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Direct brain control of umanoid robot demonstrated
In a move with implications for first responders and military alike, researchers show that robots may be controlled by their “master’s” human brain waves
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Sandia develops an imporved sensor network
The future — well, a part of it at least — belongs to sensor networks; rsearchers at Sandia Natioal Lab have developed the unattended ground sensor (UGS), and system whcih combines off-the-shelf components with in-house developed elements to create a better andre useful network; investors and manufacturers may want to make the lab an offer for the technology
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Textron completes acquisition of Overwatch Systems
A subsidiary of a mutli-industry heavy-weight Textron acquires a New Jersey company specializing in gathering and presenting actionable intelligence; acqusition will strengthen Textron’s already-strong line of offerings
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Industry questions U.S. RFID technology choice for new passport
Smart Card Alliance urges U.S. to reconsider selection of “vicinity” over “proximity” RFID technology for proposed passport card
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Researchers show that hydrogen can form multicenter bonds
Hydrogen is the simplest of elements, typically forming a single bond to just one other atom; it is thus big news that hydrogen can form multicenter bonds, in which one hydrogen atom simultaneously bonds to as many as four or six other atoms
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IAF to develop UAVs as unmanned refueling plane
UAVs are being used for more and more missions; the Israeli Air Force has a new mission for them as unmanned refueling planes
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DoE inspector general rips into Los Alamos
Gregory Friedman notes severe inadequecies in cybersecurity and document management procedures; recent breaches spark review and needed changes; a look back in time shows security a longtime problem at the lab; reminiscing with Richard Feynman presents needed context
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OASIS to promote standardized semantic search and content analytics
Semantic searches and contents analytics have become more popular — and necessary — as communcation through the Internet, e-mail, cellular phones, but also by audio and video means, has grown exponentially; OASIS steps in to establish standards in such searches
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Pharad and University of Maryland to develop weapon detector
Maryland Industrial Partnerships program pairs Maryland-based companies with faculty to accelerate the commercialization process for promising products; system under development can detect knives, guns, and bombs; $750,000 DHS grant helped kick off R&D
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Homeland Security Investor Conference to showcase technology, VC interest
CapitalSource, Civitas Group, and USBX Advisory Services will hear 30-minute presentations from some of the leading homeland security firms; business and investment the focus of the December conference in Washington
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Technological developments pose threat, offer hope
U.S. defense official says advancements in science and technology offer terrorists new opportunities — “Though they aim to undo centuries’ worth of progress, they are not at all reluctant to take full advantage of that progress” — and the only way to cope is by encouraging science and technology education and innovation in countries faced with terrorist threats: “America’s future, and the future of our partners, does depend on it”
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Powerset's search raises $12.5 million
A developer of natural-language search engine raises $12.5 million from VCs and angels; the company said its search engine will incorporate a deeper linguistic component than existing search engines so that a user’s intent correlates more accurately with search results
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North Carolina launches news defense and security incubator
Located in Fayetteville, the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator will be home to as many as fifteen growing companies; North Carolina is the latest to see the value in supporting young homeland security firms
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Getting closer to undestadning the mysteries of fusion energy
University of Nevada researchers found the microscopic effects that cause inefficiencies limiting the conversion of electrical energy required for implosion energy; the key to their discovery: The realization that mass transport during implosion could be improved if one could understand the dynamics on a shorter time scale
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The long view
How AI Bots Spread Misinformation Online and Undermine Democratic Politics
As we navigate this era of digital discourse, awareness of blind spots in our social psychology is our best defense. Understanding how cues or triggers affect us can reduce their influence over time. The more aware we are of bots and how they work, the more able we are to protect ourselves from misleading rhetoric, ensuring our democratic processes remain robust and inclusive.
Data Privacy After Dobbs: Is Period Tracking Safe?
Many people think all health care information is protected under the federal privacy law, known as HIPAA. But menstrual cycle tracking apps, along with other health care technologies, like texting platforms that patients can use with doctors, are not. There haven’t been any cases where a menstrual tracking app’s data has been subpoenaed yet, but that’s probably due to the slow speed of which cases proceed through the court system.
States Strike Out on Their Own on AI, Privacy Regulation
There’s been no shortage of AI tech regulation bills in Congress, but none has passed. In the absence of congressional action, states have stepped up their own regulatory action. States have been legislating about AI since at least 2019, but bills relating to AI have increased significantly in the last two years.
Not Just Beijing’s Doing: Market Factors Are Also Hitting Rare Earths Prices
Have depressed rare earths prices been engineered by the Chinese state to snuff out non-Chinese rivals before they get going? Or do they simply reflect a weak market, with demand rising more slowly than was expected by the promotors of a slew of new projects?
The Case for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Climate change is making weather harder to predict, and creating new risks in places that never faced them before. And as hurricanes, floods, extreme heat and wildfires intensify, most infrastructure will need to be retrofitted or designed and built anew for future climate resilience.
Quantifying Global Earthquake Risk to Mineral Supplies
Earthquakes could impact the supplies of mineral commodities like copper and rhenium around the world. A new scientific mechanism for assessing the potential risk to worldwide mineral commodity supplies from seismic activity has been developed by USGS scientists.