--- title: "Subscribers" description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member." url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers?start=221" date: "2026-07-31T00:33:28+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- ## [New revolutionary method tested extinguishes lithium-Ion EV fires in ten minutes with minimal water use](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3183:new-revolutionary-method-tested-extinguishes-lithium-ion-ev-fires-in-ten-minutes-with-minimal-water-use&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 12 February 2024. Originally Published in CTIF A report from tests made public by the [Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency](https://www.msb.se/en/) (MSB) shows that a cutting extinguisher can safely put out a battery fire in a very short time, with minimal use of water and without the risk of re-ignition. The report is based on the results on a number of tests carried out in a collaborative project involving several stakeholders, including the [CTIF Commission for Extrication and New Technology](https://www.ctif.org/commissions-and-groups/extrication-and-new-technology), and [CTIF Sweden](https://www.ctif.org/ctif-sweden), where Tore Eriksson, Tom van Esbroeck & Michel Gentilleau have been part of the reference group. CTIF ´s Yvonne Näsman and Per-Ola Malmquist have been project members on behalf of MSB.se. The tests were designed to examine whether injecting water into a Li-ion battery that had gone into a state of thermal runaway could effectively suppress and extinguish the fire without reignition. Several different kinds of equipment was tested, including fog nails, pickaxes, traditional nozzles and various penetrating extinguishers (which use water mist to cut holes through the protective shell of the battery). Please note, that for safety reasons, the use of fog nails or pickaxes (to break the battery shell before water was applied) are not recommended in the report. [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical), [First Responder](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/first-responder) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/barda_logo.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3182:barda-preclinical-testing-services-for-botulinum-neurotoxin-therapeutics&catid=12) ## [BARDA Preclinical Testing Services for Botulinum Neurotoxin Therapeutics](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3182:barda-preclinical-testing-services-for-botulinum-neurotoxin-therapeutics&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 12 February 2024. One of the challenges faced by many early academic and small business research partners is the cost associated with demonstrating a therapeutic candidate’s effectiveness in relevant efficacy models. BARDA invites researchers to submit proposals to the Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) Candidate Therapeutic Testing Service (BoNT-CTTS) to potentially include their candidate BoNT therapeutics in a preclinical evaluation. The evaluation will be performed by a BARDA contract research organization on a confidential basis at no cost to the participants. The BoNT-CTTS supports preclinical testing of therapeutic candidates (e.g., small molecules, antibodies, and other biologics) in efficacy models of botulinum intoxication. BoNT-CTTS accepts candidate therapeutics for evaluation from academic researchers; industry, including small businesses; and other institutions. Candidate therapeutics selected for testing will be evaluated for efficacy against up to four BoNT serotypes in preclinical pre- and/or post-intoxication models of botulism. Specific study designs will be discussed in collaboration with the developer. Control data and product-specific data will be shared with the developer and may be published in collaboration with BARDA. BARDA will evaluate therapeutic candidates on a rolling basis. Researchers from academic, industry, and government institutions are eligible to participate in the testing service. No financial support is available through this testing service for the participants. Selected developers will be expected to sign a material transfer agreement prior to the initiation of testing of the candidate at the contract research organization. Those interested in participating should download and fill out the **Preclinical Testing Submission Form** and send an email to: [](https://cbrneworld.com/javascript:/*%20This%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.*/) Submissions of the Preclinical Testing Submission Form should include *in vitro* and *in vivo* efficacy data already generated against at least one BoNT serotype as well as any available safety and toxicology data. As BARDA’s requirement is to provide a product that is safe and effective against all seven major serotypes of BoNT (A-G), competitive candidates will have efficacy data generated against more than one BoNT serotype or the potential to be further developed to treat additional serotypes. Products with a demonstrated capability to address BoNT intoxication post-symptom onset and/or a mechanism of action that may neutralize intracellular toxin or reverse symptoms of intoxication are highly preferred. Offerors should communicate any limitations on intellectual property (patents, inventions, trade secrets, copyrights, technical data, or trademarks) that might impact advanced development of the candidate product. There is no guarantee that submissions will be accepted into the testing program. [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological), [Medical Countermeasure](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/medical-countermeasure) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/events/sponsor_logos/Kromek_Logo_Strapline_Pos.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3179:kromek-granted-1-3m-under-horizon-europe-guarantee-scheme&catid=12) ## [Kromek granted £1.3m under Horizon Europe Guarantee Scheme](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3179:kromek-granted-1-3m-under-horizon-europe-guarantee-scheme&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 07 February 2024. Kromek Group plc announces that it has been awarded a grant of £1.3m under the UK Research and Innovation (“UKRI”) Horizon Europe guarantee scheme to participate in the Intelligent Radiation Sensor Readout System (“i-RASE”) project to develop a new class of radiation sensor powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”). The i-RASE project, to be led by DTU Space, is a collaboration between industrial and academic partners in Denmark, Germany, Norway and Italy to design, build and test a new class of radiation sensor based on cadmium zinc telluride (“CZT”) and other advanced technologies. The aim is to develop a radiation detector that leverages the latest developments in AI to facilitate the retrieval of comprehensive information on incident radiation to improve measurement accuracy and speed, while increasing energy efficiency. This offers transformational potential for various radiation applications, such as medical imaging, industrial inspection, scientific space instrumentation and environmental monitoring. The project will start on 1 March 2024 and will run for a period of 48 months. i-RASE is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, with which the UK is associated, and is designed to facilitate collaboration and strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. Kromek is receiving £1.3m from UKRI, on behalf of the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, to participate in the project. **Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek**, said: *“With the increasing prevalence of AI, Kromek has for several years been exploring the application of machine learning across its technologies, and has generated some significant IP in this area. This collaboration brings an opportunity to enhance our expertise by working with field-leading partners throughout Europe, and ultimately lead to improved capabilities of our products across our market segments.”* ## [Russia expands CB capability](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3171:russia-expands-cb-capability&catid=12) Written by Gwyn Winfield on 31 January 2024. The visit of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to the Sergey Posad site outside Moscow has rattled some cages. In the [Ria Novost](https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12498027)i version, it explains how he inspected the facility, including the social infrastructure, where two new buildings will be commissioned. The article focuses on the legend that these will be used to quickly identify biological threats. The [Riamo ](https://riamo.ru/article/707207/shojgu-nuzhno-prodolzhit-naraschivanie-osobo-vostrebovannyh-sredstv-porazheniya)article, however, expands on this and talks about increasing the testing facilities for these 'popular weapons.' Difficult to unpack signalling from genuine intent, but all in all, it's not good news. ## [Cesium removal from radioactive wastewater by adsorption and membrane technology](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3158:cesium-removal-from-radioactive-wastewater-by-adsorption-and-membrane-technology&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 30 January 2024. Prof. Shuting Zhuang and Prof. Jianlong Wang delve into two prevalent methods for cesium removal: adsorption and membrane separation. Adsorption is particularly effective for treating wastewater with low radionuclide concentrations across large volumes. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11783-024-1798-1 [Radiation](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/radiation) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/c5/Envelope-c5e3ef22.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3157:another-opioid-trend&catid=12) ## [Another opioid trend? ](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3157:another-opioid-trend&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 29 January 2024. Back in November 2023, the FBI and U.S. Postal Service inspectors reported they had intercepted four fentanyl-tainted letters addressed to election offices in Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington. With not much mentioned about such things since, one could hope this was a one off, but perhaps not. On 18 Jan 2024 it was reported that an elections office Yuba County, California, had received a letter apparently containing Fentanyl. According to a press release from Yuba County, a staff member in the office opened an envelope that “did not appear suspicious in nature and was addressed from a verified sender” and noticed a powdery substance. The staff member was uninjured in the incident. Due to the potential and continued threat of individuals sending Fentanyl in the mail, the Yuba county office is one of many equipped with naloxone, this practice began with that first round of mailings back in November. [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/8c/redbull1-8c425a6e.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3156:nsw-health-alert-as-mdma-tablets-hospitalise-3-due-to-containing-nitazene&catid=12) ## [NSW health alert as MDMA tablets hospitalise 3 due to containing Nitazene. ](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3156:nsw-health-alert-as-mdma-tablets-hospitalise-3-due-to-containing-nitazene&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 29 January 2024. The New South Wales Ministry of Health have released a warning about 'RedBull' logo tablets being sold as MDMA as actually containing Nitazines, one tablet they tested contained no MDMA whatsoever. The warning comes after three people were hospitalised in Sydney after taking what they believed to be MDMA tablets, some of the individuals only took half a tab, and one was admitted to ICU and later discharged. As we saw with Fentanyl and it's derivatives, Nitazines seem to be fast becoming the newest drug problem, largely because they are being secreted in other drugs unbeknownst to the users. Once again the cheaper and more potent nature of synthetic opioids means that manufacturers and dealers are cutting them in to drugs to make their supplies go further, and earn more. [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/Liberty-Defense-Logo.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3155:liberty-defense-announces-first-sale-of-hexwave-to-an-international-airport-in-asia-pacific&catid=12) ## [Liberty Defense Announces First Sale of HEXWAVE to an International Airport in Asia Pacific](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3155:liberty-defense-announces-first-sale-of-hexwave-to-an-international-airport-in-asia-pacific&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 29 January 2024. [Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd., ](https://libertydefense.com/)a leading technology provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based next generation detection solutions for protecting secure locations against prohibited weapons and other threats, is pleased to announce that the HEXWAVE™ system will be deployed at an international airport in the Philippines. The sale was made by the Company’s international distributor and deployment is scheduled for summer of 2024. The screening will be at the forecourt of the airport to screen people entering the terminal. Liberty’s HEXWAVE product, a next generation, walkthrough, contactless threat detection system for concealed metallic and non-metallic objects, uses AI to provide automated decisions to security operators to process people at speed. The company started shipping HEXWAVE to customers in September 2023 and the backlog of systems has grown to over 30 systems. “We continue to see an increase in demand from airports on a global basis for enhanced screening at various checkpoints and entrances,” said Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense. “In addition to screening for aviation workers, airports are taking advantage of HEXWAVE’s mobility and scanning individuals as they enter the terminal as part of an added and layered security approach.” [Detection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/detection), [Contract](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/contract) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/events/sponsor_logos/Kromek_Logo_Strapline_Pos.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3154:kromek-receives-1-4m-order-to-deliver-d3m-detectors-for-use-in-eu-stockpile&catid=12) ## [Kromek receives £1.4m order to deliver D3M detectors for use in EU Stockpile](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3154:kromek-receives-1-4m-order-to-deliver-d3m-detectors-for-use-in-eu-stockpile&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 29 January 2024. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, announces that it has received an order in excess of £1.4m to supply D3M detectors and associated networkable solutions. The revenues are expected to be received within the current financial year. The detectors are intended for use in the rescEU stockpile, which is being developed by the European Commission to help safeguard citizens from disasters and manage emerging risks, including equipment to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks. The order is fully funded by the EU, through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “Amid increasingly fraught and volatile global relations, the need for sovereign nations to prepare for emerging risks has never been more important. “We are pleased to be able to contribute positively to global efforts to safeguard citizens against possible threats, accidental or deliberate. “This latest order for Kromek’s D3M line of detectors is another endorsement of our world-leading technology, which is amongst the most versatile and sensitive available, offering real time data of any potential nuclear threat so that decision making can be rapid and responses can be co-ordinated effectively.” [Detection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/detection), [Contract](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/contract) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/IMG_8075.jpeg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3153:day-one-of-cbrne-convergence-asia-2024&catid=12) ## [Day one of CBRNe Convergence Asia 2024](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3153:day-one-of-cbrne-convergence-asia-2024&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 24 January 2024. The weather in Singapore is humid, we have had storms rolling in and drenching the city, and the lightening alarm has gone off a fair few times, but that has not put a dampener on spirits here at the SCDF Civil Defence Academy. Day one has been great, the event was opened by Commissioner Eric Yap, who welcomed us all to this fantastic facility, and the morning proceeded with excellent presentations from HTX, DTRA, DSO national laboratories, Taiwan EPA and Philippine’s special rescue force. The afternoon saw presentations from First Line Technology and SCDF, which was then followed by a fantastic capability demonstration by SCDF, who went all out to show our attendees just how amazing they are. ![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/93f954b0-b479-4427-a332-78937c4a70c1.jpeg) ![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/IMG_8036.jpeg) ![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/IMG_8041.jpeg) ![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/IMG_8062.jpeg) ![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/IMG_8059.jpeg) ![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SCDF/IMG_8004.jpeg) ## [Chemical Plant Explosion in Southern Russia Injures 9](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3152:chemical-plant-explosion-in-southern-russia-injures-9&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 18 January 2024. From The Moscow Times: Nine people were injured in an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in southern Russia’s Rostov region, authorities said Wednesday, less than a year after the plant's opening. Security camera footage[ captured](https://t.me/ostorozhno_novosti/22682) the moment when a huge explosion ripped through the Shakhtinsky Polyester Plant in the town of Shakhty. Five people were [hospitalized](https://t.me/golubev_vu/1055 "hospitalized") with various injuries, three others with burn wounds and one person was treated without hospitalization, Rostov region Governor Vasily Golubev said. He said the blaze had been contained more than an hour after emergency crews were notified. Golubev[ denied](https://t.me/golubev_vu/1054) rumors on social media that the plant explosion occurred as a result of a drone strike. The Rostov region borders eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk and Donetsk regions, which are partially occupied by Russian troops. [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/events/sponsor_logos/Kromek_Logo_Strapline_Pos.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3151:kromek-secures-four-contracts-worth-1-63m&catid=12) ## [Kromek secures four contracts worth $1.63m](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3151:kromek-secures-four-contracts-worth-1-63m&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 18 January 2024. Kromek has announced to shareholders that it has secured four orders worth a total of $1.63m (£1.28m) in the advanced imaging segment. The orders, which are all from existing customers, are to provide the group’s detector components for computed tomography and gamma imaging applications and gamma probes. Two of the orders are to be delivered in the current financial year and two are for delivery over the next 12 to 24 months. Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are pleased to have received these orders from existing customers, which is illustrative of the repeat nature of our business in the advanced imaging segment. With the increasing adoption of next-generation detection modalities by OEMs in the medical imaging market, we expect to continue to expand our customer base in this key area. "Accordingly, and as our existing development agreements progress to the supply phase, we look forward to sustained growth in the volume of repeat business alongside winning orders from new customers.” Last week Kromek revealed how a team of eight dogs, kitted out with its radiation detection technology, have taken to the battlefields of Ukraine to alert soldiers to potential harm near nuclear power stations. The dogs have been fitted with pocket-sized detectors to help Ukrainian troops identify risks where there has been heavy fighting near nuclear sites. The detectors pick up low levels of radiation and the type of source, before sending data back to soldiers between 20-30m away via an app, sounding an alarm – and being called back – almost immediately if the dog gets too close. [Detection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/detection), [Contract](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/contract) [![](https://cbrneworld.com/component/ajax/?p=image&src=%7B%22file%22%3A%22images%2FNews-Images%2FMetagenomics.jpg%22%2C%22thumbnail%22%3A%22%2C%22%7D&hash=14754262)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3150:u-s-uk-strategic-dialogue-on-biological-security&catid=12) ## [U.S. – UK Strategic Dialogue on Biological Security](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3150:u-s-uk-strategic-dialogue-on-biological-security&catid=12) Written by Zoe Rutherford on 18 January 2024. Building on the June 10, 2021 New Atlantic Charter and the June 8, 2023 Atlantic Declaration on Economic Security, the U.S. National Security Council and the UK Cabinet Office announced a new Strategic Dialogue on Biological Security during a launch event. Underpinned by the [UK Biological Security Strategy](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-biological-security-strategy) and the [U.S. National Biodefense Strategy](https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/National-Biodefense-Strategy-and-Implementation-Plan-Final.pdf), this Strategic Dialogue reflects a shared ambition to bolster future heath and economic resilience against a growing and diverse spectrum of biological threats. The Strategic Dialogue reaffirms both nations’ commitment to increase collaboration in the following ways: - Develop a shared understanding of research and development (R&D) needs at the onset of new disease outbreaks, allowing for improved responsiveness by shaping global R&D efforts and supporting early technology assessments. - Adopt a One Health approach to biosurveillance and biological threat detection, in support of international efforts to develop stronger and more interconnected global surveillance capabilities. - Pursue the development of new tools and methodologies for microbial forensics and attribution. - Promote responsible innovation in the biotechnology, health, and life sciences sectors, shaping global norms and standards on biosafety and biosecurity while simultaneously protecting burgeoning bio-economies. - Facilitate the development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics, in line with the 100-Days Mission vision supported by G7 leaders in Carbis Bay in 2021 and reaffirmed at the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima. - Strengthen coordination of efforts to counter biological threats, including developing joint measures to address Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention compliance. The two nations announced a new strategic dialogue on biosecurity. The Cabinet Office said this will strengthen their collaboration on bio-surveillance to detect threats to humans, animals, plants and the environment; vaccine and therapeutics development; research and development for a swifter response to disease outbreaks; microbial forensics; and promoting global responsible innovation in biotechnology, health and life sciences. Announced by the Cabinet Office and White House National Security Council, the partnership builds on existing commitments made in the Atlantic Declaration signed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden in Washington last June to bolster UK-US economic ties. In a further bid to boost the UK’s biosecurity capabilities, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden also announced a £2 million uplift for the Guy’s and St Thomas’ respiratory metagenomics project, which uses genetic sequencing to detect pathogens while providing crucial data on emerging diseases. Mr Dowden, who is visiting St Thomas’ Hospital to see progress on the scheme, said: “I am pleased to be announcing this strategic partnership with the UK’s closest ally, the United States, which reflects our shared ambitions to build resilience in the face of increased biosecurity threats. “Schemes such as the respiratory metagenomics project are key to increasing our biosecurity, with the work done at Guy’s and St Thomas’ serving the dual purpose of improved NHS diagnosis and informing systems to monitor infectious diseases which threaten the health and economic security of our nation.” Professor Ian Abbs, chief executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Through metagenomic testing, we can now identify and treat infections faster than ever before. Our ambition for diagnosing within hours rather than days is becoming a reality. “The benefits of this investment in the metagenomics service will in time reach beyond our wards to provide this capability at hospitals across England, identifying emerging pathogens at a national scale.” ## Schema ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "News", "item": "https://cbrneworld.com/news" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Subscribers", "item": "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers" } ] } ```