Europe bans the use of backscatter body scanners

In its approval of full body scanners for use at airports last week, the European Union banned the use of scanners that relied on backscatter radiation due to safety concerns; these types of scanners are widely used in the United States and have been source of sharp criticism, yet the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has continued to insist that they are safe

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EU to allow full-body scanners at airports

In response to the continued threat of terrorism, the European Union (EU) recently passed legislation that would formally European airports to use full-body scanners; prior to Monday’s announcement, trial usage of full-scanners was limited to a period of thirty months; under the new rules, member states will have the option for unlimited deployment of the scanners, but will not be required to use them

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Hybrid detector monitors alpha, beta, and gamma radiation simultaneously

By combining three layers of detection into one new device, a team of researchers from Japan has proposed a new way to monitor radiation levels at power plant accident sites; the device could limit the exposure times of clean-up workers by taking three measurements simultaneously

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Researchers develop printable explosive detectors

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are developing a low-cost explosives detector that can be printed on an inkjet printer; the explosive detector uses a wireless sensor to detect trace amounts of ammonia, a key chemical used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the deadliest killer of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

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New detector can identify homemade explosives in under a minute

A new technique could help investigators identify the type of explosive used in an attack in less than sixty seconds; the new technology is designed to aid security personnel in detecting homemade explosives, which are more difficult to detect

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New technology for safe storage of radioactive waste

Researchers have developed new technology capable of removing radioactive material from contaminated water and aiding clean-up efforts following nuclear disasters

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Sector Report for Monday, 24 October 2011: Detection

This report contains the following stories.

Plus 1 additional story.