Old Methods Used to Detect Liquid Explosives

Bain writes "According to Wired News, the UK fear of terrorists using liquid explosives could be dramatically reduced by the use of some very old tech. Recent events have seen passengers forced to pack only the barest of essentials into clear plastic bags and the restriction on all liquids force even mothers with young children to have to test bottled milk to prove that it isn't a dangerous liquid." From the article: "For a machine to detect explosives in liquid or solid form, it bombards an object with energy -- such as radio waves or neutrons -- and in seconds measures the reaction, a response that differs depending on the material's chemical properties. Software in the machine is programmed to alert screeners if it detects chemical signatures known to match those of dangerous materials. A key question, though, is whether this kind of detection system can realistically block terrorists from bringing seemingly innocuous liquids past security and combining them later to deadly effect."

Comments

No outside food or drinks

[writerjosh]

How about this -- treat the airplane just like a movie theater: no outside food/drinks allowed. We need to dispense with the high gadgets and just say you can't bring anything on board except the clothes on your back. All food, drinks and comfort will be provided by the airlines. That the only way to truly make things safe. Or if overhead luggage is allowed, it must be locked down for the entire flight: no access at all.

It's unfortunate that we have to come to this level, but I'd rather sacrifice my precious water bottle on a long flight than end up crashing into a building any day.

But what about privacy?

[Kohath]

What if finding these liquid explosives invades the terrorist's privacy? Isn't it bad enough that the NSA was spying on these terrorists and violating their privacy in the UK? Now you want to detect their explosives? Someday, terrorists won't be able to enjoy any privacy at all!

It doesn't seem fair to the terrorists at all.

Where's the ACLU on this?

Re:easier way to defeat terrorism....

[badfish99]

Alternatively, forcibly convert everyone to Islam. Then we will all be on the same side.

My solution is better than yours, because your solution kills a lot of innocent people, whereas mine shows a respect for life.

Re:Even?

[Distinguished Hero]

Addendum:
I have devised a system by which an even older method can be used to detect the vast majority of contemporary terrorists. This method, which involves only a pen and paper, consists of offering each passanger the opportunity to illustrate a cartoon involving the prophet Mohammed* if they desire to be fast tracked through the screening process. Anyone who refuses the fast track process could then be subjected to a system involving far more scrutiny.

*This method is supported by the empirical evidence that has been collected during the Danish Cartoon Riots and Crisis.