Raytheon Developing Microscopic Bomb Detector
November 12, 2019 | Raytheon CompanyEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Raytheon is using synthetic biology science to create a new method for detecting buried explosives, using bacteria as sensors. Under a contract from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Raytheon and partner Worcester Polytechnic Institute will program two bacterial strains to monitor ground surfaces for explosive materials.
The first strain will detect the presence or absence of explosives buried underground. If the first strain detects explosives, the second strain will produce a glowing light on the ground's surface. Remote cameras or unmanned aerial vehicles can then be used to survey large areas for the telltale luminescence.
"We already know that some bacteria can be programmed to be very good at detecting explosives, but it's harder underground," said Allison Taggart, Ph.D. and principal investigator for the Bio Reporters for Subterranean Surveillance program at Raytheon BBN Technologies. "We're investigating how to transport the reporting bacteria to the required depth underground, and then pushing the luminescence up to the surface so it's easily visible."
Synthetic biology combines principles of electrical engineering with computer science to modify DNA. The Subterranean Surveillance program is one example in which advances in synthetic biology are being used to develop sensors that can reveal a variety of subterranean phenomena at a distance.
"Using bio sensors underground could help us save lives as well as detect threats to air quality and the water supply," Taggart added. "The modular design of the system we're developing will allow us to swap in different components as needed to detect various kinds of threats and contaminants."
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2018 sales of $27 billion and 67,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 97 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Suggested Items
Coherix Partners with EMU on 'Factory of the Future' Technology Program
05/08/2024 | PRNewswireMichigan-based Coherix is working with Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti to develop "factory-of-the-future" manufacturing and assembly technology.
NASA Doubles Down, Advances 6 Innovative Tech Concepts to New Phase
05/03/2024 | NASAOne of the ‘science fiction-like’ concepts — for a lunar railway system to provide payload transport on the Moon — is being developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Sypris Receives New Releases Under Electronic Warfare Program
05/03/2024 | Sypris Electronics LLCSypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced that it has recently received additional releases under a multi-year production contract that was first announced in 2022. The order, which provides for Sypris to begin deliveries in 2024, calls for the manufacture and test of electronic assemblies for an additional four systems to be supplied to a U.S. DOD contractor.
SIA Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Legislation that Funds CHIPS & Science Programs
05/02/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today released the following statement from Vice President of Government Affairs David Isaacs in support of provisions included in legislation pending before the Senate Commerce Committee that would fund critical CHIPS & Science Act programs.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Exploring Electronic Card Testing and AI Integration with SPEA
05/02/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOLuca Fanelli, President of SPEA, and Andrea Furnari, Vice President, give insight into the company and its business units. The challenges in testing electronic cards and the company's solutions are discussed. SPEA has a global reach and focus on the US market are emphasized. The use of AI in testing, particularly in optical inspection and test program execution, is examined.