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U.K. unveils broad counterterrorism measures
Prime Minister Gordon Brown unvelis broad counter-terrorism measures, including unified border police, electronic exit controls at U.K. borders, biometric visas, better critical infrastructure protection, and more
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New quantum key system combines speed, distance
Detection stage of the NIST prototype quantum key distribution system: Photons are “up-converted” from 1310 to 710 nm by one of the two NIST-designed converters at right, then sent to one of two commercial silicon avalanche photo diode units to the left. Credit: NIST
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Day of robot cops nears
Robots of various types — think of bomb disposal robots — are already being depolyed by law enforcement; next generation robots will be more versatile and autonomous
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InRob Tech, Frontline Robotics to collaborate
Two robotics specialists — one Canadian, one Israeli — agree to collaborate in marketing and joint bidding on defense-related robotics projects
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DHS big projects offer opportunities for nimble contractors
Some of DHS’s big projects — EAGLE and non-EAGLE — are underway and they offer opportunities for specialists
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Old screening technique allows probing terrorists' unconscious
SSRM Tek, a psychological screening tool, has been around for a while, but DHS believes it will allow interrogators identify which suspects have truly been engaged in terrorism
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Not lost in translation
The war on terrorism will take U.S. soldiers to every corner of the world where, to be effective, these soldiers will have to mingle with foreign populations in towns and villages; NIST, DARPA want to help
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Extremely thin sheet exhibits extreme strength
University of Chicago and Argonne Lab scientists discover amazing strength in a sheet of nanoparticles that measures just 50 atoms in thickness
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Harvard researchers develop robotic fly for use in surveillance, spying
Researchers develop an artificial fly whic h may be used in surveillance of battlefields, urban environments; the robot’s small size and fly-like appearance are key: “You probably wouldn’t notice a fly in the room, but you certainly would notice a hawk,” team leader says
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U.S. House says modeling, simulation is crtitical technology
Hampton Roads, Virginia, is a national hub for the modeling and simulation industry, and alocal congressman, who heads the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, persuades House of industry’s importance
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Wisconsin DHS security grants cut
Unhappy Badgers contemplate effect of receiving only one-third of $12.8 million in security funding requested from DHS
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A first: FBI installs policeware remotely to trace bomb threat
FBI electronically installs spyware — or, rather, policeware — to MySpace account of a suspect in e-mailing bomb threats to school; suspect nabbed
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Piezoceramics allow for embedded structural monitoring sensors
The integrity of highly stressed materials — helicopter rotors, wind turbine blades — must be regularly checked for structural damage; German research institute develops embedded piezoceramics sensors to do just that
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Attack UAV squadron deployed to Iraq this week
The U.S. hints that it would take more aggressive action against terrorists hiding in Pakistan’s northwest territories; Pakistanis should note first-ever deployment of attack UAV squadron to Iraq this week
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U.S. VCs invest in clean energy, but cautiously
U.S. VCs suffered a blow during the dot.com bubble burst; they were supposed to reclaim their market position by riding the clean energy wave; they may do so yet, but very cautiously
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The long view
Encryption Breakthrough Lays Groundwork for Privacy-Preserving AI Models
In an era where data privacy concerns loom large, a new approach in artificial intelligence (AI) could reshape how sensitive information is processed. New AI framework enables secure neural network computation without sacrificing accuracy.
AI-Controlled Fighter Jets May Be Closer Than We Think — and Would Change the Face of Warfare
Could we be on the verge of an era where fighter jets take flight without pilots – and are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI)? US R Adm Michael Donnelly recently said that an upcoming combat jet could be the navy’s last one with a pilot in the cockpit.
The Potential Impact of Seabed Mining on Critical Mineral Supply Chains and Global Geopolitics
The potential emergence of a seabed mining industry has important ramifications for the diversification of critical mineral supply chains, revenues for developing nations with substantial terrestrial mining sectors, and global geopolitics.
AI and the Future of the U.S. Electric Grid
Despite its age, the U.S. electric grid remains one of the great workhorses of modern life. Whether it can maintain that performance over the next few years may determine how well the U.S. competes in an AI-driven world.
Using Liquid Air for Grid-Scale Energy Storage
New research finds liquid air energy storage could be the lowest-cost option for ensuring a continuous power supply on a future grid dominated by carbon-free but intermittent sources of electricity.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Promising Source of Round-the-Clock Energy
With its capacity to provide 24/7 power, many are warming up to the prospect of geothermal energy. Scientists are currently working to advance human-made reservoirs in Earth’s deep subsurface to stimulate the activity that exists within natural geothermal systems.