• Scientists unsure how Tasers work

    There is a growing interest in nonlethal weapon, and Taser stun devices are among the most heavily used — and researched — nonlethal systems; scientists are still unsure how, exactly, these devices achieve their stunning effect

  • Auto-EDS explosive detection system to be tested at Waco airport

    The Transportation Security Administration has chosen two small airports — Waco Regional Airport in Texas and Hyannisport, Massachuseets — to test a new explosive detection system

  • Rotating space elevator propels its own load

    The first proposal for a space elevator was put forth in 1895; all space elevators ideas and concepts since then relied on internal engines, laser light pressure, or any kind of propulsion to propel the elevator and its load skyward — until now: researchers say it is possible to conceptualize an elevator which propels its own load

  • U.S. military developing simple-to-use cyber attack devices

    Most soldiers are not IT specialists, so DARPA is looking to develop simple-to-use cyber warfare gadgets which would allow nonspecialists to penetrate satellites, VoIP networks, and supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA)

  • Microchip-sized digital camera for surveillance

    In today’s minicams, the image sensors and support circuitry are on separate microchips, and most of the power goes on communication between the chips; Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena has squeezed all the components of a camera onto one low-power chip

  • Dounreay nuclear dismantling team to use giant robot

    The U.K.’s experimental fusion nuclear reactor was ordered shut down and dismantled; dismantling team unveils a design for a 75-ton robot which will cut up radioactive equipment

  • Glass-based coating for reinforcement bars for sturdier infrastructure

    Researchers develop glass-based coating for reinforcement bars that helps prevent corrosion and strengthens the bond between steel and concrete; the material could help engineers build stronger bridges and increase the longevity of other steel-reinforced structures

  • DHS develops medical scanner-at-a-distance device

    The first task of first responders arriving on a scene of a disaster is quickly and accurately to sort the living casualties by priority order for medical care; new device assesses — from a distance — the medical condition of those injured in the disaster; it does so by using laser doppler vibrometry and a camera to measure pulse, body temperature, and muscle movements such as breathing

  • Mobile WiMax to be rolled out in Atlanta in June

    Clearwire says it will roll out mobile WiMax in Atlanta next month, with other cities to follow

  • IEEE ICRA 2009 showcased advances in robotics

    ICRA 2009, the world’s premier robotics event, was held in Japan last week; researchers demonstrated the latest in robotics — from tree-climbing robots to robots than can create ice sculptures on their own

  • Submersible boat debuts

    Unlike conventional submersibles, which sink because their ballast makes them heavier than water, the Deep Flight Super Falcon is positively buoyant and descends using inverted wings that exert a downward force when the craft is propelled forward by its motor, just like a plane uses its wings and engines to generate lift

  • Researchers find ways to reduce cattle flatulence

    University of Alberta researchers developed a formula to reduce methane gas in cattle

  • Improving land mine detection equipment

    While simple versions of electromagnetic induction sensors are capable of detecting most land mines, advanced sensors are required to tell the difference between a land mine and harmless buried metal objects

  • PanSTARRS project to track near-Earth objects continued

    The U.S. Congress required that U.S. government organizations should make an effort to help locate and catalog all space objects larger than 1 kilometer in size which might hit the planet; the U.S. Air Force makes its contribution through the PanSTARR project

  • DARPA looks for inertial-nav to be embedded in smart boot's heel

    DARPA is funding the development of smart shoes: soldiers and first responders will be equipped with shoes with embedded inertial navigation sensor; sensor will help in keeping track of soldiers, special operatives, and first responders in harsh environments