• New airport security drive spurs scanner patent surge

    The averted Christmas bombing was only the latest evidence that there is a need for better, and more sophisticated, airport security technologies; a look at the dossiers of the U.S. Patent Office shows that many companies and individuals have applied for patents for a variety of security technologies

  • Implant Sciences offers a solution for would-be underwear bombers

    The failed attempt to bring down Northwest flight #253 on Christmas Day only highlights the opportunities explosive detection equipment manufacturers have to sell their gear to worried airport security authorities; Implant Science emphasizes the competitive advantages of its hand-held sniffer

  • 2010: Topics for homeland security discussion

    The only thing we can say for sure about 2010 is terrorists, criminals, and mother nature will surprise us at some point during 2010; still, based on what we do know, we offer a short list of topics we predict will dominate the homeland security discussion in the coming year – from whole-body scanners to 100 percent air cargo screening to social Web sites to communication interoperability to the consequences of climate change (or is there a climate change?)

  • Air travel security reviews under way after airliner attack

    The Obama administration has launched a review of two aspects of air travel security – the effectiveness of the no-fly watch list and explosive detection; critics take issue with DHS secretary Napolitano’s assertion that the air travel security system “worked”

  • U.K. forwarders “not surprised” by U.S. climbdown on 100 percent container scanning

    U.K. shippers say that rather than push back the deadline for 100 percent screening, as requested by DHS, the U.S. government ought to undertake a pragmatic review of the whole 100 percent screening initiative and create a revised program on a risk assessed, commercially practical, and technologically feasible basis

  • TSA moves to deploy new screening technology

    TSA says it is moving aggressively to deploy new advanced technology (AT) airport security systems jointly produced by Smiths Detection and Rapiscan; TSA is also kicking off the procurement process for next-generation explosive detection system machines.

  • Former OSU student turns professors’ research his business

    Two OSU professors developed a nanotechnology-based ink that changes color when it detects a certain type of explosive, and then neutralizes it; an OSU business student made the professors’ invention his business – literally – founding a company aiming to develop the commercial potential of the invention

  • Smiths Detection and Analogic to develop new EDS

    Companies will use their complementary expertise in multi-energy X-ray technology and three-dimensional Computed Tomography (CT) to develop a detection system to be manufactured by Smiths Detection.

  • LAX to receive $150 million for security upgrade

    TSA announced a $150 million funding for improving the baggage security system and speed up lines at LAX terminals; award is part of $670 million security funding for LAX and LA/Ontario International Airport

  • The solution for Jamaican ports’ security problems: Change the scanners; consolidate security duties

    Security in Jamaica’s ports has suffered as a result of antiquated scanning equipment and the fragmentation of security responsibilities; the director of customs want to make changes on both fronts

  • Scientific conference in India to focus on explosives and advanced propellants systems

    Explosive detection is a pressing issue for military leaders and law enforcement, a challenging issue for scientists and researchers, and a growing and attractive field for businesses and investors; leading Indian research organizations host a major conference on the subject

  • MBTA holds drill to prepare for a chemical or biological attack

    Scientists hold week-long drill inside the tunnels and stations of the Boston subway system to test the effectiveness of biological and chemical sensors, the test the speed of spread of chemical and biological toxins, and develop evacuation plans.

  • Romania receives radiation detectors

    The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration provided Romania with radiation detectors for Romanian border crossing; shipment is part of the agency’s Second Line of Defense Program provides foreign nations with radiation monitoring devices and equipment training

  • Power glitch, natural radon caused TMI alarm

    Naturally occurring radon and a power glitch caused radiation monitors to sound false alarms at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant; still, more than five hours passed before state officials were made aware of the incident; the incident severity, however, did not approach the level that would have required Exelon, under federal rules, to notify state emergency officials within fifteen minutes

  • Market for counter-IED technologies growing

    Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a significant threat in many conflict zones, most notably in Afghanistan and Iraq; the United States has spent billions of dollars on IED countermeasures, but still IEDs are a number one threat to U.S. military personnel in the theater; there is a large market for IED countermeasures and defense, with leading and developing countries worldwide investing steadily in those products