Detection

Smiths Detection wins contract to supply Army robot with chemical detector
Army will fit iRobot PackBot with Smiths’ Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD); tests to continue in Alaska
- Read more
TVI announces selection as decontamination system provider for DoD
The contract under the Defense Guardian Installation Protection Program is worth $490,000; company will deploy proprietary fabric shelter structures
- Read more

TSA fights back against charge that X-rays can not stop shoe-bombers
At a press conference yesterday, officials defended themselves with X-ray images of shoes with and without bombs; the difference was easy to see, they said
- Read more
Liquid explosives a known problem for Chinese authorities
In two incidents, passengers doused airline cabins with gasoline; one died after the plane went up in flames, the other was subdued after demanding transit to Taiwan
- Read more

University researchers promote biometric screening, emphasize speed
Researchers at the University of Buffalo are working on (and desire further funding for) a chemical detection system that scans passengers’ hands for minute traces of explosives
- Read more
Sandia Labs readies its Rapidly Deployable Chemical Detection System
In a series of tests this summer, Sandia deployed its “detect to warn” system at McAfee Stadium in Oakland. A further test at the Nevada Test Site in August, where it will contend with an authentic chemical discharge, will determine when it will be delivered to DHS.
- Read more

Sceptor Industries reports excellent results from recent tests of its OMNI 3000 portable air sampler
The Kansas City, Missouri company reports that it achieved collection efficiences as high as 91.8% and managed to process 277 liters of air per minute
- Read more
Leaked DHS report says X-rays are ineffective at detecting explosives
According to a 2005 DHS study, images on X-ray machines do not provide enough information to allow the detection of explosives. Still, transportation officials press forward and insist on shoe removal, saying it allows screeners to see if footwear has been tampered with a la Richard Reid.
- Read more

QRSciences promotes MRI-like radio waves as answer to chemical detection problem
Sitting pretty after recent reports that X-rays are ineffective explosive detectors, the Australian company pushes forward with its patented Quadropole Resonance technology.
- Read more
EST says it has ability to detect TATP components
As worry about liquid bombs grows following the arrest last week of 21 suspected British terrorists, a company claims to have a long-proven record of detecting tri-cycloacetone peroxide and its component chemicals.
- Read more

AS&E says its technology can detect liquid explosives
Leading developer of backscatter X-ray detection systems says its technology could help in detecting liquid explosives
- Read more
TraceGuard, Rapiscan jointly to develop combined bulk/trace detection system
Two innovative developers of baggage screening technologies will jointly develop an improved system which will allow for more accuracy and shorter lines
- Read more

U.K. terror plot exposes vulnerability of current detection systems
Governments have invested billions of dollars in explosive detection devices (EDs) and radiation detectors; the unfolding terrorist drama in London show that the current detection system has gaping holes which clever terrorists might exploit
- Read more
Nanowire “barcode” system to facilitate detection of bioterrorism agents in the field
Nanotechnolgy has already made many contributions to homeland security, and here is an intriguing one: Researchers in several California research centers join to demonstrate how nanowire barcodes can help in detecting bioterror agents – and epidemic carriers
- Read more
Parsons, SRS help DNDO’s ASP project
Though legislators question the effectiveness of DNDO, companies still line up to offer services to the organization; Parsons and SRS to work on detection systems under $1.157 billion contract
- Read more

More headlines