is more active than the San Andreas Fault in California
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Canadian PM: Food inspection system needs revamping
Listeriosis outbreak in Canada claims 29 lives and dozens rushed to hospitals; Toronto area meat processors recalls $2 million worth of contaminated meat; PM says food inspection should be tightened
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New detection method for food toxins found
Japanese researchers develop new technique to detect toxins in food; the method involves artificially produced human enzymes that act as sensors for toxins in food samples
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Aussie student has answer to save Earth from asteroid attack
The bomb dropped on Hiroshima had an explosive yield of 12.5 kiloton; asteroid Apophis, which is now hurtling toward Earth and which will come uncomfortably close to our planet in 2029, packs a punch of 1,375,000 kilotons; competitions are being held to find the best way to stop it in its tracks
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Making precast concrete structures safer
Precast concrete helps builders save time and money, and also increase buildings’ durability; new research aims to make them better able to withstand earthquakes
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Earthquakes endanger New York more than previously believed
A study by a group of prominent seismologists suggests that a pattern of subtle but active faults makes the risk of earthquakes to the New York City area substantially greater than formerly believed; among other things, they say that the controversial Indian Point nuclear power plants, 24 miles north of the city, sit astride the previously unidentified intersection of two active seismic zones
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NIST 9/11 investigation finds building fires caused collapse
After three years study, NIST experts say fire caused the collapse of the 47-story World Trade Center building 7; this is the first known instance of fire causing the total collapse of a tall building
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Unmanned helicopter to aid in search and rescue
The UAVs will search for people in isolated regions, monitor large-area disasters such as floods or forest fires, sample gas emissions over industrial disaster sites, and act as a communication platform when the regular infrastructure is down
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Indian SMBs will spend $289 million on security related investments this year
Business in India are becoming more aware of security threats and the need for continuity planning; the top three key trends among India SMBs are UTM (Unified Threat Management), BCS (Business Continuity Solutions), and MSS (Managed Security Services)
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The long view
Trump Aims to Shut Down State Climate Policies
President Donald Trump has launched an all-out legal attack on states’ authority to set climate change policy. Climate-focused state leaders say his administration has no legal basis to unravel their efforts.