Latest news with #PNNL
Fox News
a day ago
- Science
- Fox News
This new air scanner could replace drug dogs at US borders
Border Patrol is about to get a powerful new ally, and it doesn't bark. A microwave-sized device called VaporID could soon replace drug-sniffing dogs at U.S. border crossings. Built to detect fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and even explosives, the tech is showing accuracy and speed that trained dogs simply can't match. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my This portable air scanner, created at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is being brought to market by California-based instrument maker BaySpec. The device works by pulling in air and identifying molecules in real time using a miniature mass spectrometer. Unlike traditional swab tests that take five to thirty minutes, VaporID detects fentanyl in seconds, even at levels as low as six parts per trillion. That's like spotting a single pine needle in an entire forest. For decades, trained canines have been the gold standard at ports of entry. But dogs have limits; they tire, need handlers, and can't be reprogrammed with software updates. VaporID, on the other hand, never needs a nap. It can detect not only known drugs but also fentanyl analogs, lab-made variants designed to skirt detection. The system's cutting-edge design includes an atmospheric flow tube that allows tiny drug molecules more time to interact with charged ions. That chemical dance dramatically boosts sensitivity, making it possible to detect even the most elusive threats. During a real-world field trial at the Nogales, Arizona border crossing, the device detected trace amounts of several drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine, within seconds inside a Customs and Border Protection lab. VaporID weighs about 40 pounds and draws in ambient air like a miniature vacuum. Suspicious molecules are filtered, tagged with electrically charged ions, and passed into a tiny mass spectrometer. Only the relevant particles make it through. This process filters out background interfering vapors from things like perfumes or cleaning agents, giving border agents a clear, accurate, and immediate read on potentially dangerous substances. If deployed widely, VaporID could revolutionize how U.S. Customs and Border Protection detects narcotics and explosives. Its fast, hands-free scanning would help agents screen vehicles, cargo, luggage, and even people, without relying solely on canine units or invasive sampling. The device's sensitivity also opens doors for use beyond borders. The Department of Homeland Security is already working with PNNL and BaySpec to adapt the technology for mail screening, airport baggage checks, and large-scale cargo inspections. For materials like TNT (trinitrotoluene) and PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate), both powerful explosives that release very few molecules into the air, VaporID's ultra-sensitive detection provides a level of protection that's long been out of reach with current methods. The U.S. is facing a deadly influx of synthetic opioids. According to the CDC, over 80,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2024, including approximately 48,400 deaths linked to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Fast, contactless detection at ports of entry could help choke off the supply chain before these deadly substances ever hit the streets. And in an era of rising geopolitical tensions, having a portable scanner that can also detect explosives could be a critical layer in national defense. Technology doesn't just assist border agents anymore; it's starting to outperform their most trusted tools. VaporID brings speed, precision, and reliability to a job where seconds count. While drug-sniffing dogs have served well, this portable air scanner may soon lead the front line in detecting threats. As agencies prepare to roll out the system, one thing is clear. The future of border security doesn't bark. It beeps. Would you feel safer knowing machines, not dogs, are guarding our borders? Or does this shift raise concerns about reliability and over reliance on tech? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Battelle Donates $3.25 Million to Establish Community STEM Learning Center at Columbia Basin College
RICHLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battelle President and CEO Lou Von Thaer today announced a $3.25 million philanthropic gift to Columbia Basin College (CBC) to establish the Community STEM Learning Center on the college's campus in Pasco, Washington. This marks the largest donation Battelle has made in the Tri-Cities area throughout its 60-year history managing Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the U.S. Department of Energy. 'This gift aligns closely with Battelle's mission to leverage science and technology for the betterment of society,' said Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle. 'The partnerships established through this Community STEM Learning Center will build on CBC's whole-family engagement model to meet the community's needs and encourage students to pursue the essential STEM careers of tomorrow.' Since 1965, Battelle has operated PNNL with a focus on delivering impactful scientific and technological outcomes coupled with its foundational commitment to advance STEM education and support local arts, health and human services, and civic programs through philanthropic giving and volunteerism. The new center will be designed to engage students, families, educators, and the broader community in hands-on STEM experiences. Funds will be used in part to refurbish an existing, underutilized building on CBC's campus to house the center and create new programs and immersive experiences. 'At CBC, we believe in educational access to everyone,' said Rebekah Woods, president of Columbia Basin College. 'We know that hands-on STEM experiences are vital to students, our community, and educators to build the skills and experiences to prepare them to take on future scientific challenges. We are honored to partner alongside Battelle to create the STEM Community Learning Center at CBC.' During its tenure managing PNNL, Battelle has donated $33.7 million in philanthropic investments to support community organizations in addition to 267,000 hours of volunteer hours from staff at PNNL over the last decade. 'It's terrific to see Battelle invest in the Tri-Cities—the community where so many of our staff members live and work,' said Steven Ashby, Battelle senior vice president and director of PNNL. 'This gift shows a commitment to the community and to inspiring the innovators of the future.' About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle makes the world better by commercializing technology, giving back to our communities, and supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For more information, visit
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Western State Utilities Plan To Mitigate Wildfires, Others Unprepared
Flames burn near power lines in California. An arm of the U.S. Department of Energy has unveiled an online public database with 400 wildfire mitigation plans from utilities in 19 states to increase wildfire resilience at a time when some utilities may be unprepared. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has released the database as a tool for state lawmakers and regulators as well as electric utility officials to better develop ways to mitigate the destruction caused by ever-increasing wildfires and better withstand these extreme events. 'Wildfires are no longer a seasonal threat—they're a year-round, national challenge with many areas in the country experiencing a new emerging risk,' said André Coleman, PNNL chief scientist, noted in a June 10 public announcement. 'This database empowers decision-makers at every level to see the different approaches being used, understand what's working and where gaps exist, aid in new plan development, and collaborate on more effective mitigation strategies.' Based in Richland, Wash., PNNL says the public release of the Wildfire Mitigation Plans Database 'comes at a time when wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, posing increasing threats to power infrastructure, public safety, and taxpayer dollars.' The effort was funded by DOE's Grid Deployment Office, which was founded in 2022 to fund projects that support critical power generation and make the national electricity grid more resilient. Another focus areas is to bolster electric transmission and distribution systems. 'Our vision is to share a complete archive of all publicly available utility wildfire plans to see what the extended community of wildfire stakeholders wants to know. This open data enables conversations and analysis beyond the doors of the laboratory while giving us keen insight into proposed and potential industry solutions and trends,' said Rebecca O'Neil, PNNL advisor of electricity infrastructure. 'We will continue to update the database and to offer wayfinding tools, through short topic-based analyses and a tool to search plans intelligently. Most of all, though, we want to hear from the user community what they are doing with the information and what more we can make possible.' High-voltage towers in the forest. The Grid Deployment Office released a 294-page 'National Transmission Needs Study' in October 2023. The report addressed the importance of improve wildfire reliability and resilience in the California and the western part of the United States. It noted that the Northwest and Southwest regions were at 'risk of load curtailment during extreme weather events and wildfires,' especially as those areas rely more 'on variable energy resources to meet peak demand. Additional transmission upgrades would reduce risks to electricity reliability from extreme events.' PNNL stated that U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee estimated that wildfires nationally incur annual costs ranging from $394 and $893 billion, with as much to $202 billion from electricity losses. 'On average, in the United States, wildfires caused by power utilities represent about 10% of wildfire starts, though they account for roughly 19% of the annual average national burn area,' PNNL says. States with electric utility wildfire mitigation plans in PNNL's database. Of interest in the PNNL database is the lack of wildlife mitigation plans for much of the Eastern part of the United States. The database is searchable by location, by year/range of years, and by utility or type. The state with the most wildlife mitigation plans was California (224 utility plans), followed by Oregon (87), Washington (53), Utah (19), Idaho (18) and Colorado (16). In June, Stanford University's Stanford Climate and Energy Policy Program published a 34-page report called 'Wildfire: An Updated Look at Utility Risk and Mitigation.' It was written by Eric Macomber, I. Avery Bick, Michael Wara and Michael Mastrandrea. The report underscored the dangers of wildfires ignited by electric utility infrastructure in the United States. It discussed California wildfires as well as a greater awareness there and regulatory framework regarding risks of wildfires started by electric utility infrastructure. Consequently, Western states such California, Nevada, Oregon and Utah have more developed wildfire utility mitigation plans particularly by investor-owned utilities. At the same time, the study noted that likelihood of catastrophic wildfires is much higher today in areas where it had not been a concern. 'Wildfire risk has continued to increase across North America as a result of a number of interrelated trends, the report noted. 'These include shifting weather conditions linked to climate change, which can cause fires to burn at higher intensity and spread more quickly across the landscape; historical fire suppression practices, which have caused flammable dead and dry vegetation to build up in many forested areas, increasing fire intensity; and development and land use patterns that have led vulnerable structures to be located in or near areas where fires are likely to occur, increasing the risk of catastrophic fires that spread from structure to structure and destroy entire communities.' Specifically investor-owned utilities in the Gulf Coast, Southeast and Upper Midwest mostly haven't devised such mitigation plans even though they may be located in areas great risk for wildfires. Midwestern new homes next to power lines. Stanford researchers acknowledged challenges some utilities like rural electric cooperatives and those owned by the public may face in devising wildfire mitigation plans. However electric utility officials and regulators should take measures to safeguard power supplies and minimize the likelihood of their infrastructure sparking a wildfire. For instance, deactivated transmission infrastructure could ignite a wildfire. The report suggested than 'an approach to wildfire mitigation which reduces the likelihood of electric infrastructure igniting catastrophic fires is key not only to protecting the safety of homes and communities threatened by fires, but also to the future development of the energy system. Because the costs that utilities incur as a result of both wildfire liability and infrastructure projects like mitigation plans are ultimately passed on to their customers in rates,it is important that mitigation programs are conducted in a manner that is not only practical and timely, but also efficient and cost-effective.'
Sustainability Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'China in Total Shock': US Unveils Nuclear Reactor Capable of Powering 400,000 Homes and Producing Green Hydrogen
IN A NUTSHELL 💡 NuScale Power Corporation is expanding its SMR technology to address water desalination and clean hydrogen production. is expanding its SMR technology to address water desalination and clean hydrogen production. 🌊 The integrated system can produce 150 million gallons of clean water daily while generating carbon-free electricity for 400,000 homes. of clean water daily while generating carbon-free electricity for 400,000 homes. 🔬 Collaboration with PNNL has led to innovative methods for using brine as feedstock in clean hydrogen production, reducing energy use. has led to innovative methods for using brine as feedstock in clean hydrogen production, reducing energy use. 🌍 As the only SMR design certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NuScale is poised for global impact in diverse industries. NuScale Power Corporation is poised to revolutionize the way we think about energy and resource management. By leveraging its innovative small modular reactor (SMR) technology, NuScale is expanding its reach beyond traditional electricity production. Their integrated energy system aims to tackle critical global challenges such as water scarcity and clean hydrogen production, marking a significant departure from conventional energy solutions. This ambitious approach not only promises carbon-free power generation but also introduces sustainable methods for water desalination and hydrogen production. As we delve further into NuScale's groundbreaking initiatives, we'll explore how these advancements could reshape our energy landscape. Revolutionizing Water Desalination and Energy Production NuScale's integrated energy system is a pioneering solution that combines small modular reactors with reverse osmosis desalination facilities. This innovative approach is designed to produce approximately 150 million gallons of clean water daily, all while maintaining a carbon-free footprint. The system's ability to desalinate water and generate electricity simultaneously presents a dual solution to energy and water challenges. According to NuScale, a dozen of their NPMs (NuScale Power Modules) could supply desalinated water to a city of 2.3 million residents while also providing electricity to 400,000 homes. This capability highlights the system's potential in urban and industrial settings, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy and water management practices. By integrating these processes, NuScale is setting a precedent for future advancements in the field of energy-efficient resource management. 'Bury Them Deep': Nuclear Reactors Planted One Kilometer Underground Could Deliver Cheap and Ultra-Safe Energy for Decades Utilizing Brine for Clean Hydrogen Production A major challenge in water desalination is managing the brine byproduct. NuScale's system tackles this issue by converting brine into an industrial feedstock for clean hydrogen production. In collaboration with the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), NuScale has developed a hydro-thermal chemical decomposition method that avoids conventional electrolysis, thereby reducing energy and water consumption. This breakthrough offers a novel approach to hydrogen production, which is increasingly in demand due to its potential as a clean energy source. By using desalination byproducts, NuScale's method not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports global efforts to increase hydrogen supply. The integration of this technology underscores the company's commitment to sustainable innovation and its potential impact on global energy and water resources. 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Advanced Simulation Capabilities for Future Applications To optimize their integrated energy system, NuScale has developed an advanced simulator at their headquarters. Partnering with GSE Solutions and Fuel Cell Energy, the simulator models various configurations for hydrogen production, storage, and power generation. This tool allows NuScale to evaluate and optimize system performance for industrial applications requiring over 200 tons of hydrogen daily. The simulator's capabilities are crucial for testing and refining the system's operation, ensuring its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. By demonstrating the versatility and efficiency of their SMR technology, NuScale is paving the way for broader adoption across diverse industries. This development illustrates the company's proactive approach to addressing both current and future energy challenges with cutting-edge technology. 'Germany Goes Fusion-First': Company Pushes Bold Plan to Build World's First Operational Nuclear Fusion Power Plant Positioned for Global Impact NuScale's achievements are underscored by their status as the first and only SMR design certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This certification positions NuScale as a leader in nuclear innovation, capable of catering to a wide array of global energy needs. Their technology is poised to support applications in electrical generation, data centers, district heating, desalination, and commercial-scale hydrogen production. As NuScale continues to expand its reach, its integrated energy system promises to deliver sustainable, carbon-free solutions to pressing environmental and resource challenges. By addressing water scarcity, brine remediation, and hydrogen production, NuScale is not only advancing nuclear technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. The company's efforts exemplify the potential of innovation to transform industries and improve the quality of life worldwide. NuScale's approach to integrated energy and resource management is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing global challenges. As the company continues to develop and refine its technology, the potential impact on energy and water resource management is immense. With such promising advancements, one must wonder: How will other industries adapt to and integrate these groundbreaking solutions in the coming years? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (28)
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Eastern WA researchers fight cyber threats at aging U.S. hydropower system
Washington generates more hydroelectricity than any other state, so it is fitting that research to protect the critical infrastructure responsible for generating this power is happening right here in the Tri-Cities, at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Researchers at PNNL are combining their knowledge of the hydropower system and expertise in cybersecurity to secure the operational technology of the nation's hydropower fleet. Their work to protect these facilities helps ensure the continued generation of affordable electricity that powers our homes and factories. It also safeguards a key source of dispatchable power — generation that can be ramped up and down as needed to balance supply and demand — that enhances grid reliability and resilience. The federally managed hydropower projects have an average age of about 65 years, so researchers tasked with protecting them must bridge the past to the future. Efforts to adapt aging systems to thwart today's constantly evolving cyber threats include developing a suite of cybersecurity tools, an operational training model and a monitoring system. To make it easier for operators who may need to respond to and recover from a cyber incident, researchers assembled and integrated guidance from several agencies and created a cyber-physical framework and roadmap for the nation's entire fleet. They also prepared and shared a step-by-step desk guide for navigating a cyberattack. Fundamental to this work was an assessment of the connections and interactions among the cyber and physical components at hydropower facilities of all kinds. By studying a representative sample of plants with a wide range of ages and uses, researchers found that they could be binned into just nine distinct cyber-physical configurations. This allows operators to more easily identify shared risks and potential mitigations. In a separate effort to train cybersecurity professionals working on critical infrastructure, PNNL researchers developed a series of test platforms. These platforms, known as skids, are scaled-down, functional models that enable realistic exercises without putting real infrastructure at risk. Examples of PNNL-developed skids include models of a water treatment facility, the Class 1 freight rail network and a hydropower plant. Each can be 'attacked' by cyber means to explore vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies. The hydropower skid and associated training scenarios were designed with input from regional hydropower plant operators, including Spokane-based Avista Corporation and Grant County Public Utility District. Complete with wicket gates, turbines and other components needed to generate power, as well as small, representative industrial control systems, the skid allows operators to see the effects of unauthorized cyber access and learn how to manage the risk. Trainees can watch water levels above and below the miniature dam as the control systems undergo a simulated cyberattack. They can monitor relays in the substation that might trip, watch for flooding or erosion and see how the power grid responds. They also get a firsthand look at how their simulated responses impact the system. PNNL's support in protecting hydropower plants also extends to an award-winning technology called SerialTap. This palm-sized device serves as a data collector, allowing modern network cybersecurity tools to monitor dispersed serial communication devices and legacy industrial control systems. SerialTap makes it possible to detect cyberattacks and network anomalies so that analysts and operators can respond more quickly and effectively. The technology will be tested by a commercial partner whose affiliate companies own and operate 85 hydroelectric facilities in the United States. As the complexity and connectedness of the critical infrastructure we depend on for a strong economy increase, so does the risk of cyber threats with higher consequences. Experts at PNNL are developing novel approaches to protect, detect and recover from potential cyberattacks at the hydroelectric facilities that produce nearly 6 percent of the nation's total electricity — and more than 60 percent of the power generated in the great state of Washington. Steven Ashby is director of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland.
