Award Data

Manning Applied Technology proposes to develop a handheld infrared spectrometer, ideally suited to detection of airborne chemical agents at and below permissible exposure limits. This approach offers unmatched sensitivity and specificity for detection of all types of chemical vapors. The instrument is modular, rugged, compact and highly sensitive. Volume pricing will be less than $1000 each. ...

DNA microarray technology, in combination with statistical and predictive modeling tools, could be used to evaluate thousands of genes against distinct gene expression patterns induced by chemical/biological agents to provide early identification and speed therapeutic intervention. The overall objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of building a data management system for DN ...

Sigma-K Corporation proposes to develop a Hermetic Textile Closure Hardware System to be used for Chemical Biological (CB) protective clothing and Collective Protection (COLPRO) portable shelter systems. Our Hermetic Textile Closure Hardware System design will allow the user to easily don and doff one's protective apparel. The system will remain intact during combat behavior. The closure interface ...

Foodborne pathogen detection has always been faced with volume and matrix problems, i.e., low numbers of viral or bacterial pathogens in a large volume of solid or liquid foods that are still potentially infectious. Despite sensitive techniques such as PCR and immunomagnetic-electrochemiluminescence (IM-ECL), there still exists a need to concentrate and semi-purify pathogens from large (liter) vo ...

During the anthrax attacks in 2001, investigators had difficulty in differentiating the strains apart because B. anthracis has a low level of genetic variability. This event demonstrated the need for rapid and precise molecular subtyping technologies. Lynntech proposes to develop an ultra-sensitive quantum dots-based molecular beacon fluorogenic reporter system to identify the presence of specif ...

The pressing need exists within industry to accurately measure high aspect ratio microscale structures. For example, diesel injector nozzles are manufactured with microscale holes ranging from 50-200 micrometers in diameter and 3-5 mm depths. One fundamental challenge is to nondestrucvely measure these features in order to validate models, enhance manufacturing processes, and reduce fuel emissions ...

INADEQUATE STARTER FEEDS SEVERELY HOLD BACK NEW AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISES SUCH AS PRESENT ATTEMPTS TO RAISE FISHES WHOSE LARVAE DEVELOP FROM SMALL EGGS AND HAVE VERY "DIFFICULT" FOOD REQUIREMENTS. INERT LARVAL FEEDS HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLYELIMINATED THE STRICT DEPENDENCY ON NATURAL FORAGE DURING THE CRITICAL POST-LARVAL STAGE AFTER YOLK ABSORPTION AND BEFORE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIGESTIVE SYSTEM WITH ...

A semiconductor metrology tool will be developed employing the technique of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) to measure the critical dimension (CD) of patterned device structures. The feasibility of the SAXS technique to measure CD has been shown using high-power synchrotron radiation facilities which are not of practical use to the semiconductor industry. The ultimate project goal is to produc ...

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cost the U.S. economy ~$50 million per year. Early detection of blooms and a rapid response by state and federal resource managers are the most effective ways to mitigate the impacts of HABs. However, methods for detecting HAB species and their toxins are laborious, time-consuming and require expensive equipment. To overcome these problems, Lynntech proposes to build ...

Solar panels and bio-optical sensors play a significant role in a number of applications that are of importance to NOAA. Many of these instruments require a high transmission of radiation into the device for it to work properly. Typically, these devices have a coverglass affixed over the active part of the device to protect the sensor or panel from harsh conditions. A problem that presently exi ...