DefenceTalkResearchers at Oregon State University have discovered that some compounds called polyoxoniobates can degrade and decontaminate nerve agents such as the deadly sarin gas, and have other characteristics that may make them ideal for protective suits, masks or other clothing. The use of polyoxoniobates for this purpose had never before been demonstrated, scientists said, and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-method-discovered-to-protect-against-chemical-weapons-59732/

DefenceTalkAn envelope laced with ricin intended for the president of the United States was intercepted in April 2013 by law enforcement officials when protocols established for mail screenings revealed the threat of a biological weapon. Ricin is a highly toxic, naturally occurring protein found in the seeds of the castor oil plant. There is currently […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-scientists-to-improve-methods-of-detecting-decontaminating-ricin-49693/

DefenceTalkMichigan State University research has put the possibility of bomb-detecting lasers at security checkpoints within reach. In the current issue of Applied Physics Letters, Marcos Dantus, MSU chemistry professor and founder of BioPhotonic Solutions, has developed a laser that can detect micro traces of explosive chemicals on clothing and luggage. “Since this method uses a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bomb-detecting-lasers-could-improve-security-checkpoints-49046/

DefenceTalkFirst responders occasionally come across suspicious powders, requiring them to have technology on hand to screen samples and identify whether or not they are a chemical or biological agent. Current technology performs a test to determine whether or not protein exists on the sample, an indication that the sample is live, or active. With this […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-scientists-research-new-technologies-for-rapid-accurate-detection-capabilities-48293/

DefenceTalkNorthrop Grumman Corporation’s AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS), developed for the F-35 Lightning II, has added hostile ground fire detection to its capabilities by successfully detecting and locating tanks that were firing live rounds during preparations for a military exercise. While being flown on Northrop Grumman’s BAC 1-11 test aircraft, the DAS detected and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/northrop-aaq-37-sensor-system-demos-hostile-fire-detection-capability-46757/