Engineered microbes can sense target chemicals and respond with programmed actions, using cell sensors to detect specific chemicals and genetic circuits to convert regulatory signals into observable outcomes1,2,3. Microbial sensors have the potential to carry out autonomous, long-term environmental monitoring inside complex environments, such as soil systems or the human gut, without the need for direct observations or human intervention.
One important autonomous microbial sensor application is the detection of the explosive compound 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) inside natural soil systems that contain both engineered and naturally occurring microbes13. TNT was the predominant explosive used in the ordinance from 1940–1970 and remains widely used in mines, grenades, antitank rockets, artillery, and bombs.
Read more…
Source: Nature Communications
Sign up for Counter-IED Report Newsletter
Related:
- Jammu and Kashmir: Police To Strengthen Law Enforcement With 64,000 Investigation Kits and Bomb Disposal Vehicles
August 3, 2024
The Jammu and Kashmir Police are set to acquire more than 64,000 advanced investigation kits for police stations across the Union Territory, along with two specialised vehicles for the Bomb Disposal Squad, according to officials. The initiative aims to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement in the region. A senior police officer at Jammu ...
- EU to reintroduce 100ml liquid rule with ‘significant’ disruption for passengers
August 1, 2024
The European Union has announced that 100ml liquid restrictions will be reintroduced at airports across the bloc from September. The update comes three months after the UK reintroduced the restriction across all airports, including those with Next Generation Security Checkpoints – designed to phase out the long-standing rule. The European branch of Airports Council International (ACI) ...
- Effects of Membrane Properties on the Odor Emanating from Training Aids for Explosive-Detective Canines
July 18, 2024
Many previous studies have shown that canines rely on the odor of volatile organic compounds that are emitted by explosive formulations. It is then especially important that canines be trained on authentic odors that are neither degraded nor contaminated. Research by Himanshi Upadhyaya and John V. Goodpaster of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana ...
- UK: Major delays at Birmingham Airport over 100ml liquid limit
June 17, 2024
New 3D scanners could spell the end of frustrating liquid limits at airports but there have been major delays in installing the new tech in the UK. The UK’s Birmingham Airport saw major delays this weekend amid confusion over new rules about liquids in hand luggage. Photos on social media showed queues that stretched outside of ...
- Six UK airports temporarily reintroduce 100ml liquid limit
June 8, 2024
Six regional airports in the UK will temporarily reintroduce restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml, the Department for Transport has said. The change will come into effect from midnight on Sunday, and will affect passengers travelling from London City, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Southend and Teesside airports. All of the airports have Next Generation Security Checkpoints ...
- DHS S&T Releases Market Survey Report for Non-Detonable Training Aids for Explosive Detection Canines
May 7, 2024
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has released a new market survey report to help emergency responders identify non-detonable training aids for explosive detection canines. Non-detonable training aids emulate the scent of explosives, allowing canines to learn the specific odor of different types of explosives while eliminating the inherent ...
- California Highway Patrol introduces 8 new canine teams
May 5, 2024
Eight new canine teams were introduced during a CHP ceremony in West Sacramento on Friday. The dogs will be used for various tasks, including detecting human scent, contraband, and explosives across the state. The graduates consist of five Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine Teams, two Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine teams, and one Explosive Detection Canine ...
- UK: Aberdeen International Airport Introduces Next Generation Security Checkpoint Scanners
April 28, 2024
Travelers at Aberdeen International Airport can now breeze through terminal security without the hassle of removing laptops or liquids. Thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC) Scanners, the largest transport hub in the North East has ushered in a new era of convenience. Departing passengers are now permitted to carry bottles containing ...
- Liquid restrictions at UK airports to remain in place until June 2025
April 4, 2024
Travellers will have to wait another year for 100ml limit to be lifted after government extends deadline for new scanners. The Department for Transport had previously set a target for the introduction of 3D scanners in all UK airports by 1 June, but this has now been extended by 12 months because some major airports will not be ...
- SmartRayVision – New AI Image Processing
April 1, 2024
In the Fall 2023, SharpLogixx, LLC, the manufacturer of SmartRayVision, released their latest SRV custom EOD software with new AI enhanced Image Processing. This new technology takes the SRV images from outstanding to extreme fidelity. What you now get with AI Image Processing: Extremely high detail beyond any X-Ray Image produced by any system on the market. Low ...
- Vidisco reveals its unique portable digital X-Ray systems for the accurate detection of live ammunition in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), while maintaining the safety of forces in the field
March 31, 2024
An elite unit of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) recently successfully used the systems to safely locate and neutralize Russian ammunition in the north of Israel. March 2024, Vidisco – provider of innovative portable, accurate and safe X-ray detection solutions for armies, security forces and law enforcement agencies – has revealed the Paladin and Hawk Pro – Two innovative systems ...
- Fu Zai: China’s first corgi police dog with short legs and big skills
March 28, 2024
China’s first corgi police dog, Fu Zai, went viral online as he made his debut at a police open day in Weifang, east China’s Shandong Province. Unlike typical police dogs with long limbs and agile bodies, Fu Zai captivated the internet with his iconic short legs and superb explosive detection skills. Fu Zai, a six-month-old male ...
- Michigan: A look behind the scenes of explosive detection at Detroit Metro Airport
March 14, 2024
Most people don’t even know there is an elite team dedicated to detecting explosives at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. It’s a big job, and the explosive detection specialists at Detroit Metro Airport understand and appreciate the high stakes of their mission. The “call to serve” that inspired so many of them to begin their careers ...
- AI weapons scanner Evolv backtracks on UK testing claims
March 14, 2024
An AI weapons-scanning company has backtracked on claims its technology has been tested by the UK government. Evolv Technology makes “intelligent” scanners designed to replace metal detectors by identifying people with concealed guns, knives and bombs. But the company has come under mounting criticism for overstating what the technology can deliver. Evolv told BBC News it ...
- SharpLogixx, LLC Continues to Strengthen U.S. Army Capabilities with over 600 Cutting-Edge SmartRayVision X-Ray Systems Delivered & New NSN Established (#6635-01-690-0299)
February 27, 2024
Green Bay, WI – February 27, 2024 – SharpLogixx, LLC, a leading provider of advanced imaging solutions, proudly announces a significant milestone in its ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army. With unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, SharpLogixx has successfully delivered nearly 600 SmartRayVision X-Ray systems to the U.S. Army, further enhancing its operational capabilities in ...
- NIJ: Advances in Detecting and Identifying Explosives After an Attack
February 26, 2024
The investigation following an explosion or bombing plays a vital role in uncovering the truth about the incident. Criminal justice practitioners often need to build cases and attribute involvement in a crime by locating and using trace amounts of evidence remaining at the scene. The evidence recovered can be critical in identifying, charging, and ultimately convicting ...
- Coordinated TSA security operations a success at Super Bowl LVIII
February 13, 2024
LAS VEGAS – With the inaugural Super Bowl held in Las Vegas in the books, attention turned to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Monday morning for the traditional post-game “get away” and a surge in the number of departing travelers at one of the nation’s busiest airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at LAS has been ...
- Colorado: TSA begins screening departing travelers at new West Security Checkpoint at DEN
February 5, 2024
DENVER – Officials with Denver International Airport (DEN) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today previewed the new West Security Checkpoint located on Level 6 of the airport terminal. The checkpoint will feature 17 lanes to screen departing travelers and replaces the North Security Checkpoint. “We have watched with anticipation as the West Security Checkpoint was ...
- UK: Airport scanner delay will prolong 100ml liquid ban
January 22, 2024
The UK’s biggest airports are set to miss the deadline for installing new advanced security scanners that will end the 100ml limit on liquids. The government told major airports to have the high-tech equipment in place by 1 June 2024. But Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester do not expect to have all their scanners ready by then. ...
- UK: Airports urged to introduce new scanners that could end 100ml liquid limit
December 14, 2023
Airports should introduce new scanners which will eliminate the need for passengers to remove liquids and laptops from their luggage as soon as possible, a minister has said. The next generation of scanners, which use CT (computer tomography) scans rather than X-rays, could mark the end of the 100ml liquid limit, and the need to remove ...
- Australia: AFP at the cutting edge of law enforcement capability
December 6, 2023
The AFP is creating pilot projects and new technology to stay a step ahead of criminals to protect Australians and Australia’s interests. The AFP’s Commissioner Innovation Fund established in 2019 has supported more than 70 projects to deliver new and cutting edge-capabilities, crime prevention initiatives as well as enhancements in operational efficiency. Successful projects include High Risk ...
- Paris police expect 2024 Olympics to be ‘considerable challenge’ for bomb disposal squad
December 5, 2023
The Paris police bomb disposal team expect the Olympics to present them with a “considerable challenge” next year. They have been working with Paris 2024 organisers to define the right level of bomb clearing intervention during the Olympics and Paralympics in the French capital next summer, the director of the central police laboratory said on Monday. ...