This paper describes the feasibility demonstration of a chemical, biological and explosive (CBE) detection system based on Raman spectroscopic measurements integrated to a commercially available unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platform. Raman detection of CBE agents is reagentless and offers the ability to detect a broad range of threats in a single measurement and is well suited to remote operat...

We present the synthesis of highly anisotropic nickel nanowires (NWs) and large area, free-standing carpets extending over cm(2) area by simple solution phase chemistry. The materials can be post-synthetically manipulated to produce hybrid tubes, wires, and carpets by galvanic exchange reactions with Au(3+), Ag(+), Pt(2+), and Pd(2+). All of these structures, especially the hybrid carpets and t...

Although all U.S. Armed Forces personnel have been ordered to receive the anthrax vaccine, questions remain concerning its efficacy and safety and its intended use to counter a biological weapons threat. Since published data on the anthrax vaccine are scarce, it is difficult if not impossible to evaluate claims on its effectiveness and safety. In addition, questions concerning its safety have b...

While chemical warfare agents have been used in military conflict for decades, it is only in the last two decades that increased attention has been paid to the acute and chronic health effects associated with exposure to these agents. The subsequent reports of ill-defined illnesses in the veterans of the Gulf War of 1991, followed by the 1995 sarin terrorist attack in the Japanese subway system...

The threat of bioterrorism has prompted a reaction from governments and scientists in a rapidly expanding war against unknown attacker. In the United States, the Postal Service has announced new safety measures that include processing mail with electron beam technology to eliminate potentially dangerous microorganisms. The microbiocidal activity of radiation is one of the radiobiological effect...