Browse Topic: Biohazards

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Formaldehydes Measurement Using Laser Spectroscopic Gas Analyzer2021-01-060404/06/2021
The use of alternative fuels, especially oxygenated fuels in automobile engines, has been increasing owing to the stringent global fuel economy and emission regulations. As a result, it is concerned that the emissions of alcohols and aldehydes have increased significantly. Aldehydes, formaldehyde (HCHO) in particular, are non-criteria pollutants that are acutely toxic and/or carcinogenic. Several reports have associated HCHO with potential lung and airway cancers. Therefore, emission regulations for these compounds have already been implemented in several areas worldwide. The conventional measurement (impinger, etc.) methods for HCHO possess advantages and disadvantages. HCHO can be measured with high sensitivity if measured in a batch. However, in real-time measurements, low concentration measurements are challenging. To overcome this challenge, a real-time HCHO analyzer for low concentration measurement of 0.1 ppm resolution in real time of 10Hz was developed in this study based on
Hara, Kenji, Shibuya, Kyoji, Nagura, Naoki, Hanada, Takaaki, Tsurumi, Kazuya
Wearable Gas Sensor Enhances SensitivityTBMG-3624403/01/2020
A highly sensitive wearable gas sensor for environmental and human health monitoring may soon become commercially available, according to researchers at Penn State and Northeastern University.
Spotting Minute Amounts of Disease in the BloodstreamTBMG-3458606/01/2019
The difficulty in spotting minute amounts of disease circulating in the bloodstream has proven a stumbling block in the detection and treatment of cancers that advance stealthily with few symptoms. With a novel electrochemical biosensing device that identifies the tiniest signals these biomarkers emit, a pair of NJIT inventors are hoping to bridge this gap. There could therefore be a simple, inexpensive test performed at a regular patient visit in the absence of specific symptoms to screen for some of the more silent, deadly cancers — to have a nanotechnology-enhanced biochip to detect cancers, malaria, and viral diseases such as pneumonia early in their progression, with a pin prick blood test.
Micro UV Aerosol DetectorTBMG-3463706/01/2019
The detection of aerosols within fluid samples can be accomplished by optical methods. Such methods are useful in detecting potentially harmful aerosols such as biological aerosols that may be present after a biological agent attack or industrial accident. It is well known that biological molecules fluoresce when excited by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As a result, biological molecules in an aerosol sample can be optically detected by irradiating the sample with ultraviolet radiation and observing the fluorescence response. Since differing excitation wavelengths may be used to detect different classes of biological molecules, the excitation wavelength can be chosen to detect specific classes of biological molecules such as proteins, flavinoids, and metabolite products.
Portable Acousto-Optic SpectrometersTBMG-3339812/01/2018
Spectrometers are widely used for applications such as chemical analysis, remote sensing, quality control, environmental monitoring, spaceborne measurements, and optical measurements. Most spectrometers are based on using dispersive elements such as prisms, gratings, or etalons. These spectrometers typically have moving parts that induce spurious readings due to vibrations, and have limited use due to their limited spectral range and resolution capabilities, which in turn limit their use when needed for portable field applications.
Biological Threat DetectorsTBMG-3337212/01/2018
FLIR Systems, Inc. Wilsonville, OR 1-800-254-0630
Lens-Free Fluorescent MicroscopeTBMG-2974107/01/2018
Rice engineers have developed a wide-field microscope thinner than a credit card, small enough to sit on a fingertip and capable of micrometer resolution over a volume of several cubic millimeters.
Aerosol-to-Liquid Particle Extraction System (ALPES)TBMG-2832102/01/2018
Agents that could be used in chemical and biological warfare tend to disperse widely in the air when released. Quickly collecting a concentrated sample of these agents is critical to detecting them before they reach harmful dose levels in the air. Also, methods of detection such as by polymerase chain reaction are enhanced when the collected agents remain alive.
App Enables Smartphone Camera to Screen for Pancreatic CancerTBMG-2780711/01/2017
The five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer is one of the worst — 9 percent — in part because there are no obvious symptoms or non-invasive screening tools to catch a tumor before it spreads. One of the earliest symptoms of pancreatic cancer, as well as other diseases, is jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. The ability to detect signs of jaundice when bilirubin levels are minimally elevated — but before they're visible to the naked eye — could enable an entirely new screening program for at-risk individuals.
Luminescence Materials as Nanoparticle Thermal SensorsTBMG-2667204/01/2017
The purpose of this research program was to create and study novel luminescence particles (phosphors} capable of sensing and retaining the time-temperature information to which they were exposed, therefore acting as nano- and microsized thermosensors. The thermometric property is the latent thermoluminescence (TL) signal associated with electron/hole pairs trapped at defect energy levels, which are differently affected by the environmental temperature.
Luminescence Materials as Nanoparticle Thermal Sensors17AERP04_1204/01/2017
Particles could be used to record critical temperature history data during agent-defeat weapons testing. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia The purpose of this research program was to create and study novel luminescence particles (phosphors} capable of sensing and retaining the time-temperature information to which they were exposed, therefore acting as nano- and microsized thermosensors. The thermometric property is the latent thermoluminescence (TL) signal associated with electron/hole pairs trapped at defect energy levels, which are differently affected by the environmental temperature. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) mission of combating WMD includes the research and development of Agent Defeat Weapons (ADW) capable of destroying chemical and biological agent facilities and stockpiles with minimum collateral damage, particularly avoiding the dispersion of viable agents to the environment. High-temperature produced by slow-burning incendiary materials
Generalized Query Tool for Accessing the Database of the Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS)TBMG-2636402/01/2017
The Generalized Query Tool for accessing the database of MaROS can be utilized in three modes: (1) batch mode where a user's authentication data is inserted directly along with a desired query to the database, (2) interactive mode where a desired query is known and can be entered directly, and (3) interactive mode with a query “wizard” that walks a user through the steps needed to construct a valid query to the database. In all three cases, the successful execution of the script results in data from the MaROS database being made available to the user in a comma-separated output file. For new users, it is recommended to use the third mode to build a sample query and then tailor that as desired for use with the first or second modes.
Branimir Blagojevic, Technologist, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDTBMG-2626901/23/2017
During his time with former employer Science and Engineering Services, LLC, Branimir Blagojevic helped build a remote-sensing device that detected biological agents. The technology, originally made for the Department of Defense (DoD), may soon find a place on Mars. Blagojevic currently leads the development of the Bio-Indicator Lidar Instrument (BILI), a device that could be used to spot organic molecules and signs of life on Mars.
Aerodynamically Stabilized Instrument PlatformTBMG-2600512/01/2016
The AeroPod, developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight Facility, is a passive device that uses aerodynamic forces to stabilize an instrument package suspended from a kite or tethered blimp. The AeroPod’s design for steadying and damping payloads includes the use of a tail boom and fin combination. It is a novel design and provides a relatively simple alternative to the traditional methods for suspending equipment from kites or blimps. It is a low-altitude custom remote sensing platform craft designed for, but not limited to, agricultural and environmental research purposes. AeroPods can be used for a variety of remote sensing and in-situ observations.
Energy-Absorbing Beam MemberTBMG-2600612/01/2016
NASA’s Langley Research Center has developed a novel design for a lightweight energy absorbing (EA) composite subfloor structure. The technology’s primary application is to increase occupant survivability in the event of an aircraft crash. Current airframe subfloors unpredictably buckle, splay, and collapse under crash loads. This technology exploits the inherent stability associated with a conusoidal geometry and material combination of carbon and aramid fibers to allow the structure to bend and fold in a controlled manner at a particular load level.
Optical Fiber Sensors for Infrastructure MonitoringTBMG-2608412/01/2016
Virtually every type of public infrastructure — including bridges, pipelines, tunnels, foundations, roadways, dams, etc. — is subject to factors that can degrade it or lead to malfunctions. These structural problems can be the result of deterioration, improper construction methods, seismic activity, or nearby construction work. Although electrical strain gauges have long been used for monitoring structural changes, they sometimes lack the durability and integrity necessary to provide accurate, actionable information over extended periods.
ECG Small Signal General and AnalysisTBMG-2608512/01/2016
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is the most common way to identify various ailments, especially when the ailment is related to the heart. To perform an ECG, the medical personnel places the leads on the patient’s skin. The leads measure the heart’s electrical activity of one heartbeat cycle and record it as a continuous line tracing on paper to produce a graph. The ECG signal may indicate:
Improved Ground Collision Avoidance System (iGCAS)TBMG-2600412/01/2016
Researchers at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center have dramatically improved upon existing ground collision avoidance technology for aircraft. NASA’s system leverages leading-edge fighter safety technology, adapting it to civil aviation use as an advanced warning system. It offers higher fidelity terrain mapping, enhanced vehicle performance modeling, multidirectional avoidance techniques, more efficient data-handling methods, and user-friendly warning systems. The algorithms have been incorporated into an app for tablet/handheld mobile devices that can be used by pilots in the cockpit, enabling significantly safer general aviation. This will enable pilots to have access to this lifesaving safety tool regardless of what type of aircraft they are flying. The system also can be incorporated into electronic flight bags (EFBs) and/or aircraft avionics systems.
Top Prizes Awarded in the Create the Future Design ContestTBMG-2606412/01/2016
Top prizes in the 2016 Create the Future Design Contest were awarded on November 11 in New York City. The Grand Prize winner, and winners in seven categories, took home awards for their innovative design ideas.
Analytical Methodology to Predict the Radiometric Emissivity of a Parabolic Mesh ReflectorTBMG-2604912/01/2016
The demands for high-sensitivity and high-resolution radiometry have recently led the science community to examine the use of large deployable mesh reflectors, which have heretofore only been used in telecommunications applications.
AerofoamTBMG-2601612/01/2016
Aerofoam is a unique foam composite insulation with improved thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The novelty of this invention comes from combining a polymer foam with a unique inorganic filler in a way that maximizes thermal performance while maintaining mechanical performance, chemical resistance, fire resistance, and acoustic insulation capabilities. The development of new manufacturing processes has also allowed for the development of these unique composite materials.
Locking Mechanism for a Flexible Composite HingeTBMG-2602312/01/2016
Composites have excellent strength characteristics, are lightweight, and are increasingly being used in space applications. However, they are highly inflexible and require hinged joints when used as deployable structures. This is a challenge for CubeSats/SmallSats, as the hinges and actuation mechanisms get very small and require multiple custom precision parts. A method of impregnating carbon fibers with a silicone matrix has been developed, which makes the composite flexible. This also makes it self-deploying, as the strain energy in the fibers will cause it to straighten. Unfortunately, a purely flexible beam does not have the required rigidity to maintain dimensions accuracy, as it can sag.
Composite Pressure Vessel Including Crack Arresting BarrierTBMG-2601712/01/2016
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center innovators have developed several new designs and methods of fabrication for composite and composite-overwrapped tank vessels that help significantly improve their structural integrity against impact, abrasion, harsh environments, and fire. Several embodiments of this technology portfolio also enable production of composite tanks capable of transporting liquefied natural gas or other cryogenic liquids. These innovations are applicable to important aerospace needs, including propulsion systems, as well as new and growing fields such as natural gas transportation.
Improvements to the Functional Beamforming FormulaTBMG-2600812/01/2016
The purpose of this work is to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of acoustic measurements made in a wind tunnel with a microphone phased array. The functional beamforming method is improved to compensate for effects of acoustic propagation through turbulence, and to correct for inaccurate steering vectors. This increases the accuracy with which acoustic measurements can be made in a non-acoustic or acoustic wind tunnel.
Work Piece Cleaning Apparatus and Method with Pulsating Mixture of Liquid and GasTBMG-2602112/01/2016
NASA Goddard’s scientists have developed a novel, volatile organic compound (VOC)-free system for cleaning tubing and piping that significantly reduces cost and carbon consumption. The innovative technology enables the use of deionized water in place of costlier isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and does not create any waste for which costly disposal is usually required. It uses nitrogen bubbles in water, which act as a scrubbing agent to clean equipment. The cleaning system quickly and precisely removes all foreign matter from tubing and piping.
Jason Dworkin, Project Scientist, OSIRIS-REx, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDTBMG-2596511/21/2016
Hammer 1.0TBMG-2571811/01/2016
Many software applications have scripting needs including those based on the Goddard Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC) framework. In GMSEC, a user may want to automate the actions to take when a sequence of events occurs. Ideally, the scripting solution should allow the use of a familiar programming language and avoid unnecessary constraints. The existing GMSEC Criteria Action Table (CAT) is limited in these respects.
NEQAIR v14.x Non-Equilibrium Radiative Transport and Spectra ProgramTBMG-2571611/01/2016
There is a need to calculate the radiative heating rate at the surface of a vehicle entering any atmosphere, (e.g., Earth, Saturn, Titan, Mars, Venus etc). NEQAIR simulates the actual chemical and physical actions and reactions of the gaseous species in high-temperature shock layers. NEQAIR has been NASA’s main radiation code for the past 30 years. It is a line-by-line radiation code that computes spontaneous emission, absorption, and stimulated emission due to transitions between various energy states of chemical species along a line of sight. There have recently been substantial updates to the physics in the code and the computational efficiency in NEQAIR; v14.0 is the first parallelized version that has resulted in calculations speeding up by a factor of approximately 30×.
Systems Engineering Education and Development (SEED) Web ApplicationTBMG-2571711/01/2016
This application serves as Web-based management of the Systems Engi - neering Education and Development (SEED) program, and enables the SEED Program Manager to track and manage the applications and assignments. In the past, the handling of the applications and assignments was cumbersome due to a manual process with paper copies of competencies and applicant data. The new system enables the automation of the entire process to streamline determination of both the viability of the applicants and the effectiveness of the program on the participants through the course of their time in the program.
Aeronautical Data Link and Radar Simulator (ADRS)TBMG-2570311/01/2016
Air traffic management research needs to adequately address all players, including flight crews, air traffic controllers/managers, and airline dispatchers. Interactions between the different stakeholders are crucial elements for the viability of a given concept. A simulation capable of addressing this type of distributed decision-making needs to meet several requirements in terms of fidelity, operator proficiency, and number of participants. Most research facilities and laboratories can provide a sufficient fidelity for one particular aspect, but lack in the other aspects because of budget, personnel, and proprietary constraints.
Robonaut 2: Industrial OpportunitiesTBMG-2572211/01/2016
Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), in collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Oceaneering, have designed a state-of-the-art, highly dexterous, humanoid robot: Robonaut 2 (R2). R2’s nearly 50 patented and patent-pending technologies have the potential to be game-changers in many applications, such as industrial environments. For example, in a traditional robotic assembly line, there are multiple specialized robots that are tooled for a small set of unique tasks. R2 provides an alternative way to implement automated assembly using extraordinary task flexibility, dexterity, and rapid interchangeability with human processes and tools. This can lower automation infrastructure costs and increase manufacturing flexibility. R2 can serve as an assistant or work independently. R2’s dexterity is a key feature in industrial environments, as the robot can handle factory work that is ergonomically difficult, fatiguing, or even unsafe.
Nasa Processing Technologies Enable Advanced Computing ApplicationsTBMG-2573511/01/2016
Next-generation spacecraft instruments are capable of producing data at rates of 108 to 1011 bits per second, and both their instrument designs and mission operations concepts are severely constrained by data rate and volume. SpaceCube™ enables these next-generation missions.
Making Great Strides: Gaming Camera Improves MS Gait AssessmentTBMG-2574211/01/2016
Even university researchers play Xbox from time to time. Not all mechanical engineers, however, have the idea to use the popular gaming console’s camera to assist doctors in clinical applications.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Display BondingTBMG-2574111/01/2016
When ambient light hits displays, it causes unwanted reflections, which adversely affects readability. This is a nuisance for users; however, it can be prevented with optical adhesives.
Inside NASA’s White Sands Test Facility: How High-Speed Cameras Support Hypervelocity ExperimentsTBMG-2574011/01/2016
At NASA’s White Sands Test Facility, Donald Henderson and his team spend much of their days shooting projectiles at 15,700 miles per hour. Hypervelocity testing done at the Las Cruces, NM center simulates the impact of micrometeoroids and orbital debris on spacecraft shields.
Diamond Meta-Surfaces Enable New Laser ApplicationsTBMG-2573911/01/2016
Over the last 15 years, breakthroughs in the manufacture and processing of diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) have established diamond as an excellent substrate material for high-power and high-energy optics. Diamond is a natural choice for these highly demanding applications due to a combination of desirable properties including: extremely broad transmission spectrum, low absorption, chemical inertness, mechanical strength, and the highest room temperature thermal conductivity of any material. These properties allow diamond to perform in environments and applications where other materials are simply not viable options.
Vessel Sealing Device for Robotic DevicesTBMG-2572311/01/2016
Invasive surgical procedures are essential for addressing various medical conditions. When possible, minimally invasive procedures are preferred, but these technologies are often limited in scope and complexity. These limitations are due in part to mobility restrictions from the use of rigid tools in small openings, and limited visual feedback. The currently available robotic systems are restricted by the use of access ports, and have limited sensory and mobility capabilities.
Nanoencapsulated Aerogels Produced by Monomer Vapor Deposition and PolymerizationTBMG-2571111/01/2016
The Johnson Space Center researched methods to coat aerogel insulation in order to make it better able to withstand vibration, mechanical compression and flexure, and other environmental damage. This NASA-developed nanoencapsulated aerogel technology is a method for increasing the strength of the aerogel through a coating process while maintaining its insulating properties. With this ruggedizing process, the coating of the aerogel reduces mechanical damage, enabling its practical use in products that might not be suitable with the more fragile aerogel. The basic coating can also shield it from adsorbing humidity or other gases, which could otherwise bind to the substance and change its properties. Functionalized coatings could be developed to adsorb certain gases if that is desired. Aerogel’s low density and extremely low thermal conductivity make it useful as a lightweight, volume-efficient insulation material. Encapsulating the aerogel expands its ability to be incorporated into
2016 Create the Future Design Contest: Consumer Products Category WinnerTBMG-2577011/01/2016
Jon Sumroy, Carfoldio, Ltd., Ra’anana, Israel
2016 Create the Future Design Contest: Medical Category WinnerTBMG-2576911/01/2016
Sean Connell, Kyle Miller, Jay Pandit, and Jung-En Wu Bold Diagnostics, Evanston, IL
2016 Create the Future Design ContestTBMG-2576311/01/2016
The 2016 Create the Future Design Contest — sponsored by COMSOL, Mouser Electronics, and Tech Briefs Media Group (publishers of NASA Tech Briefs) — recognized innovation in product design in seven categories: Aerospace & Defense, Automotive/Transportation, Consumer Products, Electronics, Machinery/Automation/ Robotics, Med ical, and Sustainable Technologies. In this special section, you’ll meet the Grand Prize Winner, as well as the winners and Honorable Mentions in all seven categories, chosen from over 1,100 new product ideas submitted from a record 71 countries. To view all of the entries online, visit .
2016 Create the Future Design Contest: Electronics Category WinnerTBMG-2576711/01/2016
Shaun McWherter, Mark Skoog, and Jamie Willhite, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA; and Loyd Hook, University of Tulsa, OK
2016 Create the Future Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category WinnerTBMG-2576611/01/2016
Gary Cola, Flash Bainite, Washington, MI
Precision Coffeemaker Adapts Brews to Beans and TasteTBMG-2573611/01/2016
Technology often takes circuitous paths. A magnetron developed for precision bombing during World War II led to the microwave oven, and a battery-powered drill created for collecting samples of Moon rock gave birth to the Dustbuster. Likewise, one student’s NASA experience with autonomous robotic vehicles has informed the creation of one of the world’s most sophisticated coffee machines.
Methods and Systems for Non-Invasive Treatment of Tissue Using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound TherapyTBMG-2571511/01/2016
Minimally invasive and non-invasive therapeutic ultrasound treatments can be used to ablate, necrotize, and/or otherwise damage tissue. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), for example, is used to thermally or mechanically damage tissue. HIFU treatments can also cause mechanical disruption of tissue with well-demarcated regions of mechanically emulsified treatment volumes that have little remaining cellular integrity. For certain medical applications, tissue emulsification may be more favorable than thermal damage because it produces liquefied volumes that can be more easily removed or absorbed by the body than thermally coagulated solid volumes.
Insulative Carbon Fiber Systems for Aerospace ApplicationsTBMG-2571211/01/2016
New insulative carbon-fiber composite systems have been developed for use in structural and thermal applications for the aerospace vehicle interface. The sandwich-type composite structure, including carbon fiber and aerogel blanket materials, is based on the previously disclosed family of hybrid laminate composites. Offering unique and tailorable combinations of structural and thermal properties, these insulative carbon fiber systems can be used in vehicle shroud and thermal protection system applications at the aerodynamic interface plane, panels between stages, or fairings for spacecraft equipment space of space launch vehicles. The novel, lightweight, fiber composite laminate system with reduced heat transfer also has increased impact resistance at low temperatures.
Method of Bonding Dissimilar MaterialsTBMG-2571011/01/2016
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a new method for bonding dissimilar materials using an elastic adhesive to permit the bond to withstand variations in temperature and pressure. Specifically, NASA uses this method to provide a >98% specular finish on composite materials that is proven capable of withstanding ultraviolet solar radiation exposure in a vacuum and thermal cycling from –115 °C to +65 °C, as well as meeting outgassing requirement limits of 1%.
Sonar Inspection Robot SystemTBMG-2572111/01/2016
NASA’s Johnson Space Center innovators have designed a Robotic Inspection System that is capable of surveying deep sea structures such as oil platform storage cells/tanks and pipelines in order to determine the volume of material remaining inside, interrogate structure integrity, and display real-time video and sonar. This inspection device and method could significantly reduce the cost of inspecting, and in the future, provide sampling of the structure contents. The technology is an all-in-one inspection device that includes cameras, sonar, and motion-sensing instruments with hardware and software components. This NASA-developed technology is available for licensing.
Supporting Test Aircraft with Lift AirbagsTBMG-2570011/01/2016
Innovators at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center have developed a method of using aircraft lift airbags to support test aircraft during wing strain gage load calibration. In calibration testing, a set of known loads is applied to the wing, and the loads and strain gage responses are then recorded. Multigage shear, bending, and torque load equations can then be derived from linear regression analysis of the data. The method aims to address challenging strain measurement conditions present in certain aircraft with particular landing gear geometries. For example, the Gulfstream III test aircraft has main landing gear attached to the inboard wing at the rear spar. In aircraft with this type of landing gear geometry, the main gear load reaction into the wing changes as the applied test load changes, corrupting the test data and compromising the accuracy of the load equations.
Low-Power-Consumption, Single-Mode Quantum Cascade Lasers Fabricated Without Epitaxial RegrowthTBMG-2569211/01/2016
Quantum cascade (QC) lasers employ intersubband electronic transitions in semiconductor quantum well structures to generate emission at specific engineered wavelengths. QC devices have been particularly successful as mid-infrared emitters in the 4- to 12-μm wavelength range, a spectral regime that is difficult to access with interband diode lasers. As cascade devices, QC lasers can also be designed with many gain stages, which, combined with optimized doping and optical design, has enabled the development of lasers with remarkably high continuous output power (in excess of 1 W). One of the most important applications of mid-infrared QC lasers is quantitative gas detection using absorption spectroscopy, where a single-frequency laser is used to interrogate specific absorption lines of a target compound. While high output power is essential in certain applications, many in situ absorption spectrometers require only milliwatt-level output to effectively measure low levels of compounds of
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