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Muon Detector Could Thwart Nuclear Smugglers

Posted by Hemos on from the interesting-applicatons dept.

Ben Sullivan writes "Cosmic rays that bombard Earth could help catch smugglers trying to bring nuclear weapons into the U.S. Los Alamos scientists say they've developed a detector that can see through lead or other heavy shielding in truck trailers or cargo containers to detect uranium, plutonium or other n-bomb materials. Their technique, muon radiography, is reportedly far more sensitive than x-rays, with none of the radiation hazards of x-ray or gamma-ray detectors now used at border crossings. From Science Blog."

4 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. tin foil foiled by Patrik_AKA_RedX · · Score: 4, Funny

    We should have seen it coming: tin foil hats are useless now...

  2. Through lead?? by Kiriwas · · Score: 1, Funny

    We can now see through lead? I feel my childhood collapsing around me... Science has just surpased Superman

  3. Re:Hope it performs better... by bigpat · · Score: 2, Funny

    Police: Sir are you carrying a nuclear weapon or materials?

    Evildoer: No, sir. I just left my doctor's office and had received a radiation treat

    Police: (Calls doctor) Sir your story checks out sorry for the trouble.

    Evildoer: Thank you, sir. I understand completely...

    Police: Hey wait! Why does it say "Evildoer" next to your line in the script?!? I think I'd better have another look here. I knew that false leg with the timer counting down looked a little suspicious!

  4. Re:Hope it performs better... by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 2, Funny

    I don't think organized, committed nuclear terrorists will be as gullible as we Americans who foot the bill.

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    make install -not war