Tampa-based StemRad has closed a $4.5 million contract deal to manufacture hundreds of its protective belts for U.S. National Guard soldiers and airmen. It's the first contract of its kind for the company — one that has taken nearly five years to complete — and it means the demand for StemRad's tech is building, particularly as geopolitical tensions grow. StemRad now has a commercially viable product and a first-mover advantage in the protective equipment market.
With this contract, StemRad continues to showcase the unique capabilities of its 360 Gamma radiation protective belts. By selectively shielding stem cell-rich organs in the pelvic region, StemRad is making protection from gamma radiation a reality. The 360 Gamma belt reduces the probability of cancer due to low-dose exposures while preventing early mortalities following high-dose exposures.
The $4.5 million contract, which was funded by the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account, is for a total of 630 belts and onsite training at the Consequence Management Support Center in Lexington, Kentucky. When requested, the National Guard supports civil authorities in mitigating domestic radiological incidents, whether they are intentional acts, such as a dirty bomb, or accidents that can include a nuclear reactor meltdown.
An Ottawa youth facing terrorism charges for an alleged plot against the Jewish community is now also accused of having explosives in his possession.
The youth, who cannot be identified, was arrested December 15th and charged with facilitating and knowingly instructing someone to carry out a terrorist activity.
He appeared in court by video conference from within the Ottawa courthouse today, where the Crown introduced three additional charges.
The court would not provide the details of the charges on Monday, but a source close to the case says the youth is now also charged with possessing explosives as recently as Friday.
The source says the court information indicates the explosives were acetone and an oxidizer, and that the youth is accused of intending to use them to endanger life.
The information provided by the source shows the terrorism-related allegations date back to Oct. 24 and that the alleged terrorist activity was directed "against Jewish persons."
First Light Diagnostics announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its SensiTox® B. anthracis Toxin Test to be marketed in the U.S.
B. anthracis, the agent that causes anthrax, is a top biodefense concern due to the ease of widespread dissemination and the high mortality and morbidity associated with inhalation anthrax. Because of the severity and rapid progression of the disease, it is critical to diagnose and treat patients early in the course of infection. First Light’s SensiTox B. anthracis Toxin Test detects lethal factor, an early biomarker of anthrax infection, making the test particularly suitable as an aid for the rapid and early diagnosis of inhalation anthrax.
The SensiTox B. anthracis Toxin Test, for use with First Light’s proprietary MultiPath Analyzer, is a sensitive qualitative immunofluorescence assay intended for the rapid detection of lethal factor in blood from individuals with signs and symptoms consistent with inhalation anthrax and a likelihood of exposure to B. anthracis. The test’s performance was evaluated in a clinical study conducted at three sites in the U.S. Negative (NPA) and Positive Percent Agreement (PPA) were evaluated in blood specimens presumed to be negative for anthrax and in contrived blood specimens spiked with the B. anthracis lethal factor, respectively. The clinical study demonstrated 100% NPA and 96.2% PPA.
The 20-minute test has a simple workflow that minimizes specimen handling on the part of the laboratory technician. The patient’s blood sample is added directly to a test cartridge that is placed onto the MultiPath Analyzer, a benchtop laboratory instrument that can test up to 20 samples in parallel or employ random access, continuous loading of individual samples.
“We are very pleased with the results of the clinical study and the overall performance of our test. We are confident that our test, with its demonstrated performance, and rapid time to result would have enormous public health benefit in a biothreat situation,” said Joanne Spadoro, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Light Diagnostics.
In addition to the SensiTox B. anthracis Toxin Test, First Light’s SensiTox C. difficile Toxin Test is market cleared in the U.S.
The development of the SensiTox B. anthracis Toxin Test and the MultiPath Analyzer has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract number HHSO100201500022C.
Markes International’s next-generation instrument for chemical warfare agent detection conquers major sector challenge encountered during discrete site monitoring
Markes International has launched its third-generation thermal desorption (TD) instrument for the continuous detection and monitoring of airborne chemical warfare agents (CWAs) at trace-levels.
The new TT24-7NRT™ is Markes’ third iteration of its well-established TT24-7 range. Like its predecessors, the TT24-7NRT utilises the company’s proprietary twin-trapping technology to deliver continuous, near-real-time (NRT) detection and monitoring of airborne agents at general population limit levels (GPL) with 100% sample coverage, and no sampling gaps whatsoever.
However, unlike previous models in the TT24-7 range, the TT24-7NRT incorporates Markes’ award-winning Multi-Gas technology, which enables the instrument to run on helium, nitrogen, or hydrogen carrier gas. As hydrogen can be obtained via on-site hydrogen generators, opting to use it instead of helium or nitrogen allows for discreet and trouble-free unattended operation in remote or difficult-to-reach locations, where usually cylinders would need to be manually delivered and replaced.
Dr Helen Martin, Manager of Markes’ TD business unit, commented: “The ability to continuously, confidently monitor for CWAs at remote locations without disruption is crucial within military and homeland security sectors. With its inbuilt capability to run on hydrogen, Markes’ new TT24-7NRT overcomes the challenge of cylinder replacements – making it ideal for use at discreet or remote sites. “The TT24-7NRT also benefits from Markes’ standard analytical quality control features and continuous instrument diagnostics. This provides an unrivalled level of confidence in both the instrument’s performance and the data it generates, whether it’s being continuously manned or running unattended for weeks at a time.”
Massimo Santoro, Business Development Director of Markes’ parent company (Schauenburg Analytics Ltd), summarised: “With the TT24-7NRT we’ve brought together the very latest advances in thermal desorption with specialist, application-specific product features, to support the unique requirements of CWA monitoring.
“Also, we’re excited to bring the benefits of our Multi-Gas technology to NRT CWA detection and monitoring, particularly as it does away with the need for cylinder supply and delivery. Naturally it also enables our military and homeland security customers to overcome the issue of globally deteriorating helium supply.”
Markes has over two decades of experience in the detection of CWAs, and as well as the TT24-7 range, several of its other instruments such as the TD100-xr™ and UNITY-xr™ thermal desorbers, and its Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™, have been used as behind-the-scenes ‘work horses’ to continuously monitor air, for chemical agents at stockpile destruction sites world-over.
Kenneth Law, the Canadian man accused of selling a poisonous chemical over the internet to suicidal individuals, has been charged with 14 counts of 2nd degree murder. He was previously charged with aiding suicide in relation to the deaths of people who had allegedly purchased the chemical from him.
Law's attorney has stated his client intends to plead not guilty to all charges.
Canadian detectives said Law had run a number of websites offering equipment and substances to help people end their lives, and believe he may have sent more than 1,200 parcels containing lethal substances to around 40 countries.
Police in the UK have linked Law to at least 90 deaths so far.
The chemical Law was selling is purported to be sodium nitrite, and archived pages of one of the sites Law sold through shows it offering sodium nitrate at more than 99 per cent purity, with label saying “food grade," a level that would be quickly lethal.
Protesters breached security at India's parliament on December 13th, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack that took 9 lives.
According to initial reports people had managed to access the main chamber and sprayed coloured gas, which of course evokes fear of chemical terrorism.
Later reports stated that those involved were using coloured smoke bombs at part of their protest, although it has not been reported what the protest was about.
There are 5 weeks to go until CBRNe Convergence Asia kicks of in Singapore from Jan 23-25.
We are excited to be working closely with the SCDF and holding the event at the Civil Defence Academy. We will be welcoming CBRN and Hazmat experts from around the world as part of our speaker programme as well as global suppliers of the latest and best equipment for all your mission needs.
We are also holding 2 fantastic pre-conference workshops:
Risk-Based Decontamination – Method Selection & Application, lead by Dr Christina Baxter & Dr Mike Logan, who will be discussing topics such as process selection (wet, dry, air-based, etc.) based upon chemical; dwell times based upon chemical-decontaminant/disinfectant; appropriate applications for skin, PPE, equipment, and area; hygiene; and, verification of decontamination effectiveness.
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, lead by Lieutenant John Cassidy, who will be going through issues such as Li-ion Battery Types Failure Mode Overview, Impact on the Fire Ground & Fire Behaviour and Fire Operations Considerations.
Health Security Systems Australia (HSSA), a division of Australian public company DMTC Limited, has announced plans for the transition of the division’s leadership.
Dr Leigh Farrell, who has been involved with DMTC since 2015 and has led the division since its establishment in mid-2021, will soon step down from a full-time role and continue with the Division in an advisory capacity. Dr Felicia Pradera, currently HSSA’s General Manager, will be the new Head of HSSA with effect from 1 January 2024.
HSSA’s mission – to lead and manage collaborative programs that enhance the protection of military and civilian personnel faced with chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) threats, emerging infectious diseases and pandemics – is unchanged.
“Leigh’s expertise and experience, and the way he has invested in the capacity and skillsets of the team, has been pivotal to the successful formation and rapid growth of the division,” Dr Pradera said. “With its resolute focus on the development of game-changing technologies and its support for innovative and genuinely collaborative programs and projects, the division is well-positioned to continue to grow.”
Taking on the leadership of the division in July 2021 was always intended to be a focused and short-term assignment, Dr Farrell says. “This transition period isn’t a reflection of a change in that plan, this was the plan,” Dr Farrell said. “Felicia is highly regarded here and internationally, and is the right person to take the division forward. I’m excited about the prospect of continuing to support the division and contribute to the delivery of specific projects.”
Dr Pradera remains on secondment to DMTC from the Department of Defence.
The CEO of DMTC, Dr Mark Hodge, said the division had already played a key role in elevating health security to be acknowledged as an important element of national security.
“The recent diversification of HSSA’s portfolio of activities beyond Defence is both timely and eminently sensible, nothing that CBR threats to the health of military personnel are also threats to public health and to the civilian first responders deployed as part of any coordinated crisis response,” Dr Hodge said. “The division and its partners are doing incredibly important work, and it’s entirely consistent with DMTC’s efforts for and on behalf of Defence and Government customers, nothing the clear focus on partnering in the current strategic environment.”
In recent months, the HSSA team has been joined by Dr Emma Prato to lead the Medical Countermeasures (MedCM) Program, Dr Maryanne Spiers to lead projects in the Modelling & Simulation and Sensing Systems programs, and Mark Druss to boost the division’s analytics and program management capabilities.
Following successful system development programs and a Production Readiness Review, the Milestone C acquisition decision for the Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (“JBTDS”) program was approved. The JBTDS is a critical system for detection of aerosolized biological warfare agents at the operational point-of-need.
InnovaPrep LLC announced the contract award from Chemring Systems and Electronic Systems (Prime) to supply hardware and consumables in support of the Low-Rate Initial Production (“LRIP”) phase of the Department of Defense’s Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (“JBTDS”) program.
“This contract is a testament to the crucial role of air sampling for safe and rapid detection of biological threats,” said Dave Alburty, CEO InnovaPrep. “InnovaPrep continues to expand its capabilities to improve its air sampling systems that provide rapid and efficient target capture and recovery solutions ensuring accurate threat detection where it is needed most.”
About InnovaPrep
InnovaPrep LLC, a privately held company based in Drexel, MO, is the global provider of rapid sample preparation tools and technology that enable customers to improve assay sensitivity and reduce sample-to-result time. InnovaPrep tools and technologies aid in rapid and efficient isolation and concentration of particulates, including biological, chemical and synthetic, from air, surfaces and liquids. The patented products and technology processes efficiently recover target particles after isolation and deliver concentrated liquid samples ready for immediate use in downstream analytical methods—with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
Concentrated samples are compatible with traditional enrichment as well as rapid methods—including PCR and sequencing.
InnovaPrep provides solutions globally to customers in the Life Sciences and Applied markets, including academia, pharma, R&D and industrial applications, environmental and biodefense. Further information can be found at http://www.innovaprep.com.
Agilent Technologies Inc. today announced that the Agilent Resolve Handheld Raman Spectrometer has been recognized for excellence as a tool for emergency responders following independent use and evaluation by both the UK’s National CBRN Centre, and the US’ Department of Homeland Security.
In the United Kingdom, the Resolve instrument received the National CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Centre Certificate of Merit for 2023. The CBRN Certificate of Merit award recognizes the value of the Resolve instrument, and the added services and responsivity Agilent provides to its customers. The award was presented in recognition of Agilent’s ongoing service and support to the National CBRN Centre and multi-agency partners, strengthening the UK’s ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
The National CBRN Centre (NCBRNC) brings together the emergency services and wider partners to protect and prepare the UK against the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threat. This certificate is confirmation that all these services based in the UK recognize the benefits of the Agilent Resolve Handheld Raman Spectrometer.
“Partnerships with existing and new suppliers across the broad spectrum that CBRN response require have meant that we are able to assure the UK response to a CBRN incident,” explained Inspector Scott Howard, National CBRN Centre, Counter Terrorism Policing. “This is why Agilent, as an equipment supplier to the NCBRNC, was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Head of Centre in recognition of the ongoing service and support provided to us and our multi-agency partners. This support has ultimately strengthened the UK response to counter-terrorism incidents involving CBRN material, and for that, we are truly grateful.”
In the United States, the Agilent Resolve was awarded the highest overall score amongst handheld Raman devices available in the market in an assessment conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program. In the independent evaluation performed by emergency responders, the Resolve also scored the highest in the "Capability" criterion, exceeding the expectations of all evaluators as it correctly identified samples through all containers used at the assessment. This ability reduces the risk of accidental exposure of operators and the public to hazardous materials.
“Both the National CBRN Centre Certificate of Merit award and the SAVER evaluation reflect Agilent’s aspiration to supply the best possible solutions and services for our customers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public every day,” said Robert Stokes, Field Detection Marketing Director at Agilent. “These accolades are an important recognition of the Resolve being a key apparatus choice for emergency responders across the globe.”
The Agilent Resolve instrument utilizes proprietary spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) technology designed to enable positive identification through a wide range of sealed nonmetallic containers, barriers, and packaging. The world’s only handheld Raman system enables true through-barrier identification of hazardous or contraband materials.
Avon Protection, a global leader in mission-critical solutions, is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to innovation within the defence industry. The renowned Artis research and development laboratory, located in Melksham, UK, has been brought into the Avon Protection brand, aligning the lab's legacy of quality with the Avon Protection name.
In a world where the safety of operators is paramount, Avon Protection continues to stand at the forefront of technological innovation. "Our equipment protects over 3.5 million users around the world each day, in large part because we have continued to innovate and improve comfort and safety levels for operators no matter how extreme their environment or how daunting their task," emphasized Steve Elwell, President of Avon Protection. "Our latest cutting-edge developments are the result of deep investment in materials and technology innovation, an integral part of our identity, to better support those who protect us, every day."
Under this new banner, Avon Protection reinforces its dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance and exceed the needs of its customers. The lab is at the centre of this commitment. Its material innovation scientists are dedicated to providing rubber and polymer research and development capabilities across various industry sectors, including defence, transport, and oil and gas. Their product and process development leverage these capabilities to guarantee the creation of new materials that meet the requirements for both product performance and processability. From 50 series respirators to EXOSKIN CBRN boots and gloves, their tailored material solutions are extensive and versatile.
Avon Protection's lab is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, enabling comprehensive rubber compound development, rigorous physical and mechanical testing, assessment of temperature and environmental effects, chemical analysis, defect investigations, and the characterization of properties and in-rubber performance of novel filler materials and other ingredients. These advanced capabilities empower defence industry leaders to develop superior, sustainable materials for their critical applications.
“Our legacy of delivering more than 100 years of experience in rubber and other polymer materials to the world as Avon Protection signifies our deep-rooted dedication to innovation. It’s ingrained in our DNA to think about our customer’s needs and innovate relentlessly to meet and exceed them with our mission-critical solutions” Martin Spencer, VP Engineering at Avon Protection said. "The breadth of services delivered by our talented team not only supports our product development aspirations but also allows our customers to develop better materials for their product applications. This is provided with the quality, expertise and excellence the Avon Protection name is known for around the globe."
A recent report in the New York Times (NYT) has highlighted that Russia may be preparing to test a nuclear powered missile.
According to NYT "movements of aircraft and vehicles at and near a base in Russia’s remote Arctic region are consistent with preparations that were made for tests of the missile, known as the Burevestnik or SSC-X-9 Skyfall, in 2017 and 2018."
the report goes further to state that "on Aug. 31, the Russian authorities issued an aviation notice for a “temporary danger area,” advising pilots to avoid part of the Barents Sea off the coast and 12 miles from the launch site, known as Pankovo. The notice has since been extended several times and, as of Sunday, was scheduled to be in force through Oct. 6. Russia issued a similar notice before a Burevestnik test in 2019."
The White House declined to comment on NYT's findings.
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