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New anti-bioterrorism technology created


Published: Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:57 PM
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ATLANTA, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have developed a rapid, non-disruptive and less expensive method of decontaminating bioterrorism hazards.

Georgia Tech Research Institute scientists, in collaboration with Stellar Micro Devices Inc. of Austin, Texas, created flat panels that produce X-rays and ultraviolet-C light to kill anthrax spores within two to three hours without any lingering effects. The technique also kills spores hidden in places like computer keyboards without causing damage.

"This is certainly an improvement over previous techniques," said Brent Wagner, the study's principal investigator. The current decontamination standard -- chlorine dioxide gas -- kills microorganisms, but cannot reach hidden spores, the scientists said. And after its use, hard surfaces must be cleaned with liquid chlorine dioxide and people cannot re-enter a fumigated area until the gas is neutralized and vented.

Wagner said another potential use of the technique would be to kill viruses in chicken houses. Current methods involve removing the chickens and raising the temperature for several days to deactivate the virus.

"With the combined UV-C/X-ray system, you could turn the system on for a few hours, kill the viruses and as soon as you turn it off, the chickens could come right back in," said Wagner.

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TRANSONIC WIND TUNNEL
Grady McCoy stands in the Langley Research Center's 16 foot transonic tunnel, as light reflects off the fan blades in this image from 1990 in Hampton, Virginia. As part of a national initiative to optimize government-owned wind tunnels, NASA's Langley Research Center shut down the tunnel and transitioned work to other facilities. During its operational lifetime, the tunnel supported development of all fighters since the 1960s, such as the F-14, F-15, F-18 and the Joint Strike Fighter. (UPI Photo/NASA)
NASA's Transonic wind tunnel at Langley Research Center
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