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New NIST trace explosives standard slated for homeland security duty
NIST, with support from DHS, has developed a new certified reference material — Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2905 (Trace Particulate Explosives)
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Ad hoc network for CBRN sensors for soldiers, first responders
Following an incident like an attack, explosion, or fire, soldiers and first responders would collect air-quality data, sample it, and transmit threat-level information to keep others out of harm’s way; analysis of the data at a center would give commanders actionable information useful in developing an effective response
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ThermoDyne helps organizations comply with HSPD-7
The need to comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-7) will open 9,000 federal buildings as market for Mail Defender; this, the company and recession-weary Elkhart, Indiana, hope, will create hundreds of new, long-lasting jobs
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TSA: Airport security lines moving faster
Better scanning technologies, clearer procedures at checkpoints have reduced wait times down to ten minutes
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Implant Sciences explosive detection tech attracts $1.2 million
Massachusetts-based Implant Science may have problems at home — the company received notice from the New York Stock Exchange of plans to delist the company’s stock from its Amex exchange owing to lack of compliance — but the company landed $1.2 million from a government agency in China for its explosive detection technology
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Reveal Imaging shows a new cabin baggage screening system
The company says it had identified a need for a superior screening technology to be put in place for cabin baggage
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GE offers airport detection system to the U.S. Army
The U.S. Army wants to use GE’s trace detection system; the device may be used for drug detection and explosive detection
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BPSI shows new mobile trailer CBRN detection unit
Mobile Sentry One is a trailer-mounted system that incorporates chemical and radiological (optional biological detection is available) sensor technology with proprietary firmware and software to detect and identify an airborne toxic attack within seconds
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A Delaware chemical ID startup earns a state grant
AlphaSense is working on developing a prototype, which will look like a shoebox; the user will put a swab of the material into the box and the device will sense emissions in the terahertz range to identify the chemical compound
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Millimeter-wave imaging comes to Cleveland, Houston airports
TSA expands its testing of millimeter wave and backscatter imaging systems, deploying them in Cleveland and Houston; TSA claims passengers’ privacy is guaranteed, but passengers can opt out of being screened and choose body pat instead
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Inkjet printer technology to be used in biosensors
Researchers describe a method for printing a toxin-detecting biosensor on paper using a FujiFilm Dimatix Materials Printer; the method relies on a “lateral flow” sensing approach similar to that used in a home pregnancy test strip
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New way to make sensors that detect toxic chemicals
Ohio State University researchers use extremely pure, very small metal-oxide nanoparticles to make materials for gas sensors that detect toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and biological warfare agents
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GAO finds major security flaws at federal buildings
Undercover investigators sneaked bombs and detonators past security guards and into federal buildings occupied by DHS, Justice, and State departments; the investigators were able to assembled the bombs, carried them in a briefcase and “walked freely around several floors”
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NYPD deploys mobile radiation detectors
DHS gives the NYPD three SUVs equipped with sophisticated radiation detectors; each monitor cost $450,000
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GAO unimpressed with new radiation detectors
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended further testing of next-generation radiation detectors; at more than $800,000 apiece, the new devices cost nearly 300 percent more than the machines in operation
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