Sensor Networks for NBC Threats

Nerdsville writes "Planet Analog have an article describing research into a nationwide sensor network that could provide a real-time early-warning system for chemical, biological and nuclear threats across the US. Researchers plan to use microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology to create accurate biological and chemical sensors. Linked in an Internet-like peer-to-peer network spanning wireless, wired and satellite links."

Comments

Probably too slow anyway

[Anonymous MadCoe]

From what I've learned a long time ago in the army one of the biggest issues with NBC is that even if you get an alert in a lot of cases you're just in time to let people know they should have put on their suit and masks allready.

So I wonder what a network like that could contribute.

(I say I'm wondering, not that it can't be done... Any suggestions?).

Re:Probably too slow anyway

[Thng]

It may be too slow to save people from immediate exposure, but at least in the case of biologicals, it could act as a warning to contain the contamination and prevent further exposure, possibly same with radiological weapons.

As a side note, my gf is working with a grad student who is trying to engineer an ornamental plant to be placed in public areas that will turn color when it's been exposed to various biological agents.

Paranoia

[lovebyte]

Where will American paranoia stop?
Probably when government funding will.

Poor sensors

[noah_fense]

I can see it now: thousands of people fleeing the subway when a sensor trips because someone lit up a cigarette underneath one. Now every ignores it when a real NBC attack comes around, just like the tsunami early warning systems in the pacific.

This IS a gov't project, and this one is only getting funding because of people who watch the news too much and are becoming exactly what terrorists want: afraid.

Also, politicians are aching to to jump on the "spend money on homeland security" bandwagon. 2004 is just around the corner . . .

-n

Re:A tool for us or them?

[Anonymous Coward]

I enlisted in the U.S. Army just before the 1st Gulf War and because of that had to go through more NBC training than most recruits. We learned how to donn our protective gear, decontaminate ourselves (including how to decontaminate your buddie's ass after he uses the latrine), and give ourselves injections against neurotoxins. But, privately, the Sergeants doing the training would tell you that NBC weapons are like lightning. You're either hit or you're not, and there's not a whole helluva lot you can do if you are, except kiss your ass goodbye. If you're going into an area that's been affected, then your MOPP gear does some good. Otherwise, they said, it's mostly there to give you courage and keep you from sneaking out the back way. And that's what this news is about. If you hear the sirens go off, you're okay. If you don't hear the sirens go off, you're either okay, or you're dead. So the information doesn't do you much good. It doesn't do the civil authorities a lot of good either. When the dead people start piling up and nobody can get anybody to answer a phone in NYC, it will eventually dawn on people what happened. Like so much post-911 action, this is like a doctor giving you a placebo to hide the fact that he either doesn't have a clue what's wrong or that he knows but can't fix it and doesn't want to fess up. Or maybe he's worried that you'll think the cure is worse than the disease.

Re:Cause of terrorism already identified

[Anti Frozt]

Funny that you don't see attacks against other countries who have similar beliefs to America, i.e. Canada.

A lot of recent terrorist activities have been targetted at one country and one country alone. The United States. What is so different about their beliefs from those of others that has put them under the proverbial microscope?

Re:Early Warning System already exists

[Thing 1]

Soilder? As in Soil Der Pants? I know I would if a nuke was incoming.

I know this is a joke, but it's really interesting as to why we soil our pants in times of crisis.

It's evolutionary: prey, when running from predators, would take a dump in order to "lighten the load" so to speak. It's not much, but every ounce counts when your life is on the line.