Award Data

Historically organophosphorus compounds such as insecticides and nerve agents have been susceptible to decomposition by proteinaceous enzymes. Organophosphate hydrolases (OPH) represent a practical method to deactivate such compounds peripherally and on surfaces. However, when such organophosphates are ingested, the use of proteinaceous enzymes such as OPH can be problematic because of their tende ...

"The beneficial effects of earthworms on soil structure, chemistry, microbiology, and crop yield are well demonstrated. Advanced Prairie, Inc. has developed a method of harvesting and encapsulating earthworm cocoons to make them available for mass market distribution. A previous SBIR proposal demonstrated the storage (at least five months) and shipping viability of the encapsulated cocoons. The pr ...

Aerosols represent one of the more efficient methods to distribute biological and chemical agents throughout the atmosphere. Small aerosol droplets can be readily inhaled and easily penetrate deep into the lungs where they lodge in bronchial alveoli. Within the alveoli, chemical and biological agents can breach epithelial and endothelial cell layers and enter the bloodstream, where they cause da ...

Given the possibility to administer prophylactic doses of protein bioscavengers inactivating OP nerve agents before they reach their acetylcholinesterase target, much attention has been given to proteins such as human butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase I. As small nucleic acid catalysts can exhibit triphosphoesterase activities, the identification of new molecules active against nerve agents w ...

Shelter enclosures for military working dogs in the event of a CB attack is a technology gap identified by the Joint Requirements Office. Important parameters to consider in the design of protective enclosures include low weight and size to minimize transport requirements; rapid setup; and accommodation of canine physiological and psychological comfort needs. The overall operational weight of th ...

"Laboratory plant micropropagation is a principal method of mass production for many of the ornamental foliage and flowering plants sold in the U.S. The continued success of commercial production labs is in jeopardy because of the disproportionately high labor and operating costs compared to trailing sales incomes. Agri-Starts, Inc. is capitalizing on innovative procedures through environmental ma ...

"Global demands for red snapper have resulted in an unprecedented rise in mislabeling and substitution of the legally designated red snapper species, Lutjanus campechanus, with lesser-valued, related snapper species. Due to the immense popularity and high value of red snapper, economic fraud related to species substitution causes consumers to lose faith in the seafood products they purchase, which ...

Red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, is one of the most economically important fish species in the Gulf of Mexico. While there are numerous species of snapper marketed worldwide, in the United States L. campechanus is known as the true red snapper and the only species that can legally be labeled simply "Red Snapper". Another snapper species, Lutjanus purpureus, which is harvested in the South Atlant ...

Recreational saltwater fishing is a major industry in coastal areas of the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that saltwater anglers spent $8.4 billion in 2001 on fishing trips and supplies. In many communities this type of "wildlife tourism" is the lifeblood of the community. It is vital to these communities to have a consistent supply of needed goods for these anglers. T ...

"Honey bee pollination is estimated to contribute over $14 billion annually to agricultural production. Honey bee pollination services in the larger ecosystem are also of vital importance. However, apiculture in the United States is threatened, especially by infestations of exotic parasitic mites. Varroa destructor, in particular, is lethal to many colonies, decimating both feral and managed honey ...