When it comes to finding explosives, sniffer dogs are hard to beat -- their noses are so sensitive they can pick up odors emitted from the chemical vapors found in bombs they are trained to detect. But what if there was a technology that could do just the same, work 24 hours a day and at a fraction of the price? Koniku, a Silicon Valley-based startup founded by Oshiorenoya Agabi, is trying to develop just that -- high-tech sensors made from genetically modified living cells that can detect odors in the air. "We take biological cells, so living matter, and we modify them to give them capabilities to detect a smell -- in the same way that living biological matter in your own nose functions," Agabi said. The cells are fused with a silicon chip that processes odor signals and passes them through a machine learning system for classification, performance improvement and error correction. If a smell is identified as a security threat, the purple, jelly-like device -- called a Konikore -- lights up. Having performed well in preliminary tests, Koniku -- in partnership with aerospace company Airbus -- will start field trials of the devices in December, at Changi Airport in Singapore and San Francisco International Airport. "Our objective is to provide airports and airlines with 100% situational awareness on the chemical, explosive, bacteriological threat," said Julien Touzeau, head of product security for Airbus America. The devices would act as a first line of defense, screening people as they enter the airport -- complementing existing methods for detecting bomb threats, such as security scanners and dogs. Weighing less than 350 grams and about half the size of a smartphone, the devices could be installed in multiple locations: on the revolving doors at the entrance to a terminal, at check-in desks, or at the entrance to an aircraft.<br/>
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Wealthy people in England are booking private jets to escape the lockdown set to be introduced on Thursday, according to jet brokers. Air Partner, one of the biggest aircraft charter firms, said there had been a “sharp rise” in private jet bookings “out of the country before Thursday”, as people look to avoid the lockdown and instead spend the time overseas. The company, which supplies planes to Premier League footballers, celebrities, the royal family and six out of the eight governments in the G8, said it had been overwhelmed with enquiries from wealthy people seeking to escape the UK for second homes overseas. New national restrictions are due to come into effect in England on Thursday, after MPs vote on them, and remain in place at least until 2 December.<br/>
Australia’s regional airports now have another chance to apply for government investment for upgrades from a $100m fund. Deputy PM Michael McCormack said round two of the ‘Regional Airports Program’ would open from 3 November 2020 to 15 December 2020. It follows the initial round allocating $41.2 million to 61 regional airports earlier this year. The larger $100m package was announced during 2019’s budget, but has taken on increased importance as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. “Our commitment of $100 million over four years from 2019-2020 to 2022-23 will ensure the owners and operators of regional airports can deliver improved safety and capability, including upgraded runways, taxiways, as well as new fencing, navigational aids and lighting,” said the Deputy PM. AAA chief executive James Goodwin said on Monday, “This program will help regional airports deliver projects which create long-term benefits, so communities can continue to connect to work, essential services, family and friends no matter where they live.<br/>