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R.I.P., 3-1-1

The Los Alamos National Laboratory's Magnetic Vision Innovative Prototype (MagViz) uses ultralow magnetic fields to detect liquid bombs and other hazardous materials. With an accuracy rate of over 99%, MagViz could significantly enhance airport security, allowing passengers to pass through with ease while keeping liquids at bay.

Researcher proposes statistical method to enhance secondary security screenings

A researcher at the University of Texas at Austin has identified a statistical method to select people for secondary security screenings more efficiently and fairly. Square root bias sampling can reduce resource waste by screening individuals from higher-risk groups less frequently while still prioritizing them.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2009

Firm location determines equity issuance

Firms in rural areas are less likely to issue equity than urban firms, with rural firms using lower-quality underwriters. This is due to the marginal investor being located far away, creating an information disadvantage for insiders.

SourceWiley·JournalFinancial Management·DateJun 24, 2008

Tell me by the way I walk

Researchers in India have developed a comprehensive framework for gait recognition by computer, using statistical analysis and height measurements to classify individuals. The system can identify threats from a considerable distance, giving personnel more time to react before a suspect becomes a real threat.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biometrics·DateJun 9, 2008

Aircraft noise raises blood pressure even whilst people are sleeping, says study

Researchers monitored 140 sleeping volunteers near London Heathrow and three major European airports, finding that aircraft noise increased systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7.4 mmHg. The study's findings highlight the need to reduce night-time aircraft noise levels to protect public health.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 12, 2008

Screeners' hands quicker than eyes

Researchers found that screeners are more accurate in visual searches when allowed to correct their choices, but errors rise for rare targets. The study suggests improving airport security and cancer screening by addressing execution errors and perception issues separately.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 24, 2007

Have I been here before?

Researchers at the University of Bristol and MIT have discovered a key role for the dentate gyrus in rapid place recognition, which may help alleviate confusion among elderly individuals. The study's findings could also inform therapies for learning and behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007

Multi-camera system searches images in 3D

A new multi-camera system can automatically sort images based on their three-dimensional contents, allowing users to pinpoint points of interest and explore further. The technology has potential applications in tracking objects or individuals in large environments such as airports and casinos.

Perceptual Baggage

Researchers investigated airport security personnel's cognitive processes and found that changing targets dropped their abilities significantly, even with warnings. The ideal training for security screeners would involve familiarizing them with every possible threat to increase reliability.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 25, 2004

Airport baggage screeners may need continuing education, study indicates

A study published in Psychological Science found that initial training for airport screeners is insufficient, highlighting the need for continuing education. The research showed that screeners improve at detecting specific weapons but struggle with transferable skills, leading to a higher risk of false identifications and missed targets.

Airport noise impairs long-term memory and reading

A study published in Psychological Science found that German children exposed to airport noise showed significant declines in reading and memory abilities. However, these effects were reversible once the local airport closed, indicating that exposure to chronic noise can have serious health and learning impacts on children.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 7, 2002