There was a news article this morning at Gizmodo (see link) saying that some people from Michigan State have come up with a new detector for IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Since IEDs have been a significant factor in the maiming of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is welcome news. The scientists have demonstrated some amount of proof of concept. The technology is beyond my expertise but promising. The Gizmodo article does a great job of explaining the concepts for those of us without the in-depth technical background but the entire paper can be found here.
In spite of the hype, the full paper states that the stand-off detection has only been demonstrated in lab conditions at distances of less than 12 meters (~40 feet). Still, this technology might one day save the lives and bodies of our soldiers and perhaps improve the lot of travelers at airports. The last detection device tried by TSA was a failure. They have been replaced by the "Full Body" scanners that optically scan for items, including explosives. Detection based on the technology in the article might be more robust. Until Janet Napolitano and John Pistole are removed from office or fired, technology will not change the procedures at airports.
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