 |
|
New "biosensor" screens Air Force personnel and equipment for contamination - within minutes
June 17, 2005RICHLAND, Wash - Air Force personnel will soon know within minutes if they or their equipment are contaminated with a biological agent, thanks to a new technology developed by the Air Force and a national laboratory.
Personnel will use the biosensor system to collect and isolate samples, detect and identify agents, and assess the seriousness of the threat.
"The system will provide an increased capability for Air Force Special Operations personnel to rapidly determine the presence of biological warfare agents in a combat environment," said Dr. Richard Stotts, counterproliferation branch chief within the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate. The device is compact, quickly identifies agents, can be used repeatedly and requires very little maintenance to keep it running in the field."
The system consists of a spray, developed at the directorate's Brooks City-Base, Texas, facilities, and a hand-held "green box," which determines if agents are present. The green box, or DNA Capture Element instrument, was developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The box uses an Air Force-developed biochemical assay based on aptamers, or single chain DNA fragments.
"We've used our lab's expertise to develop an instrument that's complementary to the Air Force's technology and that simultaneously satisfies the speed, specificity, sensitivity, portability, durability, health and safety needs," said Mike Lind, a senior advisor at PNNL. "The rapid detection capability of this instrument will be useful in a variety of applications, even outside of the armed forces."
With the prototype system, the user sprays the suspected contaminated area, creating a sample that can be picked up by a swab. The sample material on the swab is suspended in liquid by rinsing it in a container. Once in a liquid form, the sample is injected into a special flow cell, the place where the assay occurs.
The flow cell is currently designed for one-time use. Since the cell is sealed, it can be decontaminated by immersion in a bleach solution and then safely transported to a forensic laboratory for further analysis where it can be opened to retrieve the sample material.
A liquid crystal display, or LCD, provides a quantitative readout of the concentration of targeted material present, and a set of red, yellow, and green light emitting diodes provides an easily interpreted reading of the threat level. For instance, "no threat\\\\\\\
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
The system consists of a spray, developed at the directorate's Brooks City-Base, Texas, facilities, and a hand-held "green box," which determines if agents are present. The green box, or DNA Capture Element instrument, was developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The box uses an Air Force-developed biochemical assay based on aptamers, or single chain DNA fragments.
"We've used our lab's expertise to develop an instrument that's complementary to the Air Force's technology and that simultaneously satisfies the speed, specificity, sensitivity, portability, durability, health and safety needs," said Mike Lind, a senior advisor at PNNL. "The rapid detection capability of this instrument will be useful in a variety of applications, even outside of the armed forces."
With the prototype system, the user sprays the suspected contaminated area, creating a sample that can be picked up by a swab. The sample material on the swab is suspended in liquid by rinsing it in a container. Once in a liquid form, the sample is injected into a special flow cell, the place where the assay occurs.
The flow cell is currently designed for one-time use. Since the cell is sealed, it can be decontaminated by immersion in a bleach solution and then safely transported to a forensic laboratory for further analysis where it can be opened to retrieve the sample material.
A liquid crystal display, or LCD, provides a quantitative readout of the concentration of targeted material present, and a set of red, yellow, and green light emitting diodes provides an easily interpreted reading of the threat level. For instance, "no threat\\\\\\\
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Contamination Current Events and Contamination News RSSNuclear weapons: Predicting the unthinkable
If a nuclear weapon were detonated in a metropolitan area, how large would the affected area be? Where should first responders first go? According to physicist Fernando Grinstein, we have some initial understanding to address these questions, but fundamental issues remain unresolved.
A Second Skin
Despite advances in treatment regimens and the best efforts of nurses and doctors, about 70% of all people with severe burns die from related infections.
Teens less likely to wash hands when cooking, more likely to cross-contaminate raw food than adults
A Kansas State University study has shown that when preparing frozen foods, adolescents are less likely than adults to wash their hands and are more susceptible to cross-contaminating raw foods while cooking.
New insight into predicting cholera epidemics in the Bengal Delta
Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, has reemerged as a global killer. Outbreaks typically occur once a year in Africa and Latin America. But in Bangladesh the epidemics occur twice a year - in the spring and again in the fall.
Organic weed control options for highbush blueberry
Research scientists at Nova Scotia Agricultural College have been working steadily to find effective organic methods to control weeds in cultivated blueberry crops.
Water-conserving irrigation strategies minimize overwatering, runoff
Conserving water and reducing the environmental impact of runoff are two of the most important issues confronting container nursery operations. Current regulations and laws in five states limit water consumption by container nurseries, and some states also limit nutrient concentrations in runoff.
Poorly cleaned public cruise ship restrooms may predict norovirus outbreaks
team of researchers from Boston University School (BUSM), Carney Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance and Tufts University School of Medicine, have found that widespread poor compliance with regular cleaning of public restrooms on cruise ships may predict subsequent norovirus infection outbreaks (NoVOs).
Exploring the final frontier: Disease proposed as major barrier to Mars and beyond
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that prolific virulence and growth of bacteria, coupled with reduced production of antibodies could limit future space travel.
Expert to Discuss Phosphorus' Impact on Gulf 'Dead Zone'
Phosphorus is an essential element in production agriculture, however fertilizer runoff and wastewater discharge have led to massive eutrophication problems in water bodies worldwide.
Geologists studying groundwater arsenic levels in India empower Bengali women, children
A Kansas State University geologist and graduate student are finding that the most important tools in their fieldwork on groundwater arsenic pollution are women and children armed with pamphlets and testing kits.
More Contamination Current Events and Contamination News Articles
 |
Contamination Starring: Ian McCulloch, Louise Marleau, Marino Masé, Siegfried Rauch, Gisela Hahn Directed By: Luigi Cozzi Also With: Giuseppe Pinori (Cinematographer), Luigi Cozzi (Writer), Nino Baragli (Editor), Claudio Mancini (Producer), Ugo Valenti (Producer), Erich Tomek (Writer) Studio: Wea-des Moines Video Release Date: 03/30/2004 |
 |
Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control by Hollace S. Bailey (Author) Sensational news stories and a wide range of guidelines have made mold growth in buildings a confusing issue. In response, Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control provides access to reliable information and procedures by gathering together the key information on mold remediation in one easy-to-read book. The book is designed to help mold remediation professionals provide a better service by giving a solid introduction to the field and dispelling the misconceptions which currently abound. But, it also doubles as an impartial reference source for others working to control mold and for those affected by mold in their homes and workplaces including facility managers, engineers, architects, building owners and maintenance workers. Written by a... |
 |
Contamination Starring: Ian McCulloch, Louise Marleau, Marino Masé, Siegfried Rauch, Gisela Hahn Directed By: Luigi Cozzi Also With: Giuseppe Pinori (Cinematographer), Luigi Cozzi (Writer), Nino Baragli (Editor), Claudio Mancini (Producer), Ugo Valenti (Producer), Erich Tomek (Writer) The original gut-blasting classic, now totally uncut and uncensored! A deserted ship arrives in New York City carrying a slaughtered crew and an even more horrific cargo: mutant green eggs the size of footballs that pulsate with life until they spray hideous chest-bursting death! But when a government research team begins an investigation, they uncover a grisly conspiracy of murder, space monsters and coffee. Who is harvesting these alien hell-spores? What is their connection to a doomed mission to Mars? And most important of all, how many actors will die screaming in massive explosions of blood, guts and gore? Ian McCulloch (Zombie) stars in this Italian splatter favorite co-written and directed by Luigi Cozzi (Starcrash), featuring a pounding score by Goblin (Suspiria). Also known as... |
 |
Contamination by Goblin Long awaited reissue of the prog-rock act's soundtrack to Luigi Cozzi's sci fi flick originally released in 1980. Includes 16 minutes of additional material that has never been issued before including alternate versions of previously unreleased tracks, 'Whity' (Alternate Version), 'Contamination (Suite 1)', 'The Carver' (Alternate Version), 'Fright' (Alternate Version) and 'Contamination (Suite II)'. Standard jewel case. |
|
Land Contamination & Reclamation by Epp Publications Ltd | |
 |
Mold Contamination Sampling Kit by Mold Smart Babies, toddlers, elderly and those with allergies/asthma are very susceptible to mold-induced illnesses. Mold growth can cause damage to your home and repairs can be costly. Mold exposure can lead to health problems including headaches, runny nose, skin rash, nausea, sinus problems, memory loss and coughs and in some cases even death. Mold can cause unexplained odors in the home, Moist environments are prone to mold problems. |
|
Oaktec Contamination Control Mats; 60-layer; Blue; 24L x 36 in. W; Case of 8 by Protective Industrial Products Matting, Controlled Environment; PIP; Adhesive-coated; 60-layer mat; Color: Blue; 24L x 36 in. W (61 x 91cm); Case of 8 | |
 |
White Cap with "contamination suit", world, earth by SHOPZEUS 100% Polyester * 5-panel cap * Seamless Front Panel with Buckram Flap * 4 Embroidered Eyelets Matching Visor Color * Pro Stitch on Crown * 8 Rows Stitching on Visor * Matching Fabric Undervisor * Matching Color Sweatband * Matching Fabric Adjustable Hook and Loop |
 |
Managed Care and Medical Practice: Contamination or Opportunity?/Evaluation of Involuntary Weight Loss (NCME Video 654) Also With: Joseph E. Scherger (Primary Contributor), Steven B. Heymsfield (Primary Contributor), Network For Continuing Medical Education (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Onesie with globe, atlas, "contamination suit", world, earth by Shop Zeus |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |