Global Security Newswire

Scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee are working on a portable scanner capable of detecting even the smallest traces of dangerous biological agents and other hazardous materials, the laboratory announced last week (see GSN, Jan. 13).

The laser- and camera-equipped "sniffer" could nearly achieve the maximum sensitivity level thought possible in such a device, the laboratory said in a press release. The machine could eventually assist police, military personnel and security officials at ports and border crossings.

Scientists could complete a prototype of the scanner in six to 18 months if the project receives a sufficient budget, said the head of the team handling the effort (U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory release, Feb. 12).