CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- June 18, 2008

Universal Detection Technology Invited to Discussions With the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate
“Universal Detection Technology, a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and a provider of counter terrorism training and solutions, announced today that it has been invited for discussions with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. The one on one meeting comes following several meetings between UDTT and officials from the DHS at trade shows and conferences.” (CNN Money; 18June08) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0408079.htm

Art in a Time of Terror: Acclaimed Art Professor Steve Kurtz on How He Became a ‘Bioterrorism’ Suspect After His Wife Died in Her Sleep
“In his first broadcast interview, Steve Kurtz discusses the bizarre case of how he became the focus of an FBI bioterrorism investigation. On May 11, 2004, his wife Hope Kurtz tragically died in her sleep. When he called 911 for help, a nightmare that would last for the next four years began to unfold. The police became suspicious of his art supplies and harmless bacteria cultures that he was using for an antiwar project about the public health impact of germ warfare programs. His home was raided by the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and Homeland Security. His belongings, his cat, and even his wife’s body were seized.” (Democracy Now; 16June08) http://i3.democracynow.org/2008/6/16/art_in_a_time_of_terror

Effective health messages may yield vaccine compliance among ER workers
“[…] In a new study published this month in Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, researchers from the Center for Preparedness Research and Planning and the Department of Public Health at Temple University found that by addressing ER workers' fears and concerns, they could craft persuasive messages to convince ER workers to get vaccinated. ‘In the wake of 9/11 and the anthrax attacks, the government tried to implement a program to vaccinate 500,000 healthcare workers against the smallpox virus, which theoretically could be used in a bioterror attack,’ said lead researcher Sarah Bass, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of public health at Temple's College of Health Professions. ‘But it was left to each state to run the program, and each did so differently. As a result, less than 40,000 ER workers nationwide were vaccinated.’” (EurekAlert; 18June08; Renee Cree) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-06/tu-ehm061108.php

Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
“The invention provides for a full-length cloned cDNA copy of the RNA genome of a predominant norovirus strain (Genogroup II.4) designated MD145-12 that was associated with human gastrointestinal illness. The noroviruses, which were formerly known as ‘Norwalk-lik’ viruses are estimated to cause 23 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the USA each year. The virus has been designated into category B of the CDC biodefense- related priority pathogens because it can be used as an agent of bioterrorism.” (Trading Markets; 18June08) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1694572/

Scientific lab keeps us safe [New Mexico]
“Working quietly behind the scenes to keep New Mexicans safe is the New Mexico Department of Health's Scientific Lab in Albuquerque. Dave Mills, director of the Department of Health Scientific Lab, said the work of the scientists in the lab have a positive effect on the lives of every New Mexican. ‘We test the milk and water supply, track food-borne illnesses, test for infectious diseases and help law enforcement by providing breathalyzer trainings,’ Mills said. ‘We are also ready to evaluate any chemical or biological threats in the state.’” (Las Cruces Sun News; 18Jun08; Chris J. Minnick)
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_9616169

Test-Vets Deserve Care [Editorial]
“It's bad enough that the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs Administration oppose legislation intended to guarantee health care and benefits for veterans exposed to Cold War-era chemical and germ tests. It's insult to injury, however, when Pentagon officials could not be bothered to testify in person to the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on disability assistance this past week, in order to voice their objections to pending legislation. A written statement from Michael L. Dominguez, a principal deputy undersecretary of defense, said ‘DOD opposes this legislation. The scientific evidence does not support’ it.” (Red Orbit; 16June08; Deseret News) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1434741/testvets_deserve_care/

VIASPACE Subsidiary Robotic Detection Proposal Competitively Selected by Army
“VIASPACE Inc. subsidiary Ionfinity has been notified that its Phase II proposal entitled ‘Advanced Robotic Detection of Chemical Agents, Toxic Industrial Gases, and IEDs for Force Health Protection’ submitted to the Army Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, has been competitively selected for negotiation and possible contract award. Phase II STTR projects are for two years and up to $750,000 in funding.
Ionfinity expects to enter into contract negotiations with the Army shortly.’” (Epicos; 17June08; PR Newswire) http://www.epicos.com/epicos/portal/media-type/html/user/anon/page/default.psml/js_panename/News+Information+Article+View;jsessionid=25F7216244940EB18B5D684DC08F1D8F.tomcat1?articleid=106579&showfull=false

Texas man faces life if convicted
“A 38-year-old Texas man has been charged with possessing cyanide and trying to sell it to an FBI informant, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Jeffrey Don Detrixhe, 38, of Higgins, was indicted Tuesday on two counts of prohibition against chemical weapons and one count of an unlawful user or addict of a controlled substance in possession of firearms.” (Houston Chronicle; 17June08; AP) http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5842943.html

Gas, gas, quick boys [article on detector development at Massachusetts Institute of Technology]
“Sarin is to be feared because it is invisible, odourless and 500 times more deadly than cyanide. However, other gases (not least cyanide itself) could be used instead. What is needed is a cheap way of detecting such gases and, having raised the alarm, of identifying which gas is involved so that anyone who has succumbed can be treated. And that is what a team of chemical engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, led by Michael Strano (pictured on the left), think they have created. Not only can their new sensor tell between chemical agents, it can detect them at previously unattainable concentrations—as low as 25 parts in a trillion.”
(The Economist; 18June08; Donna Coveney)
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11568534

Are we ready? Simulated chemical attack tests response [Otsego County, Michigan]
“The voice from Otsego County [Michigan] 9-1-1 Central Dispatch came crackling through at 1000 hours with a message over the scanner beginning and ending with ‘THIS IS AN EXERCISE.’ The message, for emergency responders, was all part of a disaster drill informing them of a terrorist incident in which the nerve gas Sarin had been released during preparations for a concert at the Otsego County Fairgrounds.” (Gaylord Herald Times; 18June08; Michael Jones) http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2008/06/18/news/top_stories/doc48590511789aa161728186.txt

Chemical warfare leaving several incapacitated for life
“A chemical warfare is being waged on opposition supports domiciled in the farming areas of Zimbabwe. Zanu PF’s youth militia, aided by war veterans are now resorting to the use of highly toxic herbicides to injuries inflicted on victims. To date, doctors say at least 12 people including a nine year old girl had her buttocks laced with Tactic Cattle Spray a dipping chemical and Paraquat. This is to exacerbate pain as well as increase the chances of fatality. A visit Tuesday to one of the private health care set up by missionary doctors in Harare revealed a grim picture of Robert Mugabe’s desperation to stay in power.” (Afrik.com; 18June08; Bruce Sibanda) http://en.afrik.com/article13874.html

Chemical weapons on Baltic Sea floor won't impact North Stream project
“The chemical weapons used in previous wars, buried on the floor of the Baltic Sea, will not impact the laying of a gas pipeline from Russia to Europe, said Viktor Kholstov, the deputy head of the Russian Federal Industry Agency. […] Environmentalists and politicians in some Baltic countries earlier expressed fears that the project to lay a gas pipeline from Russia to Europe on the floor of the Baltic Sea, North Stream, was not environmentally safe for several reasons, including the stockpiles of ammunition and chemical weapons buried on the floor of the Baltic Sea after World War Two.” (Biznes; 17June08; Interfax-Central Europe) http://biznes.onet.pl/7,1771258,wiadomosci.html

OPCW to prevent chemical weapons from falling to terrorists
“The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will not cease to exist after the whole reported stock of chemical weapons in the world will have been destroyed by 2012, OPCW Director General Rogelio Pfirter told a press conference at the Itar-Tass headquarters here on Wednesday. According to him, the OPCW will focus on encouraging those 11 countries, which have not joined the Chemical Weapons Convention yet, to join the Convention.” (ITAR-TASS; 18June08) http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12789086&PageNum=0

Bees 'could track chemical weapons'
“Bees could be used to find chemical weapons - if government funding was increased to stop their decline, Norwich MP Ian Gibson told the Commons yesterday. The Pentagon had been looking for several years at how bees can detect chemicals and this was something that could be replicated in the UK, he added.” (EDP24; 18June08; Chris Fisher)
http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=News&itemid=NOED18%20Jun%202008%2008%3A24%3A57%3A573

Dirty Bomb Disaster Drill Held Across the State [West Virginia]
“Emergency crews across the country started participating in a drill Tuesday morning. The test was to help prepare for possible terrorist attacks on Washington D.C. The massive evacuation would cause an influx of people into the Mountain State [West Virginia].” (CBS 59; 17June08; Jessica Lilly) http://www.cbs59.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=40140

[French President Nicholas] Sarkozy Will Deepen NATO Ties, Citing Terror Threat
“France will rejoin NATO's military command and strengthen defense ties with European partners as part of a 15-year plan for the armed forces that identifies terrorism as the biggest threat to national security. The terrorist treat is ‘here, real,’ and terrorists may use chemical, biological or radiation-based weapons in the future, Sarkozy said. The armed forces will get more equipment to protect against these threats, he said.” (Bloomberg; 17June08; Francois de Beaupuy) http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aBu_XNOO0XHA&refer=europe

Preacher Abu Qatada freed from jail
“Qatada, once described as ‘Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe’ left Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire at around 8.20pm on Tuesday. The 47-year-old was released after he won his fight against deportation from Britain. Qatada was driven out of the prison at speed in a silver Peugeot people-carrier. He was hidden from view under a blanket on the back seat. His release follows a court ruling in April banning ministers from extraditing him to Jordan. He has been convicted in his absence in the Middle East of involvement with terror attacks in 1998, and of plotting to plant bombs on the Millennium.” (UK Press; 17June08; The Press Association) http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jymcV2z98InM3K0b4HDh4faXrPqw

Government thwarted on terror detentions
“The first arrests were made in December 2001 when 12 men were detained under immigration laws pending deportation to their own countries. Their cases were considered by the Special Immigration Appeal Commission (SIAC) with a Special Advocate appointed to examine evidence from security sources which the detainees themselves were banned from hearing It was accepted that there were no grounds to put them on trial in this country and that they could face torture if they returned to their home country. They were detained indefinitely in Belmarsh prison in South East London.”
(Telegraph; 18June08; Duncan Gardham)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/2151944/Government-thwarted-on-terror-detentions.html

Terry Waite blasts anti-terror methods
“The way the US and Britain are tackling terrorism is entirely wrong, former Lebanon hostage Terry Waite said in London this week. ‘It is entirely wrong to incarcerate people when they don’t even know what they are imprisoned for,’ he said, in a criticism of the British government’s top secret trials in which neither the accused nor the lawyers are told the exact charges or details of the alleged evidence.” (OneWorld.net; 18June08; Daniel Nelson) http://uk.oneworld.net/article/view/160694/1/

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- June 4, 2008

Military hosts training exercise today in Juneau [Wisconsin]
“A clandestine operation for manufacture of weapons of mass destruction in Juneau? That’s the impression some Dodge County residents may have while watching the Wisconsin National Guard and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office storm the vacant high school on the south side of Juneau this morning during a training exercise. ‘The unit being evaluated is the 54th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD CST),’ said Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls, who also holds the rank of colonel in the Wisconsin National Guard. ‘This is a highly specialized 22-person unit that is available to first responders to handle nuclear, chemical and biological hazards that are outside the capabilities of the local communities. The vehicles and equipment are very impressive.’” (FDL Reporter; 03June08)
http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/FON0101/80603088/1985

UB [University of Buffalo, New York] art professor Kurtz plans exhibit on terror raid at his home
“After beating federal prosecutors and agents in the courtroom, Buffalo art professor Steven J. Kurtz is about to take them to task in an art exhibit. An exhibit focusing on a 2004 raid by an anti-terrorism task force on Kurtz’s home will debut Saturday in the Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, 341 Delaware Ave. […] Kurtz, 49, is an artist and University at Buffalo professor who was indicted on mail fraud and wire fraud charges after the Western New York Joint Terrorism Task Force accused him of illegally obtaining bacteria. The bacteria were found in a laboratory in Kurtz’s Allentown home after police were called to investigate the death of Kurtz’s wife, Hope, in May 2004.” (The Buffalo News; 03June08; Dan Herbeck)
http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/361272.html

HHS [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] announces preparedness grants for public health, hospitals
“The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that it is allocating states and major metropolitan areas $1.1 billion to strengthen public health preparedness and help healthcare facilities respond to emergency events such as an influenza pandemic or terrorist attack. […] HHS earmarked $1.1 billion for two related cooperative agreement programs: Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), managed by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).” (CIDRAP; 03June08; Lisa Schnirring)
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/news/jun0308funding-jw.html

Police Raid Ishihara Sangyo Over Toxic Gas Production [Tsu, Mie Prefecture]
“Police on Monday raided Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. on suspicion that the Japanese chemical maker violated a law banning chemical weapons by making a toxic gas without taking legally required steps. In response to a criminal complaint filed Friday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mie Prefecture's police searched the firm's Yokkaichi plant in the western Japan prefecture and head office in the western Japan city of Osaka. The Yokkaichi plant produced 170 tons of phosgene, a toxic gas which can be used to make chemical weapons, between February 2005 and October 2006 without making necessary reports to the authorities.” (Red Orbit; 02June08; Jiji Press English News Service) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1413361/police_raid_ishihara_sangyo_over_toxic_gas_production/

Russia Destroys 10,500 Tonnes of Chemical Weapons
“During the third stage of the chemical weapons destruction programme, Russia has destroyed 10,500 tonnes of toxic substances, the head of the federal directorate for safe storage and destruction of chemical weapons, Valeriy Kapashin, has told journalists on Tuesday [3 June]. ‘As of now, we have destroyed 10,500 tonnes of toxic substances,’ he said. By the end of2009 Russia should recycle and destroy 18,000 tonnes of toxic substances, or more than 40 per cent of its stock of chemical weapons.” (Red Orbit; 04June08; Interfax-AVN) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1416012/russia_destroys_10500_tonnes_of_chemical_weapons/

Wildlife refuge at [Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado] to reopen to public June 14
“A wildlife refuge at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal will reopen to the public on June 14 after a cleanup at a spot where a chemical weapon was detected last year. Health and environment officials said Monday that excavation work has been completed and groundwater monitoring wells have been installed in a restricted part of the arsenal once used to dispose of chemical agents. That area will remain closed to the public. The Army started manufacturing chemical weapons in 1942 at the 27-square-mile arsenal 11 miles northeast of downtown Denver.” (Examiner; 02June08) http://www.examiner.com/a-1420793~Wildlife_refuge_at_arsenal_to_reopen_to_public_June_14.html

Army: US chemical weapons incineration on track in [Anniston, Alabama]
“The Army says it's about halfway done destroying tons of deadly chemical weapons in east Alabama. And so far, so good. A huge incinerator at the Anniston Army Depot is nearly half finished burning nerve agents that have been stored in dirt-covered bunkers since the Cold War. And incinerator officials say the most dangerous agents were destroyed first and most of the risk to the community has been eliminated.” (WRCB TV; 04June08; Associated Press)
http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8429402

Some [Air Force chemical] mobility bag gear expired, missing
“The next time someone hands you a deployment mobility bag filled with chemical warfare protection gear, check the expiration dates. The Air Force Audit Agency found that more than half the mobility bags opened by an inspection team were not correctly stocked. The same investigation found that many bags were missing items such as gas mask canisters and chemical protection suits or had gear stored beyond expiration dates.”
(Air Force Times; 04June08; Bruce Rolfsen) http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/06/airforce_mobility_bags_060308w/

Ahura Scientific's FirstDefender Now Available Through 2008 CEDAP
“Ahura Scientific, Inc., a leader in rugged, ultra-compact handheld instruments for chemical identification, announced today that it has been selected for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Commercial Equipment Direct Assistant Program (CEDAP) for the second year in a row. Designed to complement other DHS grant programs, CEDAP enables acquisition of critical terrorism response equipment by smaller jurisdictions nationwide.” (Ahura Scientific; 02June08)
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=863306

Pool [University of Leeds] professor honoured for work on chemical weapons ban
“A peace protesting [sic] professor from Pool-in-Wharfedale has been honoured for helping to achieve an international ban on chemical weapons. Professor Alastair Hay, whose political activity stretches back to demonstrating against the Vietnam War, has been campaigning for the end of the use of chemical agents in weapons for 17 years.” (Wharfedale & Airedale Observer; 03June08; Jim Jack) http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/newsroundup/display.var.2316535.0.pool_professor_honoured_for_work_on_chemical_weapons_ban.php

Pentagon charges [Binyam Mohamed] 'dirty bomb' conspirator
“Pentagon prosecutors have charged an Ethiopian-born prisoner with conspiring to commit terrorist attacks in the United States, including planning to use a radioactive ‘dirty bomb,’ according to documents released on Tuesday. The charges against Guantanamo prisoner Binyam Mohamed, who had been a legal resident of Britain since 1994, were filed last week and made public on Tuesday.” (Reuters; 03June08; Paul Eckert)
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN03387564

U.S. Official Says World Needs Tools to Fight Spread of Weapons
“The Bush administration is committed to upholding arms-control treaties while also pursuing counterproliferation tools to prevent the illicit spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Acting Under Secretary of State John Rood said this administration signed the 2002 Moscow Treaty to further reduce U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons and proposed a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty in the Conference on Disarmament in 2006. But it also sees great value, he said, in finding ways for compatible countries to deter proliferation by other means.” (News Blaze; 04June08; Jacquelyn S. Porth) http://newsblaze.com/story/20080604075639tsop.nb/newsblaze/WORLDNEW/World-News.html

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- May 23, 2008

CSU [Colorado State University] regional biocontainment lab first to start research [on the West Nile virus]
“The Rocky Mountain Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at Colorado State University has formally received ‘select agent’ research approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it the first lab of its kind in the country to begin studying these highly regulated bioterrorism agents. The university is among the world's leaders in researching West Nile virus, drug-resistant tuberculosis, yellow fever, dengue, hantavirus, plague, tularemia and other diseases. The new facility provides the university with improved and safer equipment to research ways to protect the United States from bioterrorism and emerging diseases such as avian influenza. Researchers will investigate and develop new treatments and vaccines to protect against these agents.” (High Plains Journal; 23May08) http://www.hpj.com/archives/2008/may08/may26/CSUregionalbiocontainmentla.cfm?title=CSU%20regional%20biocontainment%20lab%20first%20to%20start%20research

Evolva SA [Basel, Switzerland] Subsidiary Signs $22.8 Million Antibacterial Contract with US Army Research Office, Builds Out US Operations
“Genetic Chemistry Inc. (Palo Alto, [California] USA), a subsidiary of Evolva SA (Basel, Switzerland) announced today that it has signed a contract with the US Army Research Office (ARO), working in conjunction with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), to discover novel therapeutics against the gram negative bacterial pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei (a CDC [Center for Disease Control] category B bioterrorism agent that causes the disease melioidosis). Over the contract period funding could amount to $22.8 million.” (Fierce Biotech; 23May08) http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/evolva-sa-subsidiary-signs-22-8-million-antibacterial-contract-us-army-research-offic

CSWAB [Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger] Leverages Limitations on Open Detonation of Deadly WWII Munitions on Saipan [Mariana Islands]
“EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] Region 9 has agreed to prohibit open detonation of chemical, radiological, and biological munitions that might be found on Saipan, the largest island and capital of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a chain of 15 tropical islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The prohibition is the direct result of intervention by concerned community members. The designated detonation area is located on Marpi Point, a public lands property on Saipan that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. CNMI plans to clear nearby tropical rain forest lands and grant them to over 500 indigenous individuals and families for new homesteads.” (Pacific Magazine; 22May08) http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/05/22/cswab-leverages-limitations-on-open-detonation-of-deadly-wwii-munitions-on-saipan

Is Milwaukee [Wisconsin] Prepared For A Bio-Terrorism Attack?
“The federal government is quietly monitoring the air in Milwaukee for evidence of a bio-terrorism attack, but 12 News’ Kent Wainscott uncovered some holes in the government’s secret safety net, including late detection time, delayed response and a lack of funding for response initiatives.”
(WISN; 22May08; Kent Wainscott)
http://www.wisn.com/news/16363828/detail.html?rss=mil&psp=news

E. coli Outbreak in [North Bergen] New Jersey?
“Over the course of two hours on a recent Friday, 20 people arrived, one by one, for emergency care at the Palisades Medical Center here. Each separately complained of various gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea. A coincidence? Or the harbinger of a brewing epidemic, potentially threatening a larger swath of the Garden State? Fortunately, the onslaught of patients was actually part of a disaster drill conducted by the medical facility that also involved the Hudson Regional Health Commission, the public health agency serving parts of Northern New Jersey. The purported scenario was an E. coli outbreak at a local restaurant, and the patients were actually volunteers from a nearby high school pretending to be ill. […] That early warning of developing threats to public health can give public health professionals a valuable head start in recognizing and managing disease spread and epidemic outbreaks, as well as possible bioterrorism, a surge in criminal assaults and even tainted street drugs.” (Yahoo Finance; 22May08)
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080522/neth065.html?.v=49

THV [News] Extra: Past, Present, and Future of Pine Bluff [Arkansas] Arsenal
“Big changes are coming to the Jefferson County communities of White Hall and Pine Bluff; some are even considering it an economic crisis. That's because more than 1,000 jobs are about to be cut at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. […] The deadly chemical weapons are what have grabbed the public's attention about the Pine Bluff Arsenal. Workers are on a mission to store and destroy them. They handle VX rockets and landmines. Just a pin drop of the chemical is deadly within minutes. The Army also stored and destroyed GB rockets there.” (Today’s THV; 21May08; Melissa
Dunbar-Gates)
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=66186&catid=2

Pueblo [Colorado] Chemical Depot builds new plant to neutralize chemical weapons
“East of Pueblo, construction is underway on a new multi-billion dollar processing plant at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. When completed the Department of Defense will use it to destroy 2,600 tons of chemical weapons currently stored in igloos at the depot. The project is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to Pueblo.” (KOAA; 21May08; David Ortiviz) http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1331637897

Nerve agent destruction passes 90 percent mark [Newport Chemical Depot, Indiana]
“A billion-dollar project to destroy a deadly nerve agent stored in western Indiana is entering its final stages now that workers have eliminated more than 90 percent of its cache of the Cold War-era chemical weapon. By late August, Army contractors expect to destroy the last of the 1,269 tons of VX nerve agent the Newport Chemical Depot once housed, said Jeff Brubaker, the Army's onsite manager.” (Chicago Tribune; 21May08; Rick Callahan)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-nerveagent,0,4373714.story

Taming toxic waste
“Deleting e-mails and recycling newspapers are most people's biggest concerns when it comes to getting rid of waste. But what if you're a world leader and have a stash of forbidden deadly chemicals on hand? Or what if terrorists suddenly swoop down and let loose with toxic nerve agents? Who you gonna call? Well, Queen's University [Ontario, Canada] researchers Stan Brown and Alexei Neverov, specialists in catalytic chemistry, may be just the pair. The two have developed a method for rapidly and safely destroying toxic agents, ranging from chemical weapons to pesticides.”
(CBC News; 22May08; Georgie Binks)
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/05/09/f-science-queenstoxicwaste.html

U.N. [United Nations] nuclear agency helping China minimize threat of 'dirty bomb' at Beijing Olympics
“The U.N. nuclear agency said Friday it is helping China minimize the threat of a terrorist targeting the Beijing Olympics with a radiological ‘dirty bomb,’ although officials stressed they have no intelligence pointing to such an attack. Anita Nilsson, head of nuclear security for the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, said agency experts were assisting the Chinese authorities with simulated exercises designed to test their response.” (USA Today; 23May08; William J. Kole) http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-05-23-2920776148_x.htm

National Guard performs hazmat exercise at Coliseum [Bloomington](Illinois)
“U.S. Cellular Coliseum was the site of a practice session Wednesday, but the professionals weren’t using hockey sticks or footballs and wore very different kinds of protective gear. Twenty-two members of the Bartonville-based Illinois National Guard 5th Civil Support Team were being evaluated during a formal training exercise simulating a hazardous event at the Coliseum. Guardsmen were clad in hazardous materials suits, and an array of emergency trucks and trailers filled a lot northwest of the building. In Wednesday’s scenario, a ‘dissident group’ attacked people attending a volleyball match the night before, said Lt. Col. Larry Ritter, from U.S. Army North in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.” (Pantagraph; 22May08; Greg Cima) http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/05/22/news/doc48342ca5094f3713593696.txt

Response force trains for attacks [Mead, Nebraska]
“Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) attacks on United States soil require aid from specially trained national guard men and women. Special disaster training was administered last week on the National Guard's training ground near Mead. The men and women who respond to CBRNE attacks are validated members of the CBRNE enhanced response force package (CERFP).” (Bellevue Leader; 21May08; DeManda Arkfeld)
http://www.bellevueleader.com/site/tab8.cfm?newsid=19710158&BRD=2712&PAG=461&dept_id=557010&rfi=6

China’s Nonproliferation Practices [Patricia McNerney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security and Nonproliferation]
“The Government of China has come to recognize that it has a fundamental security interest in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. In many ways, it has demonstrated its interest in becoming a responsible nonproliferation partner. It is now a party to many international nonproliferation instruments, including the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and is also a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Zangger Committee. China has adopted export controls similar to the Australia Group control lists on chemical and biological related items, and has enacted missile-related export controls. And, the Government of China has approved a series of new laws and regulations designed to establish comprehensive national export control regulations.” (U.S. Department of State; 20May08) http://www.state.gov/t/isn/rls/rm/105084.htm

Al Qaeda now tougher to defeat: U.S. defense chief
“The United States' initial military success against al Qaeda and other Islamist extremists has yielded a diffuse organization of independent elements that are now more difficult to defeat, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday. […] Gates also said the threat of those groups using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or cyber weapons is growing.” (Reuters; 21May08; Kristin Roberts)
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSB65044320080522

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- May 5, 2008

Panel call for biolab safety study that could delay project
“An elite panel of scientists is urging the federal government to take a deeper look at the safety of a proposed biolab that would study the world's most dangerous germs. The recommendation comes from the National Research Council. If the government takes the advice, the lab's opening would be delayed, though officials were uncertain how long.” (WHDH;03May08)
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO77750/

Fungi have a hand in depleted uranium's environmental fate
“Fungi may have an important role to play in the fate of potentially dangerous depleted uranium left in the environment after recent war campaigns, according to a new report in the May 6th issue of Current Biology, a publication of Cell Press. The researchers found evidence that fungi can ‘lock’ depleted uranium into a mineral form that may be less likely to find its way into plants, animals, or the water supply.”
(EurekAlert; 05May08; Cathleen Genova)
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/cp-fha042908.php

Fla. court to hear anthrax lawsuit
“The Florida Supreme Court is taking up key issues in a lawsuit over the anthrax death of a photo editor for a supermarket tabloid publisher. Robert Stevens died Oct. 5, 2001 after being exposed to the deadly substance. It was in an envelope mailed to the offices of American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, Sun and Globe newspapers.” (USA Today; 05May08)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-05-05-anthrax-lawsuit_N.htm?csp=34

Rockville Biotech Buys Rival's Anthrax Vaccine
“The effort to protect the country from another anthrax attack will take an unexpected turn today when Rockville firm Emergent BioSolutions plans to announce that it has bought for $2 million an anthrax vaccine from a California company that federal health officials dropped in 2006. VaxGen of South San Francisco has struggled to survive since losing its $877.5 million contract for a next-generation anthrax vaccine. Having accumulated a $254 million deficit, VaxGen has struck an unlikely deal with Emergent, its once-bitter competitor still eager to compete for millions of dollars under the Bush administration's $5.6 billion Project BioShield program.” (Washington Post; 05May08; Michael S. Rosenwald) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/04/AR2008050401771.html

Ore. man admits sending fake anthrax to feds
“A Tillamook County man has admitted sending numerous threatening letters containing fake anthrax powder to state and federal government offices over a period of nearly three years, federal court papers released Friday show. The documents say David Albert Groves, 48, of Bay City, admitted sending numerous letters containing a powdery substance as well as threats to government agencies, private businesses and at least one individual. He is charged with mailing threatening communications. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Acosta assigned him a public defender and released him, setting an arraignment May 30.” (The World; 05May08; Joseph B. Frazier) http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2008/05/05/news/doc481dce29a91a7493148593.tx

Man pleads not guilty to federal charges in Vegas ricin case
“A man authorities suspect was poisoned by ricin found in his motel room pleaded not guilty Friday to possession of a biological toxin and weapons charges. A June 17 trial was scheduled for Roger Bergendorff, who has been in federal custody since his April 16 arrest. The charges carry a possible penalty of 30 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.” (Yahoo News; 02May08; Ken Ritter)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080502/ap_on_re_us/ricin_mystery_2

Robotic bugs set to invade the battlefield
“A swarm of robotic insects is being developed for the military to hunt down enemy fighters in buildings and caves, carry mini bombs and identify chemical, nuclear or biological weapons. They look as though they have crawled from the set of a science fiction film, but the bugs are based on the design and size of real insects, including spiders and dragonflies. They are to be fitted with cameras, as well as sensors to identify different types of weapon, and can be kitted out with a small payload of explosives.” (Telegraph; 04May08; Jasper Copping) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/frontline/1924773/Robotic-bugs-set-to-invade-the-battlefield.html

Pine Bluff Arsenal [Arkansas] Destroys First VX-Filled Landmine
“The Pine Bluff Arsenal has begun destroying VX nerve-agent landmines as it continues disposing of the post's stockpile of chemical weapons. The arsenal destroyed its first landmine Saturday. The destruction of the landmine is the third of four stages in disposing of the chemical weapons stockpile in accordance with an international treaty. The arsenal began destroying GB nerve-agent filled rockets in March 2005, and when that was completed, it destroyed a stockpile of VX-filled rockets.” (Today’s THV;
05May08)
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=65135

[Congressman Denny] Rehberg [R-Mont.] presses for aid to veterans
“On Thursday, Congressmen Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to provide health care to veterans involved, without their knowledge, in biological and chemical weapons tests in the 1960s and 70s. According to a press statement by Rehberg’s office, the existence of the tests, known as Project 112, was denied by the Department of Defense despite reports from participating veterans that they were being stricken with unusual diseases. The department now acknowledges that the tests took place, but the Veterans Administration will not provide these veterans with health benefits and compensation for their diseases, Rehberg stated.” (Ravalli Republic; 05May08; Joel Gallob) http://www.ravallirepublic.com/articles/2008/05/02/news/news41.txt

British Government refuses to help 'torture flight' victim
“The Government is refusing to help a man prove he was taken to Morocco aboard a CIA torture flight and brutally interrogated. Britain says it will not help Binyam Mohammed - who is facing trial by US authorities - because it has ‘no obligation under international law’ to provide information that might prevent someone being convicted outside the UK on evidence obtained through torture. […] Mohammed, 29, has been held at Guantanamo Bay since 2004 over an alleged plot to detonate a radioactive 'dirty bomb' in New York.” (Daily Mail; 04May08; David Rose) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=563858&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

Lost' NHS [National Health Service] equipment sparks dirty bomb fear
“Nine items that could be used to build a dirty bomb are missing from British hospitals, fuelling fears that Al Qaeda terrorists are trying to steal material to build a radioactive device. The revelation comes as a new US State Department intelligence report highlights fears over terror suspects working in the NHS and reveals Britain has launched an urgent operation to track down all radiological material used in its hospitals.” (Daily Mail; 04May08; Jason Lewis)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=563849&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- April 30, 2008

DOR BioPharma Initiates Non-Human Primate Efficacy Studies of RiVax(TM), Its Vaccine Against Ricin Toxin
“DOR BioPharma, Inc. […] announced today the initiation of a comprehensive program to evaluate the efficacy of RiVax(TM) in non-human primates. […] While prior Phase 1 clinical trial results for RiVax(TM) demonstrated that the vaccine is well tolerated and induces antibodies in humans that neutralize ricin toxin in tissue culture, it will be critical to obtain data proving that this response is protective. In the studies to be done at Tulane, it will be important to establish that vaccinated non-human primates are not only protected against lethality from ricin aerosol exposure, but also against lung damage.” (The Earth Times; 29Apr08) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/dor-biopharma-initiates-non-human-primate,370372.shtml

ICx Technologies Awarded $4.9 Million R&D Contract under Department of Homeland Security’s ‘Detect to Protect’ Project
“[…] a developer of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications, announced today that it has won a $4.9 million, Phase IIb research and development contract under the Department of Homeland Security’s ‘Detect to Protect’ project, which was previously called the IBADS program. The project is designed to develop rapid sensors that can influence immediate actions to limit exposure to an attack involving biological agents.” (ICX Technologies; 29Apr08) http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080429005157&newsLang=en

Scientists reveal evolutionary intricacies of Rickettsia pathogens
“Scientists from the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) at Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have unveiled some of the evolutionary intricacies of rickettsial pathogens by analyzing over a decade’s worth of genomic data. Some species of Rickettsia are known to cause harmful diseases in humans, such as epidemic typhus (R. prowazekii) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (R. rickettsii), while others have been identified as emerging pathogens and organisms that might possibly be used for the development of biological weapons.” (Eureka Alert; 28Apr08; Barry
Whyte)
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/vt-sre042808.php

Detector Permits Debated Tomorrow [New York, NY]
“A controversial bill that would create a permit process for companies that possess weapons detection equipment will have a second hearing at City Hall tomorrow morning, and myriad environmental groups are pledging to testify against it. The bill (Intro 650) mandates companies get a permit if they have any equipment, which can detect radioactive, biological or chemical weapons. The bill, which was drafted by the Police Department, has been toned down since its original introduction, which was hotly contested.” (Gotham Gazette; 28Apr08; Courtney Gross) http://www.gothamgazette.com/blogs/wonkster/2008/04/28/detector-permits-debated-tomorrow/

No chemical warfare for UC [University of Cincinnati]
“In compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, an analysis of the University of Cincinnati's chemical inventory was recently compiled through the Office of the Vice President of Research. […] ‘Homeland Security has identified specific chemicals of interest and established reportable threshold quantities a facility may posses,’ said Jan Utrecht, director of UC's Environmental Health and Safety Office, which was charged with compiling the data. ‘If a facility exceeds the limits, then the university would have been obligated to report to the agency, and based on their analysis, may have to develop a facility security plan.’” (The News Record; 28Apr08; Taylor Dungjen) http://media.www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2008/04/28/News/No.Chemical.Warfare.For.Uc-3351672.shtml

Utah man [Thomas Tholen] tied to ricin case pleads not guilty
“A Utah man charged with a federal crime in a case involving ricin has pleaded not guilty. Thomas Tholen of Riverton made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday since he was indicted April 3.” (Deseret News; 29Apr08)
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695274858,00.html

U.K. to provide [10 million pounds sterling] a year for nuclear safety in CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States]
“An official from Russia's Federal Industry Agency said Moscow intends to spend $1.4 billion in 2008 on the destruction of its chemical weapon stockpiles. Yelena Radushkina said that last year Russia spent $1.5 billion on the destruction of chemical weapons, while the national chemical weapons destruction program was worth a total of $9 billion. She added that Russia fulfills in good faith its international obligations, pointing out that ‘as of April 18, 10,000 tons of all chemical weapons stockpiles had been destroyed, or 27% of the total.’” (Russian News & Information Agency; 29Apr08) http://en.rian.ru/world/20080429/106193657.html

UN [United Nations] chief pays tribute to victims of chemical warfare
“In a message marking the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Warfare, Ban urged the world to use this ‘solemn occasion’ to honor the victims and ensure their suffering will not be forgotten nor repeated. Citing the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force on April 29, 1997, Ban reminded all states parties to the convention of their obligation to destroy existing chemical weapons stockpiles by April 29, 2012. […] At an international conference on the elimination of chemical weapons held in November, 2005, more than 120 countries agreed to designate April 29 as the international Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Warfare.” (China View; 30Apr08; Mu Xuequan) http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/30/content_8076907.htm

Brigade in bomb alert [West Midlands, United Kingdom]
“West Midlands Fire Service is stepping up its training to deal with terrorism ‘dirty bomb’ after an internal review concluded it needed improving. […] The reassurance follows an e-mail leaked to the Birmingham Mail which admitted that the brigade was not properly prepared for any kind of contamination incident. […] The Government gave them money to buy special fire engines containing all the contamination equipment to deal with a chemical or nuclear attack. Three engines in the West Midlands and around 850 firefighters and officers at 23 stations have received training in how to use them.” (Birmingham Mail; 29Apr08; Jane Tyler) http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/04/29/brigade-in-bomb-alert-97319-20835032/

Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at the National Marine Manufacturers Association American Boating Congress
“One thing which we are doing along these lines is we're operating a pilot program up in the state of Washington to see what our capability is to have stand-off detection technology for radioactive or nuclear material on small vessels entering a port area. So that, for example, vessels coming into the channel entering into a port area would pass by detection devices. They wouldn't have to stop. And those detection devices would be configured to determine whether or not there are radioactive admissions of a kind that are associated with a possible dirty bomb or nuclear device. This is in the pilot stage. We're actually currently testing it in the state of Washington.” (Department of Homeland Security; 28Apr08; Michael Chertoff)
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/speeches/sp_1209472037198.shtm

Tehran [Iran], Moscow [Russia] vow to continue regional, Int'l cooperation
“Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed Jalili and Deputy Secretary of the Russian National Security Council Valentin Sobolev in their second round of talks here Tuesday explored ways of bolstering mutual cooperation and helping to restore peace and stability to the region and the world. […] The two sides also discussed various topics such as regional and international developments, terrorism, drug trafficking, defense, nuclear disarmament, and the need for destruction of chemical and bio-chemical weapons.” (Islamic Republic News Agency; 29Apr08) http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0804293432175338.htm

U.N. extends non-proliferation mandate
“A mandate to end nuclear, chemical and biological weapons proliferation has been extended by the U.N. Security Council at U.N. headquarters in New York. […] According to the Security Council, the mandate also requires countries to follow existing international treaties and full compliance with the resolution including the ‘physical protection of weapons, border security and law enforcement efforts, as well as controls over exports and trans-shipments,’ the release said.” (Middle East Times; 28Apr08; United Press International) http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/04/28/un_extends_non-proliferation_mandate/b9af/

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- April 28, 2008

Review ordered for anthrax vaccine refusers
“A federal judge’s decision could lead to clearing the records of military personnel who refused to take mandatory anthrax shots between 1999 and 2004. Judge James Robertson of the district court for the District of Columbia admonished the Air Force Board for the Correction of Military Records, which had rejected a petition by two former Connecticut Air National Guard officers for compensatory relief for back pay and lost promotions after they claim they were forced to resign for refusing the vaccine. The plaintiffs, Thomas Rempfer and the estate of the late Russell Dingle, based their appeal on a separate anthrax vaccine lawsuit.” (Army Times; 28Apr08; William H. McMichael) http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/04/military_anthraxvaccines_042608w/

Article by Universal Detection Technology Featured in the Counter Terrorist Magazine
“Universal Detection Technology, a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and a provider of counter terrorism training and solutions, announced today that a recent article titled ‘Combating the Evolving Threat of Biological Terrorism’ drafted by UDTT's Director of Research and Development, Mr. Amir Ettehadieh has been published in the Counter Terrorist Magazine. The Article describes the bio-terrorist threat facing the nation from both homegrown and foreign terrorist elements and the necessary steps that need to be taken by the government to combat this lethal WMD threat.” (CNN Money; 25Apr08) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0390689.htm

Medicine dispensing plan offers escape pod in emergencies
“A large-scale emergency could lead droves of people to line up for medicine at health departments, clinics and other public outreach locations. With those images in mind, public health planners are reaching out to businesses to assist in mass dispensing of medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile in the event of a bioterrorism attack or natural disaster. The process uses points of dispensing (PODs), which are designated dispensing locations for people who are healthy but may have been exposed to specific diseases such as anthrax or tularemia and need medication to avoid becoming ill. A local public health agency operates open PODs, which are available to everyone who lives or works in that community.” (Kansas City Business Journal; 25Apr08; Ellen Jensen) http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2008/04/28/focus4.html?ana=from_rss

Franek Technologies Safeguards State of Wyoming Public Health Laboratory's $1M Investment in Critical Instrumentation
“Based on Comprehensive Analysis, Franek Technologies Develops Customized Solution to Protect the State of Wyoming Public Health Laboratory's $1M Investment in Critical Instrumentation With 25 Additional Certified Power Protection Units […] The state-of-the-art Public Health Laboratory relies on extremely sophisticated instrumentation to conduct high-throughput research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, pandemic, and immunologic diseases, as well as bioterrorism threats. Such long-term testing and processes often rely on highly leveraged robotic automation that is extremely sensitive to uncontrolled electrical and environmental conditions, such as power fluctuations, harmonics, or interruptions.” (Yahoo Finance; 28Apr08; Franek Technologies Press Release) http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080428/0390822.html

Anthrax Spore Standards Will Be Reference For Anthrax Detection And
Decontamination

“Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) and the U.S. Army Dugway (Utah) Proving Ground have developed reliable methods based on DNA analysis to assess the concentration and viability of anthrax spores after prolonged storage. The techniques and data are essential steps in developing a reliable reference standard for anthrax detection and decontamination.” (Science Daily; 28Apr08) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415164309.htm

Helping the watchdog
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the temporary assignment of a regional senior health scientist to assist the Berea-based Chemical Weapons Working Group (CWWG). The grassroots coalition’s main goal is to serve as a watchdog to ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of chemical weapons being stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond [Kentucky].” (Richmond Register; 28Apr08; Ronica Shannon) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_119090904.html

UN steps up campaign against nuclear, chemical terrorism
“The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Friday urging stepped-up efforts to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and black marketeers. It calls on all states to fully implement a council resolution approved in April 2004 requiring all 192 U.N. member states to adopt laws to prevent ‘non-state actors’ from acquiring nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. It notes that some countries - which were not identified - haven't filed a report on their efforts that was due in October 2004.” (The Charlotte Observer; 25Apr08; Edith M. Lederer) http://www.charlotte.com/nation/story/596220.html

L.I. [New York] Disaster Drill Simulates 'Dirty Bomb'
“More than 600 emergency workers rehearsed a response to a simulated radioactive ‘dirty bomb’ attack in what authorities called the largest such simulation in Long Island's history. Police, firefighter, medical workers and other personnel from 60 agencies converged Friday on the Suffolk County fire academy in Yaphank. The drill, which also involved 10 hospitals, was running through Saturday afternoon. The scenario involved a deadly dirty bomb explosion at a federal courthouse. A dirty bomb would use conventional explosives to scatter radioactive debris.” (WNBC; 26Apr08) http://www.wnbc.com/news/16008835/detail.html?rss=ny&psp=news

Al Qaeda wouldn't hesitate to blow away a city: That's why we need 42-day detention, says ex MI6 boss
“The former head of MI6 is backing controversial Government plans to hold terror suspects for 42 days without charge, saying it might prevent a dirty bomb attack on Britain. MI6 prides itself on avoiding political debates but former chief Sir Richard Dearlove warns that the UK would ‘regret’ not bringing in longer detention for terror suspects. Sir Richard, 63, who retired from MI6 in 2004, says that in some serious cases the current 28-day limit is not enough to build a case or to gather intelligence on the scale of the threat faced by Britain.” (Daily Mail; 26Apr08; Jason Lewis) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=562276&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News-April 16, 2008

Health Monitoring Systems Releases EpiCenter(TM)
“The open source EpiCenter incorporates advanced algorithms and other statistical management and analytical techniques that process and correlate multiple streams of heath-related data in real time. The system pinpoints and manages emerging and current threats to public health and safety, such as infectious disease outbreaks. EpiCenter also features new collaborative work tools to enable public health officials to manage investigations and to share analysis and findings with colleagues and across regions. […] The company maintains online networks to collect data from hospitals and other healthcare providers […] then offers advanced analytics of the aggregated information to detect […] epidemic spread and bioterrorism attacks.” (PR Newswire; 15Apr08; John Buckman) http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-15-2008/0004793122&EDATE

NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology], Army researchers pave the way for anthrax spore standards
“Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Army Dugway (Utah) Proving Ground have developed reliable methods based on DNA analysis to assess the concentration and viability of anthrax spores after prolonged storage. The techniques and data are essential steps in developing a reliable reference standard for anthrax detection and decontamination. […] The NIST-Army study showed that laboratory-grade Bacillus anthracis spores in suspension maintained their viability and did not clump when stored for up to 900 days.” (GEN; 15Apr08; Michael E. Newman)
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=33793895

Small company gets US go-ahead on bird flu patch
“A small biotechnology company trying to develop needle-free vaccines won a boost to its efforts on Tuesday with U.S. government approval to test a bird flu skin patch on more people. Iomai's patch is not a vaccine, but rather delivers what is called an adjuvant -- an immune boosting agent that will be delivered along with a vaccine to try to make it work better. […] The company reported the skin patch helped boost a bird flu vaccine so well that people appear to be protected by a single dose. […] Iomai is also working to use its needle-free technology to make vaccines against anthrax, seasonal influenza and traveler's diarrhea.” (Reuters; 15Apr08; Maggie Fox) http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N15462451.htm

Retired NY Firefighter Invents and Patents Portable Air Shield
“[…] Retired N.Y. firefighter Jim Thomsen […] developed new technology able to protect against anthrax or other airborne terrorism attacks. […] The PASS [protective air shield system] system is a suitcase sized unit that can suck in and neutralize anthrax, nerve gas, ricin, dirty bomb radioactivity. […] Fire departments, police, government, shopping centers, hotels, cruise ships and schools now have this new tool to respond to the threat of bioterrorist attacks, disasters and routine airborne hazards to protect their staff, the public and customers.” (California Newswire; 14Apr08; Valerie Gotten) http://californianewswire.com/2008/04/14/CNW1288_190539.php

[Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation] Gates boosts global animal health
“Officials at Washington State University are understandably excited about a $25 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the School for Global Animal Health. The mission of the new school will be to prevent the spread of diseases from animals to people. […] Some of the diseases are bacterial, like Salmonellosis, anthrax, brucellosis, E. coli and plague.” (The Daily Astorian; 14Apr08)
http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=50552&TM=74237.52

HHS [Health and Human Services] Names First Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority
“The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the selection of Robin Robinson, Ph.D., as the first director of the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA), which was established in 2007 in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. […] BARDA manages Project BioShield, which includes the procurement and advanced development of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear agents, as well as manages the advanced development and procurement of medical countermeasures for pandemic influenza and other emerging infectious diseases that fall outside the auspices of Project BioShield.” (Department of Health and Human Services; 14Apr08) http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/04/20080414a.html

Army set to destroy old chemical weapons on island of Oahu [Hawaii]
“The Army says it is ready to begin destroying a stockpile of old chemical weapons found during cleanup of a training range on the island of Oahu. The Army calls it the largest concentration of unexploded chemical weapons ever found in the U.S. Most of the artillery shells and other weapons contain the choking agent phosgene and one holds an agent that causes a reaction like tear gas.” (Associated Press; 15Apr08) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hztD07JJjsSEdK917nZd602wL-0wD902GUB00

Ground broken on facility to destroy chemical weapons [Pueblo, Colorado]
“Construction has begun on a facility to neutralize a stockpile of chemical weapons stored at a complex in Pueblo. For years, the federal government has planned to destroy about 780,000 mortar rounds and artillery shells at the site, but the project has been delayed. […] Construction of the facility is expected to take until 2011[…].” (Denver Post; 15Apr08)
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_8925746

Iran NGO calls for review of Iraq’s 1980s chemical war
“Dr. Shahriar Khateri, the head of public and international relations for Iran’s Society for Chemical Weapons Victims Support (SCWVS), […] called on the international community to comprehensively review Iraq’s use of chemical weapons (CW) in the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war in view of new information which has come to light through UN inspections and the subsequent U.S.-led occupation of Iraq. Khateri, whose NGO conducts awareness programs addressing the consequences of war and the use of CW, while also providing health advice and social support for tens of thousands of Iranian survivors of Saddam’s CW attacks during the 1980s, said that recent political upheavals in Iraq had produced an ‘unexpected treasure-trove of authentic primary materials casting fresh light on Iraq’s use of CW, and in particular on the role played by the United States and other countries in making this possible.’” (Mehr News; 15Apr08)
http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=666327

Iran unveils new medicine for cancer treatment
“Iran unveiled new medicine, Gamma Immunex, for cancer treatment. Minister of Health and Medical Science Education Kamran Lankarani said at the ceremony that Gamma Immunex is also prescribed for treating victims of chemical weapons. […] He added that victims of chemical weapons suffering from pulmonary diseases can also benefit from the medicine. After the United States and Germany, Iran is the third country that succeeded in producing the medicine.” (Mathaba; 15Apr08; IRNA) http://mathaba.net/news/?x=588850

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia Meets OPCW [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons] Director-General
“On 9 April 2008 the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Mr Gordan Jandrokovi, met the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter. […] Director-General Pfirter also commended the Government of Croatia for its exemplary cooperation and steadfast support for the Convention’s implementation and for the work of the OPCW.” (OPCW; 15Apr08) http://www.opcw.org/pressreleases/2008/News04_2008.html

Aeolus Pharmaceuticals' AEOL 10150 Protects Lungs from Fractionated Radiation; Reduces Angiogenesis and Inflammation
“[A study by] Aeolus Pharmaceuticals […] show[s] the Company’s lead compound, AEOL 10150, provided statistically significant protection of the lungs of Fisher 344 rats exposed to fractionated radiation in a study led by Zeljko Vujaskovic, M.D. Ph.D. of Duke University. ‘In addition to its support for the potential use of AEOL 10150 in cancer radiation therapy, this data supports the possible use of AEOL 10150 against radiation-induced tissue damage from radiological or nuclear terrorism and nicely complements ongoing studies showing AEOL 10150 as a potentially protective agent against chemical terrorist agents such as mustard gas,’ stated John L. McManus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” (The Earth Times; 15Apr08) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/aeolus-pharmaceuticals-aeol-10150-protects,352442.shtml

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- April 14, 2008

Mock clinic tests officials' response to anthrax cases
“Dakota Meadows sure smiled a lot for a 14-year-old having seizures. ‘I thought it was going to be more like a pandemic broke out and it would be something like [the movie I Am Legend],’ the Johnston Middle School eighth-grader said after feigning illness Saturday during an emergency exercise on Des Moines' south side. Unlike the 2007 movie featuring Will Smith, Meadows wasn't the only one left standing. He and the rest of Boy Scout Troop 98 survived being ‘patients’ in a test to see how well health department officials would respond to an anthrax outbreak. Health officials created a mock clinic at McCombs Middle School with 83 patients to see how fast medication could be dispensed to people potentially exposed to the bacterium, which can cause a serious disease.” (Des Moines Register; 13Apr08; Tom Barton)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS/804130334

FGCU [Florida Gulf Coast University] receives $1.5M to continue biodefense program
“Florida Gulf Coast University got a major grant to continue one of the nation’s top biodefense programs. The program is geared towards protecting our troops against deadly chemicals like ricin and anthrax in the war on terror. In four years, the university has received $3.5 million to develop new ways to destroy bio-threat toxins.” (WBBH; 11Apr08; Blake Burman)
http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=18689&z=3

Sen. Seeks Review of Md. Army Lab Risks
“U.S. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski said Thursday she will seek a health and safety review of the Army's planned biodefense laboratory expansion at Fort Detrick [Frederick, Md.], an installation virtually surrounded by homes and businesses. ‘While we continue to build the technology to keep us safe from new challenges and new threats from predators, we must also remember that public safety must be our top priority,’ Mikulski, D-Md., said in a statement.” (Associated Press; 11Apr08)
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080411/md_biodefense_lab.html?.v=1

Universal Detection Technology Receives Purchase Order for Anthrax Detection Kits From Israeli Security Firm
“Universal Detection Technology, a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it has received purchase orders for its Anthrax kits from an Israeli security firm. The purchase order was placed by an Israeli security firm active in providing security solutions to clients all over Israel.” (Prime Newswire; 11Apr08) http://biz.yahoo.com/pz/080411/139938.html

Charge eyed against consultancy head over weapons disposal in China
“Prosecutors have decided to build a case against a former president of Pacific Consultants International and others on suspicion of causing damage to the consultancy firm PCI over a chemical weapons disposal project in China, according to sources familiar with the case. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office suspects the 71-year-old former head and others padded bills totaling 120 million yen in the name of outsourcing business from PCI, based in Tokyo, to other companies in fiscal 2004 and 2005, the sources said.” (Japan Times; 14Apr08) http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nn20080414a3.html

Safe 'Green' Decontamination Method Detoxifies Nerve Agents In Chemical Weapons And Pesticides
“Research by two Queen's University scientists has resulted in an exciting new method for rapidly and safely destroying toxic agents such as chemical weapons and pesticides. Recently completed testing by an independent European defence corporation has shown the researchers’ method to be greater than 99 per cent effective when used on the deadly nerve agents Tabun, Soman and VX.” (Science Daily; 11Apr08) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408132133.htm

Professor Develops Device for Chemical Identification
“A BYU chemistry professor has developed a device able to identify the chemical composition of a substance. The portable project, which Professor Milton Lee has worked on since fall 2002, was licensed to Utah-based company Torion Technologies Inc. in March. About the size of a briefcase, the device was originally intended for the military, to be used in the field to detect chemical threats. Because of its nature, the U.S.
Department of State helped fund much of its progress.” (BYU News Net; 14Apr08; Autumn Buys) http://nn.byu.edu/story.cfm/68330

Decision delay on chemical plant claims may not be a bad thing
“The claims are part of an eight-year-old program initiated at the end of the Clinton administration to compensate workers who contracted cancer from working at nuclear weapons plants during the Cold War. The old Blockson plant processed phosphorous for soap and detergents. The plant also extracted uranium from the phosphorous for use in nuclear weapons. The board at one time was to make a decision on the petition, called a special cohort petition, in January. But that vote was delayed again last week when two board members raised questions about methods being used to determine whether cancer cases could be linked to chemical exposure at the Blockson plant, said an aide from Sen. Barack Obama's office who was at the board meeting in Tampa, Fla. But the board also permitted 91 Blockson claims that were previously denied to be recalculated.” (Chicago Sun-Times; 13Apr08; Sting Wire Reports) http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/892683,chemicalplant041308.article

Russian town is so toxic even the mayor wants it closed down
“Harsh winters, polluted air, crumbling apartment blocks – the residents of many Russian towns might feel that they have cause for complaint. But in Chapayevsk, a town of about 70,000 inhabitants in European Russia, the mayor himself has suggested a novel way of solving the town's problems – abandon it. You can hardly blame him – 96 per cent of all children there are deemed unhealthy. Chapayevsk, close to the Volga river and the city of Samara, is home to factories that produced chemical weapons for many years, and is blighted by air and soil pollution. According to the newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta, at a round table meeting on the environment in Samara this week, the town's mayor, Nikolai Malakhov, said that resettling the town's residents would be an ‘ideal solution’ to Chapayevsk's problems.”(Independent; 13Apr08; Shaun Walker) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/europe/russian-town-is-so-toxic-even-the-mayor-wants-it-closed-down-808489.html

Party leader commends Military Chemical Unit
“Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh bestowed the Ho Chi Minh Order on the Military Chemical Unit Saturday and asked the force to be ready to defend the nation against any threats that may emerge in the future. At a ceremony held to mark the 50th anniversary of the unit’s founding, General Secretary Manh analyzed the complicated developments in the world and the region and urged the force to advise the Central Military Party Committee and the Defense Ministry as to the best way to protect the nation against chemical weapons.” (Thanhnien News; 13Apr08)
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/?catid=1&newsid=37619

Bacteria tails could protect against 'dirty' bomb
“A drug made out of Salmonella can protect mice and monkeys from high doses of radiation. It might help protect rescuers who have to enter a radioactive area after attack with a nuclear or dirty bomb, and also cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. People die of radiation sickness when radiation kills cells lining the gut, as well as those in the bone marrow that gives rise to vital blood cells. The cells die because radiation activates the natural programme of cell death, apoptosis. Andrei Gudkov and colleagues at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, reasoned that turning off apoptosis could offer a way to combat radiation sickness, and one way to do that is by activating an immune signaling chemical called NF-B. Oddly, the flagella of benign Salmonella bacteria that normally live in the intestine can do this, as they like to keep the gut cells they nestle against alive.” (New Scientist; 11Apr08; Debora MacKenzie) http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/dn13652-bacteria-tails-could-protect-against-dirty-bomb-.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

Report on terror drill highlights problems
“During a major terrorism exercise last year in which mock ‘dirty bombs’ went off in two major U.S. cities and Guam, officials had problems working with radiation experts and relaying the extent of the damage to the public, according to a federal report released Thursday. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials met in Oklahoma City on Thursday for a closed-door conference with state and local emergency responders to discuss the preliminary results of the October 2007 exercise.” (KATU, Associated Press; 11Apr08; Sean Murphy) http://www.katu.com/news/local/17547349.html

Jailed terrorists are using the internet to contact supporters
“Terror suspects held at one of Britain's most secure jails are secretly accessing the internet to contact their supporters. The discovery raises fears that some of the UK's most dangerous terrorists could be plotting new attacks from inside prison. […] The jail's current prisoners include Abu Doha, who is accused of plotting to bomb Los Angeles Airport, and Dhiren Barot, who was jailed for life for planning terror attacks, including one using a radioactive ‘dirty’ bomb.” (Daily Mail; 13Apr08; Jason Lewis) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=559283&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.