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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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As the death toll from IEDs grows, Pentagon goes slow on MARPs
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MARP) vehicles offer soliders better IED protection than Humvees; Congress wants to know why Pentagon is not more energetic obtaining them
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The long view
Technology Evolves the Tactics: Preparing for the Rise of Terrorist AI Harms
Terrorist groups, like the societies they emerge from, adapt to new technologies. As AI capabilities evolve, so too do the tactics of extremist actors. While the full effects may take years to observe, as the technologies continue to develop, we are starting to see them directly alter extremism tradecraft.
Bookshelf: A Tale of American Lawyers and Chinese Engineers
The U.S. and China have fundamental differences, a new book argues. China would be an “engineering state” whereas the U.S. is a “lawyerly society.” Most Chinese Communist Party leaders have been engineers focused on building mega projects such as highways, bridges, fast trains. and airports. In recent decades the U.S. has become a “lawyerly society” as the country’s elite, dominated by lawyers, focused on procedure and process rather than getting things done.
Europe’s Banks Quietly Mobilize for Economic Warfare
For years, banks treated defense as a reputational issue, as well as an environmental, social and governance risk, often lumping it with tobacco or fossil fuels as something to be managed at arm’s length. That era is ending. Russia’s war in Ukraine, China’s coercive trade tactics and the United States’ pressure on Europe to shoulder more of its defense burden have exposed the limits of moralistic restraint. Financial mobilization is the new norm.
A New Generation of Industries Emerges in Texas as Feds Push to Mine More Rare Minerals
The U.S. doesn’t produce the minerals and metals needed for renewable energy, microchips or military technology. Major oil companies are drilling in East Texas again, but not for oil. This time, they’re after lithium for batteries and other rare elements.
U.S. and Australia Deepen Critical-Minerals Engagement to Counter China
Engagement between Australia and the United States on critical minerals has matured from technical cooperation into a strategic partnership, aligning resource security with clean energy and defense priorities.
Bookshelf: Critical Mineral Dilemmas
Whoever controls the production and processing of lithium, copper and other critical minerals could dominate the 21st century economy, much as producers of fossil fuels defined the 20th century, writes Ernest Scheyder in a new book.