CNN reports focus on Argonne anti-terror technologies

ARGONNE, Ill. (Jan. 3, 2008) — CNN's "Situation Room" recently focused on Argonne technologies with anti-terrorism applications. Video clips are available online.

The first report, which aired Dec. 24, centered on "Supergel," a material of engineered nanoparticles and a super-absorbent gel designed to clean up buildings and monuments exposed to radioactive materials. Having this system available will allow the nation to be more prepared in case of a terrorist attack with a "dirty bomb" or other radioactive dispersal device. Michael Kaminski, lead scientist of the project, was interviewed.

The report also highlighted Argonne's passive millimeter-wave spectroscopy technology, pioneered by Sami Gopalsami, Sasan Bakhtiari, Paul Raptis and Thomas Elmer (all NE). The technology has the capacity to identify chemical plumes at ranges of up to a few kilometers and at concentrations as low as 100-1,000 ppm. Mary Ann Yates (NS) was interviewed.

The second report, aired Dec. 26, focused on diamond films that can serve as sensors to detect biological and chemical agents, and biochips that can speed up their analysis. Orlando Auciello (MSD) and Dan Schabacker (ES) were interviewed.

Argonne National Laboratory brings the world's brightest scientists and engineers together to find exciting and creative new solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America 's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

For more information, please contact Steve McGregor (630/252-5580 or media@anl.gov) at Argonne.