Monday, February 18, 2008

Greg, Homeland security stepping up research

The Department of Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency is increasing funding for research for solutions to biological and chemical agent detection, nuclear, radiological and high explosive attack deterrence, and information security. They are trying to accelerate technology. They are conducting experiments with lipid bi-layer biosensors that are able to quickly detect viruses, anthrax and other bacteria.

Most of this research is being done in government labs but they are starting to expand with industry. There is a lot of money involved in the research and transition between government to industrialized research for the Homeland Security. This is to improve air detection machines that will eventually have sensors all over, that will be monitored by a computer that will alert operator when levels change in the air.

These new ideas for detecting any change in air quality and sensors to detect anything terrorists might use against us. The development of these is very important in order to keep us safe from attacks. It is also important that these are being produced outside of government labs so that it can be made available to use in all public places.

These sensors that detect viruses, anthrax and bacteria in the air will become a major part of places with a large amount of people like airports, sporting events, large buildings. These can also be used in places like post offices or hospitals. It is also important that this level of research is opened up for non-government organizations because sometimes they can come up with new and improved ideas.
It is important to open these research developments up to the industry because these biosensors can be developed over and over and made cheaper than the government ever could so it will be available in a large public areas.

Lawlor, Maryann, “Signal”. Falls Church: Oct 2003. Vol. 58, Iss. 2; pg. 3

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