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Berkeley Nucleonics radiation portal handles moving vehicles with ease
Unlike its competitors, the Flexible Illicit Nuclear Detection system can detect dirty bombs in moving traffic; system adaptable for mail parcel facilities, bulk cargo, and small water-borne vessels
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Nuctech to install liquid bomb detectors ahead of China Olympics
Not coincidentally, contract goes to company headed by the son of China’s president; terms are undisclosed, but 147 airports will receive scanners normally priced at $200,000 per unit; company already controls 90 percent of the domestic scanner market
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Frost and Sullivan offers report on WMD detection market
Business is booming, particularly in the federal sector; some end users, however, are shying away from the sometimes unreliable technology; research firm suggests industry needs better PR
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DHS names six ports to kick-start the Secure Freight Initiative
Port Qasim, Puerto Cortes, and Port Salalah among the first to install radiation detection equipment; DHS allocates $60 million to buy the equipment; Dubai Ports once again in the news, but nobody has yet to complain; only 7 percent of outgoing cargo to be inspected
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Russian poisoning deaths shed light on radioactive dangers
Many radioactive materials are easily bought from scientific supply companies; one retailer posts an on-line note defending polonium sales; americium from smoke detectors remains a slight risk
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Los Alamos looks to create self-disabling nuclear warheads
Under a secret three year program, scientists have been working on methods to automatically destroy a warhead if it is stolen or tampered with; though details are secret, method might involve an acid that destroys the mechanisms and contaminates the radiactive core
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Colorado researchers produce a better chemical warfare suit
Conventional butyl rubber is blended with polymerizable liquid crystal; water transfer rates and permeability substantially improved, allowing for lighter and safer suits; other applications include filters for brine and contaminated water
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Los Alamos perfects bee explosives detection teams
Based on research done by UK-based Inscentinel, government entymologists train bees with sugar water to detect bombs and IEDs; four bees are placed in a small box monitored by image recognition software; when explosives are detected, the bees extend their proboscises and trigger an alarm
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RedXDefense signs an event-security deal with DHS
Kiosks arranged around event perimeter use trace explosives technology to screen ticketholders; those who pass are issued a “Keepsake” that acts as both souvenir and security authorization
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AS&E wins $13 million NATO deal
Contract covers a range of explosives detection needs, including parcel, personnel, and cargo; no ZBVs in this deal, despite company’s oft-reported success
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Halma acquires Tritech for £8-12.5 million, Swift for 2£ million
U.K.-based sensor technology specialist acquires two Singapore-based companies — underwater sonar firm Tritech and its design and manufacturing partner Swift; acquisiton will help Halma strengthen its position in the homeland sceucity and petrchemical markets
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ACRO develops a pen-like TATP detector
As an increasing number of companies develop portable, self-contained laboratories, ARCO jumps ahead to fight a common terrorist explosive; technology uses enzyme-catalyzed oxidation to produce colored pigments; low cost per unit a huge attraction for pen devices
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Westinghouse files patent for nuclear detector that overcomes lead shielding
Non-intrusive meathod of cargo screening propels deutrons into tritium in order to generate a powerful beam of nuetrons that excite hidden radioactive material
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The long view
Sniff Test for Explosives Detection Extends Its Reach
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.
No 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.