Detection

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
- Read more
ITS Plus shows dirty bombs, suitcase nukes solution
- Read more

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
- Read more
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
- Read more

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
- Read more
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
- Read more

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
- Read more
Business and technology briefs
- Read more

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
- Read more
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
- Read more

JMAR warned by NASDAQ it may be delisted
Maker of popular BioSentry and other laser-based and X-ray detection systems receives note from NASDAQ that it is not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement and may be delisted
- Read more
NRC established on-line nuclear material reporting system
From the construction to the pharmaceutical industries, many companies rely on sealed and bonded radioactive materials; the National Source Tracking System now requires next-day notification of purchases; data will be used to identify and track suspicious transactions
- Read more

AS&E reports Q2 financial results
Massachusetts-based radiation-detection specialist shows mixed financial results for Q2 2007; earning per share suffered as a result of the adoption in April of SFAS 123R, and the resulting pre-tax charge; the company boasts of the highest order backlog in company’s history — a respectable $117 million
- Read more
Smiths Detection moves forward with Tunnel of Truth
Scheduled for deployment at the 2012 London Olympics, the system incorporates a slew of automated measures to detect explosives and weapons; scheme resembles GE’s Checkpoint of the Future, including the use of the much-maligned puffer machines
- Read more
DHS announces winners of $113 million in portable radiation detection grants
Succesful companies include SAIC, Ametec AMT, Sanmina-SCI, Target Instruments, and Smiths Detection; DHS to purchase 1,000 handheld and 200 backpack systems
- Read more

More headlines