News
Representatives introduce bill to strengthen cybersecurity programs
Seeking to expand the workforce for cybersecurity, U.S. Reps. Dan Donovan (R-NY) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced last week the Cyber Ready Workforce Act, which would support the creation and expansion of apprenticeship programs therein. “Cybersecurity threats will continue to present... Read More »
House committee advances bill that would strengthen cyber defense
The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security recently advanced the Hack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Act that was introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH). The act would establish a bug bounty pilot program to strengthen cyber defenses at the Department of... Read More »
House approves bill to counter weapons of mass destruction
The U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation last week to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fight terrorist threats from weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The House unanimously approved the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (H.R. 6198), which enables DHS... Read More »
Funding to bolster NASIC initiative
Senate lawmakers have approved a report earmarking $61 million for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), which is located at Ohio’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The Armed Services Committee authorized the funding as part of the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act... Read More »
Study identifies role Nipah, Hendra virus protein plays in disease spread
A research team has uncovered how W protein -- a viral protein that factors into both Nipah and Hendra virus infections -- targets critical cell functions, leading to suppression of immune responses and spreading of these viruses. W protein binds to proteins in the host cells and allows for... Read More »
Rep. McSally presses committee to fund wing replacement of A-10 Warthog fleet
As the U.S. Air Force considers removing the A-10 Warthog from active use, U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) has written a letter to the Defense Appropriations Conference Committee urging for the committee to fully fund the $144 million to re-wing them instead. While some say the A-10 aircraft is... Read More »
Senators urge State Department to adopt cybersecurity measure
A group of five bipartisan senators recently urged the State Department to adopt cybersecurity measures to protect against phishing and other cyberattacks. The letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo follows multiple reports by the Office of Inspector General that outside auditors found the... Read More »
Reps. Bishop, Conaway seek information on how Iran used sanctions relief
U.S. Reps. Mike Bishop (R-MI) and Mike Conaway (R-TX) introduced a bill to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit a report to Congress on Iran’s use of assets received from sanctions relief. The bill, the Iran Payments Accountability Act of 2018 (H.R. 6774), states that... Read More »
Non-antibiotic drug treatment under development to counter TB
Tuberculosis (TB) has been successfully treated in animals utilizing a non-antibiotic drug, according to scientists at the University of Manchester. The success makes the drug the first non-antibiotic to successfully treat TB -- a disease that kills around 1.7 million people worldwide each year.... Read More »
Nearly one ton of cocaine seized in Joint Interagency Task Force raid
Cocaine valued at more than $25 million was seized last month during a Joint Interagency Task Force South interception of a low-profile vessel moving in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. In all, nearly a ton of cocaine was pulled from the vessel after it was spotted by a... Read More »
Raytheon, HawkEye 360 form alliance
Raytheon Co.'s intelligence, information and service business recently allied with HawkEye 360 to focus on providing innovative commercial technologies and precision data to the government. The alliance includes investment in HawkEye 360 and gives Raytheon access to data that will enhance its... Read More »
Infectious Disease Society warns of public health risks post-hurricane
As Hurricane Florence, a category 4 storm, bears down on the Carolinas, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) is warning about the potential for public health threats in the storm’s aftermath. IDSA points out that with over 1 million people being evacuated from their homes, shelters... Read More »
Phase 1 human clinical trials begin on antimalarial drug
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), in conjunction with the Duke University School of Medicine, has begun enrolling for a Phase 1 clinical trial of a new antimalarial drug and its efficacy in humans. This early stage trial is being led by Dr. Michael... Read More »
US Air Force awards Boeing $2.9B contract for tanker production
Boeing gained a $2.9 billion contract from the United States Air Force this week, making them responsible for the fourth production lot of KC-46A tanker aircraft and all associated equipment. The KC-46A is a tanker with multiple roles, able to refuel allied and coalition military aircraft, as... Read More »
Air Force safety review highlights areas of focus
The U.S. Air Force recently conducted an operational safety review and identified several areas of focus. The findings have been released to field, flying and maintenance leaders at every level, so they can address the issues, facilitate safety review discussions and make more informed... Read More »Rep. Katko introduces bill to curb gun violence
U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) introduced the Protecting our Communities and Rights Act of 2018 this week, which would establish a process to allow law enforcement to confiscate guns from individuals who are dangerous or unfit to have them. It is a federal version of “red flag” laws that have... Read More »
High-tech checkpoint scanner deployed at Oakland airport for improved explosives detection
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has deployed a 3-D imaging scanner at a security checkpoint in Oakland International Airport (OAK) to counter explosives smuggling and other threats to flights. The utilized technology is known as computed tomography (CT), and its deployment at... Read More »
Marines seek more advanced communications through next-gen hearing devices
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has put out a call to industry for hearing enhancement devices that could help soldiers in combat and in training with situational awareness. “Marines have the earplugs and they do provide protection, but sometimes they choose not to wear them because they... Read More »
Massachusetts fire departments receive $4.5 million in grants
Twenty-seven Massachusetts fire departments recently were awarded nearly $4.5 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Twenty-four fire departments received funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and two received funding through the... Read More »
DOD’s DARPA to invest $2 billion to advance artificial intelligence
The Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a $2 billion investment in developing artificial intelligence with the launch of a program called AI Next. “With AI Next, we are making multiple research investments aimed at transforming computers from... Read More »
Sen. Wicker seeks enhanced Mississippi airport security
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) is seeking federal assurances designed to enhance security and efficiency at the state’s airports. The senator recently participated in a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing and used the forum to address concerns with Transportation... Read More »
IPNDV looks to turn nuclear disarmament procedure into practice
At a meeting of the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV) Joint Working Group in Seoul earlier this summer, experts announced their intentions to take ideas for the nuclear dismantlement lifecycle into exercises and technology demonstrations. This second phase is... Read More »
Mix of economic, social factors needed to fight antibiotic resistance, researchers say
An international team of researchers published a report last week that analyzed economic and public health data to determine factors that lead to curbing antibiotic resistance throughout the world. The researchers, which included experts from the Center of Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy... Read More »
Corporate, academic partners chosen for NASA cooperation on 2020 drone demo
A cooperative agreement will join Bell Helicopter, Textron Systems, Xwing and the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Center with NASA for a flight demonstration of unmanned aircraft systems in the National Airspace System (NAS). The drone in question will utilize vertical take-off and... Read More »
GAO issues recommendations to improve FEMA risk model
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released three recommendations to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) risk-based grant assessment model. Risk models are used to determine how to allot preparedness grants. States and urban areas considered higher... Read More »
Calif. senators urge FCC, mobile providers to guarantee service to first responders
U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) along with leading mobile providers to guarantee service to first responders during emergencies. The California senators also asked the mobile service providers – specifically... Read More »
House advances cyber protection measure
House lawmakers advanced this week a measure designed to bolster protections against state-sponsored cyber activity threats aimed at the United States. The Cyber Deterrence and Response Act of 2018 protects the nation’s economy, elections, and infrastructure from cyber activity by establishing... Read More »
Senators introduce legislation to strengthen Taiwan’s global standing
U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation this week that demands a U.S. strategy to bolster Taiwan’s diplomatic standing around the world. The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI)... Read More »
Baylor examines topical cream efficacy for influenza vaccine
Investigators from the Baylor College of Medicine began phase 1 clinical trials this week for a topical cream designed to enhance immune response granted by an influenza vaccine. The cream, known as imiquimod, is more commonly known for its use on genital warts and skin cancers because of its... Read More »
CBP, Coast Guard seize nearly $55M worth of cocaine
In a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP/AMO) intercepted a low profile vessel last month which led to more than 2 tons of cocaine seized. The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is approximately $54,938,000. Its... Read More »
Event focuses on challenges law enforcement faces
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently participated in a demonstration of the New York Police Department’s FIDO X-3 Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) system. The demonstration was part of an event, funded by the National Institute of... Read More »
House advances bill to improve border security
The U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill this week to improve border security and prevent potential terrorists and dangerous criminals from entering the country. The Biometric Identification Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) Authorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 6439) would fully authorize... Read More »
Report highlights growing terror threats
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, released Tuesday its latest report documenting terror threats from Islamist terrorists, noting the efforts are growing. McCaul presented the September Terror Threat Snapshot as part of an ongoing effort to highlight... Read More »
DoD targets South American disease through $2.5 million grant
Concern over the neurologically disastrous -- and sometimes fatal -- effects of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) has prompted the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to invest $2.5 million into a related, five-year research grant. Leading the team is Kylene Kehn-Hall, an associate... Read More »