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European researchers create largest quantum key distribution network
Researchers from several European institutions unite in creating the largest quantum key distribution network ever built; a big step toward practical implementation of quantum encryption
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Aerovironment wins a $2.1 million Phase 2 contract for tiny fluttering UAV
Aerovironment wins more money to develop its Nano Air Vehicle; the tiny, insect-size robot, flies and hovers using flapping wings like a hummingbird
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U.S. Army considers blimps as anti-missile defense
The U.S. Army is testing blimps for detecting, tracking, and shooting down cruise missiles; the radar-equipped aerostats are tethered balloons resembling blimps
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New laser weapon is easier on the eyes
U.S. soldiers manning checkpoints in Iraq and Afghanistan are now equipped with lasers which temporarily blind drivers of vehicles speeding toward the check point; earlier lasers at times injured U.S. soldiers
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Researchers develop ways for humans to use bat-like sonar vision
A team of Spanish researchers has developed a method of giving humans the power of echolocation or “biosonar” — used by bats for flying at night; first responders, search-and-rescue teams will be able to “see” through smoke, bodies, walls
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New underwater laser robot network to protect U.S. coast line
Co-operating underwater robots rapidly identify and communicate potential threats in murky waters
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Ground-penetrating radar helps border patrol to spot tunnels
DHS researchers place radar antennas in a trailer which is towed by a Border Patrol truck; the antennas shoot a signal directly into the ground and use it to construct a multi-colored picture of the earth; tunnels show up as red, yellow, and aquamarine dots against a blue background
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DARPA wants to stop biothreats before they spread
DARPA is looking to accelerate the response to pathogens, stopping the bugs before they even start; the goal: persistent, universal immunity by speeding up long-term resistance to new and unknown pathogens
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New bullet proof vests will be made from cement
University of Leeds researchers say that vests made of cement would offer cost-effective level of protection for many people at risk; it should be good enough for people like security guards, reporters and aid workers who are worried about the odd pot shot being taken at them
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DARPA awards BBN $30 million in Machine Reading project
Machine reading technology would be used particularly by military intelligence staff seeking to boil down mountains of information about theaters or areas of operation into useful form
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Pervious concrete may eliminate need for storm drains
A Minnesota town experiments with a new concrete paving method that lets rainwater pass right through the street surface to prevent damaging runoff
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Rules of war to be programmed into robots' decision making
Georgia tech researcher has developed an “ethical governor” which aims to ensure that robot attack aircraft behave ethically in combat
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DARPA looking for Genesis-style AI lifeforms
DARPA has issued a solicitation for ideas about self-organizing Tetris AIs and smart-vat superlife on cards; the research organization appears to be seeking nothing less than the creation of artificial intelligent lifeforms
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First batch of swine flu vaccine shipped
Connecticut-based company ships first batch — 100,000 doses — of its swine flu vaccine; Protein Sciences Corporation uses insect cell technology to develop the vaccine
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U Michigan students develop portable device to detect suicide bombers
Wolverines engineering graduate students develop a small, light, cheap, and effective IED and suicide-bomber detector; the detectors are designed to be part of a wireless sensor network that conveys to a base station where suspicious objects are located and who might be carrying them
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The long view
Nuclear Has Changed. Will the U.S. Change with It?
Fueled by artificial intelligence, cloud service providers, and ambitious new climate regulations, U.S. demand for carbon-free electricity is on the rise. In response, analysts and lawmakers are taking a fresh look at a controversial energy source: nuclear power.
Exploring the New Nuclear Energy Landscape
In the last few years, the U.S. has seen a resurgence of interest in nuclear energy and its potential for helping meet the nation’s growing demands for clean electricity and energy security. Meanwhile, nuclear energy technologies themselves have advanced, opening up new possibilities for their use.