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National Labs > National Security and the Labs For more than a half-century, the national laboratories have been at the forefront of protecting our nation — from the Second World War, through Cold War threats, to addressing today's terrorists threats at home and abroad. The University of California and the national laboratories take great pride in fulfilling their national security mission. More pivotal and critical than ever, the UC-managed labs at Berkeley, Livermore and Los Alamos are national leaders in cutting-edge research related to terrorist and homeland security threats. Among their many research endeavors, UC scientists are developing new tools in the war on terrorism, managing our nation's nuclear weapon stockpile, developing high-level remote air quality sensors, and analyzing bioagents and pathogens. The following links provide information about the myriad of national security programs at each of the three UC-managed national laboratories. Berkeley (LBNL) Several of the lab’s projects have useful applications in addressing potential threats to national security, including: Compact Neutron Source - This portable device uses neutrons to non-invasively screen the contents of things like baggage, air cargo, and mail. Unique in its speed and intensity, the neutron source is ideal for both spot checks and continuous scanning of large sizes and volumes of closed containers, to detect potentially dangerous contents such as explosives or fissionable materials. Rapid
DNA Sequencing of Microbial Pathogens - The Joint Genome Institute’s
expertise used to interpret and understand the human genome can
be applied to biothreat bacteria, so that detection, identification
and treatment can be improved. Developing a complete DNA sequence
catalog of potential microbial pathogens would provide key information
to identify particular bacterial strains, differentiate between
closely related infectious and non-infectious bacteria, identify
unique "signature" genes for rapid detection, and aid
in identifying the strain and potential source of origin. Building Occupant Protection Guide - The lab’s experience in indoor air quality and building ventilation research has been put into a simple kit for occupants and first responders at a building site that may have been attacked using chemical and biological agents. The easy-to-use booklet explains how contamination spreads through office buildings, so that rescue workers can take steps to minimize the impact of the contamination and mitigate exposures. The lab’s national security program is led by Bill Barletta, director of the lab’s accelerator and fusion research division. Livermore (LLNL) Los Alamos (LANL) National Security
- The mission of Los Alamos National Laboratory is national security. Information on the Nuclear Weapons program includes stewardship and research to ensure our nation's aging weapons remain in top shape. Los Alamos researchers are also developing technologies that defend the nation against a number of international threats, such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, chemical and biological agents, information terrorism and computer infiltration, and attacks on critical infrastructure. Congressional testimony on Los Alamos lab's contributions to homeland security, Associate Director Don Cobb, LANL Threat Reduction, July 10, 2002 (pdf) U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations testimony on "dirty bombs" by Associate Director Don Cobb, Mar. 6, 2002 (pdf) Congressional testimony on LANL's nuclear emergency response by Associate Director Don Cobb, June 25, 2002 (pdf) New Mexico Legislature
Committee on Information Technology Oversight testimony on LANL's
role in counter terrorism and homeland security by Mary Anne
Yates, Senior Advisor, LANL Threat Reduction, Sep. 18, 2002 |
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