WFU professor designs atomic emission detector

User rating: 4.8 / 5 after 4 vote(s)

This photo shows the tungsten coil component of a prototype atomic emission detector that researchers at Wake Forest University and three other institutions are developing for the US Department of Homeland Security. Credit: Tommy Murphy instructional ...
This photo shows the tungsten coil component of a prototype atomic emission detector that researchers at Wake Forest University and three other institutions are developing for the US Department of Homeland Security. Credit: Tommy Murphy, instructional technology consultant, Wake Forest University

Brad Jones, a professor of chemistry at Wake Forest University, is leading a team of researchers at four institutions to develop the first handheld, field instrument capable of detecting and identifying radioactive particles at the site of potential contamination. The device will enable authorities to quickly test dust, soil, water and crops in the event of a terrorist attack such as a “dirty” bomb.


Full story »

All News summaries from General Science news
All News summaries for September 12, 2007

Over 200 narwhal trapped in Canadian ice

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
At least 200 narwhal whales in Canada's Arctic, trapped by winter ice that is setting in around them and facing starvation or suffocation, must be culled, officials said Friday.

Scientists identify blood component that turns bacteria virulent

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have discovered the key chemical that signals Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax, to become lethal. This finding opens up new avenues of exploration ...

Portuguese dinosaur tail's sale sparks controversy

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
A Portuguese bulldozer driver has sparked controversy in his country by up putting a dinosaur fossil he found 10 years ago for sale on the Internet.

Teens' Online Safety Improved by Education, Research Shows

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
Think protecting young teenagers on the Internet is important? Then be sure they think it's important, too, according to a forthcoming article in IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication.

Bulgarian archaeologists unearth ancient chariot

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Archaeologists have unearthed an elaborately decorated 1,800-year-old chariot sheathed in bronze at an ancient Thracian tomb in southeastern Bulgaria, the head of the excavation said Friday. "The ...