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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
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.