Global Security Newswire

Findings published earlier this week could lay the groundwork for advancements in portable biological-weapon scanner technology, the Journal of Visualized Experiments announced (see GSN, May 16).

The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency financed the studies; they include an examination of steps for setting apart organic molecules without reliance on analytical facilities or electric power.

"This is a hand-held electricity-free device which can be used in the field by the war-fighter, in conjunction with their detection platforms," said David Pawlowski, a scientist with the State University of New York (Buffalo).

The procedure would "be useful for detection of typical biological warfare agents," said Pawlowski, who oversaw the project with fellow researcher Richard Karalus (Journal of Visualized Experiments, May 14).