• Leaked DHS report says X-rays are ineffective at detecting explosives

    According to a 2005 DHS study, images on X-ray machines do not provide enough information to allow the detection of explosives. Still, transportation officials press forward and insist on shoe removal, saying it allows screeners to see if footwear has been tampered with a la Richard Reid.

  • QRSciences promotes MRI-like radio waves as answer to chemical detection problem

    Sitting pretty after recent reports that X-rays are ineffective explosive detectors, the Australian company pushes forward with its patented Quadropole Resonance technology.

  • New security measures to have chilling effect on international trade

    Post-London plot air cargo security measures — among them BA’s decision not to allow cargo to be carried on passenger planes — are already disrupting international trade; for example, only 2 percent of the volume of Britain’s trade is carried by air, but this small fraction translates to an impressive 25 percent of the value of all goods imported into and exported out of the U.K.

  • EST says it has ability to detect TATP components

    As worry about liquid bombs grows following the arrest last week of 21 suspected British terrorists, a company claims to have a long-proven record of detecting tri-cycloacetone peroxide and its component chemicals.

  • Airport security to broadened, deepen

    The terrorists’ clever idea of bringing innocent liquids on board separately in order to mix them into a potent weapon has forced re-evaluation of security screening methods at airports; money will now be spent on solutions which combine several detection and snifffing technologies, and GE Homeland Security unit maker of the “puffer” machine, is working on such a combined solution

  • SF airport first in the U.S. to have 100% screening of commercial cargo

    In October San Francisco airport will become the first in the U.S. to
    have 100% security screening of cargo carried on passenger planes

  • Foiled London plot will affect air travel regulations, practices

    The terrorist plot to smuggle liquid explosives on board will lead to dramatic changes in air travel regulations and practices, and the airline and tourism industry are worried that, at least in the short term, news will not be good for the hospitality industry

  • Smart person-specific pistol

    One way to improve airline safety is to put more armed air marshals on board; trouble is, this means that weapons are already inside the plane, and would-be hijackers may over-power them and grab their weapons; the solution: a smart gun which allows only its owner to use it

  • U.K. terror plot exposes vulnerability of current detection systems

    Governments have invested billions of dollars in explosive detection devices (EDs) and radiation detectors; the unfolding terrorist drama in London show that the current detection system has gaping holes which clever terrorists might exploit

  • HiEnergy to help transportation security in Pennsylvania

    California company receives contract extension to provide greater security on SEPTA, the nation’s fifth largest public transportation system

  • EDO eyeing UAV market

    Large contractor has grown substantially through strategic acquisitions; its
    latest target: A Tennessee company making composites used in UAV
     construction

  • Deutsche Bahn finds two undetonated bombs on German commuter train

    Security needed: Last week we wrote about the emerging market in India for critical infrastructure, but this week it’s Germany’s turn; after finding two undetonated bombs on a German train, government officials are criticizing rail security and are advising for better technology to deter possible terrorist activity

  • Port of Freeport to join CSI

    The Port of Freeport gained fame earlier this year when the Bush administration was about to sign an agreement with Hutchison Whampoa to conduct nuclear radiation screening of U.S.-bound cargo - without the presence of U.S. personnel; the post has now joined the CSI program

  • Radiation therapy traces set off radiation monitors at airports

    Hundreds of thousands of patients in the United States and Europe – and millions around the world – receive radiation therapy for various ailments, and nuclear material are also widely used for diagnostic purposes; trouble is, these procedure leave radiation traces in the body for weeks, and these traces set off sensitive nuclear detection systems at airports

  • Conrail buys Duos security solution for rail yard

    Securing sprawling rail yards is difficult; it is also important because of the dangerous cargo which goes through or parked in these yards; a major rail operator buys intelligent video security system for its New Jersey operations