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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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More headlines
The long view
Evaluating U.S. Readiness to Prevent, Counter, and Respond to WMD
Two new reports review the adequacy of U.S. strategies to prevent, counter, and respond to the threat of nuclear and chemical terrorism and highlight the strengths and limitations of U.S. efforts to prevent and counter threats from weapons of mass destruction (WMD), particularly in a changing terrorism threat landscape.