DroneSense, a leading provider of comprehensive drone management software, and Safeware, Inc., a trusted safety and emergency equipment supplier, are excited to announce a strategic partnership to help leverage the power of drone technology to improve public safety outcomes. This collaboration enables Safeware to distribute the DroneSense platform, leveraging its comprehensive network of cooperative contracts. This partnership aims to make DroneSense's advanced drone management and collaboration tools more accessible to law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency management professionals across the United States.

The DroneSense platform is designed to enhance situational awareness, streamline operations, and improve decision-making for public safety operations. By joining forces, DroneSense and Safeware are committed to equipping first responders with the latest in drone technology, ensuring they have the tools necessary to protect communities and save lives.

Through this partnership, agencies can now easily procure the DroneSense platform through Safeware's cooperative contracts, simplifying the acquisition process and facilitating the integration of drones into public safety workflows.

We are thrilled to partner with Safeware to broaden the reach of our drone management platform," said Chris Eyhorn, CEO of DroneSense. "This partnership is a significant step towards our goal of making drone technology an indispensable part of public safety operations nationwide."

"Safeware has always been dedicated to providing innovative solutions to those who serve our communities," said Daric Simons, CEO of Safeware. "By offering the DroneSense platform, we are enhancing our commitment to equipping our heroes with the best tools available."

With this strategic alliance, DroneSense and Safeware are poised to deliver innovative solutions to public safety operations, underscoring their commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of
communities nationwide. By facilitating seamless access to cutting-edge drone management solutions, this partnership not only enhances the capabilities of emergency responders but also marks a significant advancement in the operational efficiency and effectiveness of public safety missions. Together, DroneSense and Safeware are dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in service to first responders and emergency management professionals.

For more information about DroneSense and Safeware, please visit DroneSense's website and Safeware's website.

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts completed a nuclear security mission at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station (KKNPS) in Japan today, which was carried out at the request of the country’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The nine-day mission, conducted from 25 March to 2 April 2024, aimed to assess the enhancement of the physical protection measures at the KKNPS, Japan’s largest nuclear facility with seven reactors, and to provide further advice as necessary to the facility's operator.

A physical protection system comprises people, procedures and equipment to provide defence in depth to address threats and to protect against both unauthorized removal of nuclear material and sabotage of nuclear material or facilities.

The five-person team assessed and observed physical protection measures against the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material as amended, and relevant IAEA Nuclear Security Guidance documents. They visited the KKNPS in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and met with staff of the facility’s operator, TEPCO. The team included experts from Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as one IAEA staff member.

The team observed the facility management’s commitment to improving nuclear security and identified continuous improvements in several areas of the KKNPS physical protection system since 2018, when the IAEA conducted an International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) Follow-up Mission in Japan, including a site visit at KKNPS. Most of the improvements have been completed, and some requiring significant resources and time to complete are either under implementation or planned to be implemented. The team provided TEPCO recommendations and suggestions for further improvements.

“Critical infrastructure, such as nuclear facilities, requires robust physical protection measures, as part of a national nuclear security regime supported by a legislative and regulatory framework and nuclear security culture,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “The IAEA expert missions are intended to assist the requesting States in establishing and further strengthening their national nuclear security regimes, including the physical protection against theft, sabotage or unauthorized use of nuclear and other radioactive material.”

“The findings provided by the experts of the Expert Mission team are very important and will be used further to enhance nuclear security of our plant in line with the IAEA international standards. Based on the advice given by the IAEA experts, TEPCO is committed to continuously improve our security measures by establishing a strong security culture to sustain this current security enhancement effort and prevent it from declining again in the future. Also, we will further strengthen the prevention measures against internal threat and continue our improvement aiming towards a better physical protection system, including intrusion detection. This Expert Mission has also provided us a great opportunity to learn about international good practices. We will continue to improve towards a plant, which our local region can trust and feel safe about,” said KKNPS Superintendent Takeyuki Inagaki of TEPCO.

The team presented its draft report of findings to TEPCO. The final report will be ready in the next few weeks. 

DJI has announced the launch of the DJI Dock 2. Featuring the DJI Matrice 3D/3TD drone, this lightweight “drone in a box” is cost-effective and simple to install and deploy.

Compatible with DJI FlightHub 2, automated aerial missions can be managed and monitored through cloud-based operations. As an end-to-end enterprise solution, DJI Dock 2 can streamline daily operations for surveying, inspections, asset management and security.

Compared to the previous generation, Dock 2 is significantly smaller and lighter while offering superior operation capabilities and cloud-based intelligent functions. For example, using DJI FlightHub 2, high-precision 3D models can be created based on collected flight data. With this information, drones can be programmed to automatically adjust the camera’s angle to capture the same area in subsequent flights. Routine surveying tasks can be automated with features like this, improving worker safety and efficiency.

DJI Dock 2 uses vision sensors to evaluate a site before deploying the drone, ensuring the flight path and destination have good GNSS signals. This significantly expedites the site selection process to 12 minutes or less, down from 5 hours. Once ready, it can quickly complete propeller inspections and get accurate RTH location information using its dual RTK antennas, allowing the drone to take off within a minute.

Both versions of DJI Dock 2 with either the DJI Matrice 3D or DJI Matrice 3TD can be reserved starting March 26. Interested buyers can get pricing from local authorized DJI Enterprise dealers. Learn more: https://enterprise.dji.com/dock-2.

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technology, supplied its leading high-energy X-ray screening systems to help secure the NFL Super Bowl attended by over 61,000 people on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Commonly used by customs and border operations to identify concealed contraband or threats, the three Smiths Detection HCVM cargo screening systems owned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, supplied from the Port of Long Beach, California, screened all incoming goods during the week prior to the event to ensure that no threats found their way into the stadium. 

The HVCM is a high-energy X-ray system that is capable of screening through up to 12.6in (320mm) of steel to reveal the contents of shipping containers or large vehicles. The mobile unit provides extra advantage by allowing the system to be moved where it is needed most. 

Matthias Springer, Vice President of Sales at Smiths Detection Inc., said, “We were honoured to once again have had our high-energy X-ray screening equipment used as part of the NFL’s high-level security operation to protect players, performers, spectators, and staff at this year’s Super Bowl. With tens of thousands in attendance and hundreds of millions more watching on television and online, the importance of security is paramount and we’re incredibly pleased to have been part of this successful event.”   

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technology, supplied its industry leading X-ray screening equipment to safely and efficiently secure the United Nations’ COP28 summit between November 30, 2023 – December 13, 2023, at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event was attended by a record 85,000+ core-participants, comprised of world leaders and business executives, an 80% increase over COP27.

To facilitate the vast quantity of footfall and goods, three types of X-ray solutions were deployed to ensure that no threats entered before and during the event. The HI-SCAN 6040 DV, an advanced dual-view X-ray inspection system, was used to automatically detect explosives and liquids, alongside state-of-the-art HI-SCAN 100100T-2is and HI-SCAN 145180-2is scanners that significantly shortened inspection times and increased operational efficiency. 

Over 100 machines were used in total, with the HI-SCAN 6040 DV being the most utilised. This solution eliminated the need to re-position or re-scan objects and offered superior image quality and easy integration into tray handling systems, the ideal scanner for efficient screening in high threat applications. 

Tom Squier, Managing Director at Smiths Detection Middle East, said, “We were proud to supply our state-of-the-art X-ray screening equipment at one of the world’s most high-profile events to protect world leaders, state delegates, business executives, and technical and support teams. Delegates from Smiths Group were also honoured to have taken part in several roundtables at COP 28, sharing their relevant industry experiences and insights as part of the global transition to achieve a more sustainable future.”

Kromek Group plc, a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, is pleased to announce that it has received a $2.1m order from an existing US-based OEM customer that is an emerging leader and global company in the homeland security marketplace.

The order is for the supply of key detector components for incorporation into the customers’ advanced security screening system for the detection of explosives. Delivery will commence in the current year and complete in the first half of FY 2025. The Group has been supplying this customer since 2017 when it was awarded a five-year delivery contract, following the completion of an R&D phase to design components to meet the customer’s requirements, and it expects to enter another long-term delivery contract.

Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are pleased to have received this latest order from a long-standing customer in the security screening market. It demonstrates the strength of our advanced imaging business where, after an initial design phase, we continue to receive orders for years to come. It also adds to the growing pipeline for FY 2025, which we expect to be a year of further growth. In addition, with the global aviation market now recovering, we expect another long-term delivery contract in due course, which will provide enhanced visibility into 2025 and beyond. We look forward to updating the market on our progress.” 

Originally published by Robert Herriman in Outbreak News Today. 

Plague is endemic in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where cases are regularly reported in some health zones including Aungba, Linga, Logo, Mahagi and Rethy.

However, since the beginning of this year, health zones of Logo and Rethy have reported an unusual number of suspected cases of plague with significant fatality. 

As of 20 February 2024, 99 cases and seven deaths ( CFR 7.1%) have been reported from the two health zones, including 84 cases of bubonic plague, 11 cases of pneumonic plague and four of septicemic plague.

Of the 21,725 cases of human plague reported globally during the first decade of the 21st century, 97 percent of the cases were reported from the African continent, according to a published report in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 1,612 deaths were also reported during the period of 2000-2009.

Leading all countries with number of human plague cases was the DRC, which reported 10,581 during the decade.

The next decade of this century saw a reduction in human plague cases compared to the previous decade. From 2010 through 2019, the six leading countries by numbers of human plague cases reported to the WHO were, in order from highest to lowest, Madagascar, DR Congo, Uganda, Peru, Tanzania, and the United States. From these countries, there was a total of 4,547 cases, of whom 786 (17%) died.

13 years on from the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, operating company TEPCO have released 12 photos from inside the site, which are the first ever images from inside the main structural support called the pedestal in the hardest-hit reactor's primary containment vessel, an area directly under the reactor's core.

The images, with explanations as to what they depict can be viewed here https://photo.tepco.co.jp/en/date/2024-e/202403-e/240318-01e.html

908 Devices Inc. a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announces the latest in international adoption of the MX908 for trace detection and identification of priority drugs and chemical threats. DrugDetect EU and NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have both entered into new contracts to deploy the MX908, a handheld high-pressure mass spectrometry (HPMS) device. The MX908 will be used in a variety of settings, from military applications to correctional facilities.

The DrugDetect EU project aims to quickly and effectively detect a large range of drugs in correctional institutions and prisons in several European countries to prevent drugs from entering and circulating in facilities. A contract was awarded to 908 Devices and the first two units shipped in recent months to Belgium and Greece, with more units expected to be procured. Operational validation demonstrated the effectiveness of the MX908 in detecting and identifying trace amounts of drug samples, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and others. 908 Devices is also conducting target development work for an additional 15 targets identified by the DrugDetect EU project.

“The MX908 is an incredibly flexible device that quickly and effectively identifies drugs and enables us to analyze results quickly across our 34 prisons,” said Paul Van Tigchelt, Minister of Justice, Belgium. “We’re committed to combatting drug use in our prisons, and simultaneously protecting our staff, and the MX908 empowers our decision-making with peace of mind.”

In addition to the DrugDetect EU project, the NSPA contract is significant as it streamlines the procurement process of the MX908 device for all 32 NATO member states and four additional countries. Specifically, the agreement is valid for up to five years and includes the ability to purchase up to approximately 80 units, of which orders have already been fulfilled and more expected. NATO countries and their allies can use the MX908 at the point of need in a variety of environmental conditions and analyze trace level samples in any state, including solid, liquid, gas/vapor and aerosol. The device is frequently used for military CBRNE applications.

“We’re honored to partner with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency and DrugDetect EU project as they work to advance detection and identification of chemical threats across Europe,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and co-founder of 908 Devices. “The versatility of our technology empowers users with life-saving insights and our customers are utilizing the MX908 on the frontlines to stem the flow of drugs and other illicit substances to mitigate damage throughout the region.”

The MX908 is a multi-mission handheld mass spectrometer utilized by elite responders conducting chemical, explosive, priority drug and HazMat operations around the world. Powered by HPMS and featuring an evolving target list, the MX908 identifies compounds at trace levels with a high level of sensitivity and unparalleled selectivity to deliver quick, actionable insights to its users.

To learn more about 908 Devices, please visit: 908devices.com.

The whole CBRNe World team was devastated to hear of the sudden death of Paul Cave. Paul had an incredibly long history in CBRN sales, in the UK and beyond. Most recently he was known as the Senior Business Development Manager at Thermo Fisher, but prior to this he had worked at ATI, Hazmat Link and started his career at Avon Protection in 1996. Our thoughts are with his family, and details on his funeral are here - https://paulcave.muchloved.com/ 

Ministry of the Interior Press Release

Ukraine has requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in preparing for threats related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. Finland responds to the request by sending an expert to join the EU’s international team.

The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), operating under the European Commission, has put together an international team to support Ukraine in identifying and preparing for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Some of the seconded experts work in Ukraine and some in Poland. Finland will send the expert to join the team in Poland.

Finland is an active provider of expert assistance

International civil protection operations refer to the provision of assistance under international treaties and legislation. Operations are undertaken in situations such as natural or man-made disasters and incidents that overwhelm the country’s own response capacities.

Finland participates in international civil protection operations through the European Union and international organisations. Any country can request assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism if it faces a crisis that it cannot handle alone. Requests for assistance are coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) operating under the European Commission. Assistance provided through the Civil Protection Mechanism is based on national resources. The assistance may take the form of specialised rescue teams or expert and material assistance.

The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance in the field of rescue services, that is, civil protection. The Emergency Services Academy Finland is the employer of seconded experts and bears responsibility for the training, recruitment and logistics of experts and the practical implementation of international civil protection operations.

Clinical Microbiomics A/S, the global microbiome science company, today announces the acquisition of DNASense ApS, an innovative Danish microbiome CRO specialized in long-read DNA and RNA sequencing technologies, and the associated cutting-edge bioinformatics.

The acquisition expands Clinical Microbiomics’ expertise and offering for new segments such as agriculture, industrial, and environmental ecosystems, and it adds cutting-edge long-read DNA- and RNA sequencing technologies to the extensive portfolio of multi-omics technologies for the microbiome field.

H. Bjørn Nielsen, CSO of Clinical Microbiomics, “DNASense is a first mover in applying long-read technology broadly across microbiome research and industrial applications. Adding this to our toolbox paves the way for synergies with our bioinformatics and allows for deeper exploration of the microbiome's complexities that will accelerate new discoveries.”

Mads Søndergaard, CEO of DNASense, comments on the synergies: "Joining Clinical Microbiomics is a pivotal moment for DNASense. Combining our services, we significantly expand the bioinformatics available to us for high-resolution taxonomical and functional insights in e.g. bioindustrial, environmental, agriculture, and animal microbiomes. Moreover, the ISO-certified laboratories and robust Quality Management System (QMS) by Clinical Microbiomics are critical to meet the requirements of an ever-expanding customer base. This acquisition provides excellent synergies for DNASense to continue improving the services offered."

The DNASense acquisition marks the completion of the first phase of the company’s strategy to build an eco-system of microbiome services that will enable clients and partners to deliver new innovations across human, animal, and environmental applications.

Manoj Dadlani, CCO and Chairman of Clinical Microbiomics, states: "The partnership with DNASense expands our portfolio of services and opens up new segments beyond human microbiome. This will significantly expand our addressable market and support our ambition to stay the global innovation and service leader for the microbiome field.”

Clinical Microbiomics is rapidly expanding. The acquisition is the third of its kind in just 18-months for the Danish-American microbiome service company. MS-Omics added leading metabolomics capabilities in October 2022, and the merger with CosmosID created a global multi-omics footprint for microbiome studies including software solutions.

The DNASense acquisition facilitates expansion into new applications of microbiome science to better understand diverse biological systems and ecological dynamics. We acknowledge the connections among microbial communities across diverse habitats — from humans, industrial bioprocesses and animals to soil and water — and their cumulative effect on global health and sustainability. By expanding our market presence and our suite of services, we aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the microbiome's holistic role across a wide range of complex challenges in both humans, non-humans, and the environment.

Commenting on the company’s strategy, Anders Grøn, CEO of Clinical Microbiomics, states: “We are a service and innovation company at our core. We rely on attracting the best scientists in our field and delivering results for our clients that yield lasting relationships. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of microbiome science, providing access to the newest technology and expertise for our clients, and expanding the boundaries for where and how microbiome science can be applied.”

A new brand reflecting the joint vision of Clinical Microbiomics, MS-Omics, CosmosID and DNASense will be unveiled in the summer of 2024, marking the beginning of the next chapter for the company and its role in the microbiome revolution.