USU dealings with homeland security being developed
Various centers and departments at Utah State University are making developments in the way they help national and homeland security.
Information concerning these developments will be made public in the next couple of weeks.
A Web site, www.usu.edu/vpr/news/homeland.asp, summarizes current USU biodefense research programs and ideas for the future.
The National Center for the Design of Molecular Function is directed by Linda Powers. The center has “developed several microbial detection and identification technologies that permit continuous real-time monitoring of aerosols, liquids and surfaces for contamination,” according to the site.
The site explains that the center can screen mail for bacteria inside sealed envelopes.
Powers said because statewide planning for development of homeland security is occurring right now, she and others involved are not allowed to comment on future plans for USU’s participation.
The Center for Microbe Detection and Physiology on campus focuses on agri-security. Director Bart Weimer said his center has “tons of stuff going and stopping” all the time.
“We’re dealing with rapid detection of all sorts of agents,” Weimer said.
According to the site, one of the center’s creations is the Immunoflow, used for detection of bacteria. This technology can identify pathogenic organisms (those capable of producing disease) in less than 30 minutes.
Another center that helps with homeland security is the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. UVDL serves as a resource to protect animal health and public health from diseases, according to the site. UVDL is the state’s only veterinary diagnostic lab.
The Institute for Antiviral Research is another place on campus used for research about homeland security. The institute “tests compounds for their effectiveness in the control of viral diseases,” according to the site.
Work at IAR has led to the development of five drugs currently approved for the treatment of human viral diseases. The site lists West Nile virus, smallpox and mad cow disease as focuses of the institute’s research.
The site noted a potential USU regional biodefense center, but Weimer said the plans have basically stopped. Because of stiff competition nationally for a biodefense center, he said, it was unlikely USU would be awarded the means and money to get it running.
The center would have linked Utah security with national homeland security, according to the site.
-emilieholmes@cc.usu.edu