Emerging Tech
NIST debuts first post-quantum cryptography algorithms
The first post-quantum cryptographic algorithms were officially released today, with more to come from ongoing public-private sector collaborations.
Navy still bullish on lasers but widely-deployed directed-energy ship defense remains years away
Quest gains urgency as enemy drones and missiles get better, cheaper, and more widely used.
VA launches new platform to help veterans identify and report scams
Scammers have increasingly targeted veterans and their beneficiaries, particularly after the PACT Act expanded benefits and health services for retired service members.
The Pentagon’s IT agency looks to expand cloud offshore
The agency has been expanding services outside the continental U.S. while reworking tools to ease data access.
Pentagon planning huge experiment for its connect-everything concept
“We see significant progress,” in opening up DOD data, one observer said. But a bigger, multinational test is coming.
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U.S. quantum cryptography standards set for release next week
NIST’s flagship post-quantum cryptography guidance that would help protect against decryption capabilities enabled by quantum computers aimed for release the week of Aug. 12.
New bill pushes VA to examine how blockchain can enhance its work
Legislation from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., would require VA to explore the benefits and risks of using distributed ledger technology.
White House roadmap looks to guide emerging tech standardization
The Biden administration unveiled a to-do list for federal agencies developing standards for cutting-edge technologies, focusing on external communications.
NASA’s astronauts return after a year living on simulated Mars
Everything about the mission was conducted to simulate an actual Martian environment.
Diverting TSA funds harms deployment of new tech, lawmakers warn
A bill to keep all 9/11 security fee collections at TSA would help the agency more quickly deploy facial recognition capabilities, but its supporters say privacy still needs to be prioritized.
Veterans Health Administration creates new office to streamline tech initiatives
The Veterans Health Administration has combined a number of its existing programs into one office to serve as the agency’s “central coordinator of digital health strategy and execution.”
Quantum sensors show how physics-based tech is yielding federal advances
True quantum computers are a long way off. But their lesser known cousins — quantum sensors — are already paying dividends in the federal scientific communities.
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Biden administration announces new investments in fusion energy
Officials unveiled new steps in the government’s fusion energy growth plan, which emphasizes public-private partnerships and the development of a fusion pilot power plant in the 2040s.
Bipartisan House bill seeks to reauthorize federal counter-drone authority
A proposal to extend the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice’s authority to mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems would also grant new counter-drone abilities to the FAA.
NSF releases new framework for ensuring security in scientific research
The National Science Foundation will test the TRUST framework for its capacity to evaluate the potential risks of emerging tech research projects against national security needs.
NOAA looks to sharpen solar storm forecasts with new satellite
The agency’s GOES-U satellite, scheduled to launch next month, will include an advanced instrument, called a compact coronagraph, to provide scientists with faster, more reliable data about solar storms.
DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies
The Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more.
NSF awards $36M to decarbonize computing
As part of the Expeditions in Computing program, the National Science Foundation awarded three academic cohorts funding to leverage emerging technologies into computing for more environmentally-friendly infrastructure.
NIST’s emerging tech work will be ‘very difficult’ without sustained funding, director says
Testifying before a House committee, NIST Director Laurie Locascio highlighted her agency’s ongoing work while making clear the need for more funding.
NSF to issue framework addressing national security implications of sensitive research
The agency’s director noted that the TRUST framework — based on recommendations made in a recent advisory group report — will be unveiled “in the coming months.”
