Secret Hours

In the first demonstration of its kind, researchers at the University of British Columbia have controlled the spin of electrons using a ballistic technique--bouncing electrons through a microscopic channel of precisely constructed, two-dimensional layer of semiconductor.

Oncologists often have to wait months before they can determine whether a treatment is working. Now, using a non-invasive method, researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that they can determine after a single cycle of chemotherapy whether the toxic drugs are killing the cancer or not.

Researchers have developed a technology that detects damage to critical suspension components in military vehicles simply by driving over a speed bumplike "diagnostic cleat" containing sensors.

"Our aim is to save time and maintenance costs, but more importantly to reduce downtime by catching damage before it leads to failure in the field," said Douglas Adams, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of Purdue University's Center for Systems Integrity.

If the experience of the American troops already training police officers in Ghazni Province is any indication, better policing may be impossible for Afghanistan unless government officials at all levels stop cannibalizing their civil administration and police force for a quick profit.

Gastroenterologists at Rush University Medical Center are studying the safety and efficacy of a new system for delivering chemotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer, a rare, but deadly disease that attacks the throat. The unique drug therapy delivers a highly concentrated dose of chemotherapy injected directly on to the hard-to-reach tumors in the esophagus non-surgically.

Paratroopers at Forward Operating Base Salerno are busy running fiber optic lines in order to keep critical lines of communication open.

The paratroopers of Charlie Company, 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division are working to keep everyone connected through a variety of services, so the battle can continue.

Army Capt. Brian Collins, commander of the Network Support Company, is leading the team of paratroopers.

“We provide all of the connectivity for the brigade throughout the Task Force Yukon area of operation,” he said, referring to the sector of eastern Afghanistan approximately the size of Maryland.

“It is a huge tasking for the smallest company in the entire brigade,” he added.

The captain explained the necessity of the network functioning at all times.

“It allows communication flow on the battlefield, which is critical to meeting the commander’s intent,” Collins said, reiterating the importance of Soldiers’ ability to communicate both in combat and in operational cells at the company level.

Any issues that arise with the network create an urgency that the network specialists meet with efficiency.

“We have Soldiers that fly out to different forward operating bases on signal maintenance, we have the help desk located in the tactical operations center, network operations, and constant troubleshooting … we do a lot in 24 hours.”

“We have to do our job very well because if we don’t then everyone else can’t do their jobs,” said Army Spc. Robert Troxler, a member of the fiber optic team of C. Co. “Yeah we may get a little wet and muddy, but the bottom line is that the job has to be done.”

Collins took command of the company during their last deployment tour in Iraq and 22 months later, has seen the results of his team’s hard work: a proficient group of Soldiers who are close-knit both on and off duty.

“We are a very tight company,” he said, smiling. “I have just an incredible team. They make everything happen, they are awesome!”

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