• AIRPORT SECURITYReimagining Imaging at the Airport

    The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are collaborating on Advanced Imaging Technology to improve the passenger screening experience.

  • AIFTC Rightfully Acts Against So-Called “AI Weapon Detection” Company Evolv

    By Matthew Guariglia and Cooper Quintin

    The Federal Trade Commission has entered a settlement with self-styled “weapon detection” company Evolv, to resolve the FTC’s claim that the company “knowingly” and repeatedly” engaged in “unlawful” acts of misleading claims about their technology.

  • CHEMICAL SECURITYPreparing our Ports for the Future of Alternative Maritime Fuels

    Fuels like ammonia will greatly reduce carbon emissions—better for the environment, but are they safe for our infrastructure? The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently conducted a market research survey to assess hazards associated with alternative fuel production, storage, and transport at U.S. ports. High-risk ports could be the sites for future ammonia release tests that will inform preparedness and response.

  • FENTANYLHigh-Tech Methods to Stem the Flow of Fentanyl

    By Tom Rickey

    Keeping up with illicit labs churning out new forms of fentanyl, nitazenes is the goal.

  • NUCLEAR WASTEThe History of WIPP

    By Kim Vallez Quintana

    In 1975, the nation asked Sandia to investigate the possibility of building a repository in New Mexico for the disposal of radioactive transuranic defense waste. Little did those assigned to the project know that the task would absorb most of their careers and become one of the most controversial and important projects in U.S. history.

  • NUCLEAR PLANTSWar Risks from Nuclear Power Plants? Just Look at Zaporizhzhia

    By Henry Campbell

    As evidenced in an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report released in September, Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine continues to create high risk of a nuclear disaster. In considering future conflicts, no one can safely assume that an enemy will avoid targeting nuclear power stations.

  • NUCLEAR PLANTSSafer and More Precise Nuclear Plant Dismantlement

    As the need for technologies to cut and dismantle reactors and internal structures increases due to the end of the operational lifespan of nuclear power plants, an innovative laser cutting technology for nuclear dismantlement has been developed.

  • NUCLEAR DETECTIONSoftware Application Keeps Public Safer from Potential Airborne Radiological Releases

    Developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, QUIC-DEPDOSE accurately measures the spread of radiological particles from the kilometer to micron level.

  • NUCLEAR DETECTIONSimultaneous Detection of Uranium Isotopes, Fluorine Advances Nuclear Nonproliferation Monitoring

    Fluorine is essential for converting uranium into a form suitable for enrichment, so spotting both elements together may help inspectors determine the intended use of a nuclear material.

  • FOOD SECURITYBiosecurity for Food Security

    By Saba Sinai and Andrew Henderson

    Biosecurity is a fundamental enabler for a country’s’ food security, a critical but often overlooked element of national security, and it is time for it to be treated accordingly.

  • IRAN’S NUKESWe Need a New Discussion About Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Work

    By David Albright and Sarah Burkhard

    U.S. intelligence is shielding the Biden-Harris administration from having to take serious action on Iran’s nuclear program. While hinting at nuclear weapon activities taking place, the U.S. intelligence community is focusing on public Iranian statements and old news on Iran’s capabilities to produce weapon-grade uranium — but it avoids any type of public discussion on what nuclear weaponization activities Iran may be undertaking, and how soon it can build a nuclear weapon. Likely, because some uncomfortable truths would come out: Iran can do it way too quickly, and initial activities to build the bomb could be difficult to detect.

  • NUCLEAR SAFETYNo Power, No Operator, No Problem: Simulating Nuclear Reactors to Explore Next-Generation Nuclear Safety Systems

    To create safe and efficient nuclear reactors, designers and regulators need reliable data consistent with real-world observation. Data generated at the facility validates computational models and guides the design of nuclear reactors.

  • EARTHUAKE DETECTIONMeet the Company Using AI to Detect Earthquakes Faster

    By Zachy Hennessey

    With earthquakes recently in California and Russia, and a megaquake alert for Japan, SeismicAI’s platform can shave vital seconds off the time it takes to send alerts out.

  • EXPLOSIVES DETECTIONSniff Test for Explosives Detection Extends Its Reach

    By Tom Rickey

    Scientists have developed a way to detect tiny amounts of hard-to-detect explosives more than eight feet away, reducing the need to swipe clothing, luggage or other materials. The nNew method detects dangerous materials with lower vapor pressure.

  • CHEMICAL WEAPONSRussia Spreads Disinformation to Cover Up Its Use of Chemical Weapons in Ukraine

    The United States determined Russia used the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops and riot control agents (RCA) as a method of warfare in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).