In a world where adversaries enthusiastically develop technologically advanced devices and strategies, it is critical for the defense enterprise to proactively formulate solutions now to mitigate future attacks. Researchers embedded in the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) and the University of Nebraska System’s (NU) four campuses continue to elevate capabilities toward new agile solutions — and new uses for existing solutions. During this period, projects launched through NSRI fit this need and delivered promising products to end users.
Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) poses a grave threat to the Nation’s warfighters and first responders. It is induced by exposure to elevated levels of ionizing radiation, which can come from a dirty bomb attack, nuclear accident or nuclear detonation. Russia’s potential employment of tactical nuclear armaments during its invasion of Ukraine throughout this reporting period made the threat of nuclear weapons use and the need for medical countermeasures to prevent and mitigate ARS more real than it has been at any point in recent decades.
To bolster readiness, NSRI leveraged researchers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute to advance development of a prophylactic treatment designed to safeguard U.S. troops.
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded NSRI a $24.5 million contract in September 2023 to propel this research into the next phase — the highest single-project award in NSRI’s history. The award was the third such contract from DHA for this endeavor, totaling more than $35 million in funding since 2017. The research team achieved substantial progress in the initial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic testing on multiple candidate compounds and is currently evaluating candidates and amassing data for evaluation and approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
In the hands of military warfighters and civilian first responders, NU’s preventative ARS treatment can help ensure a resilient force for an unthinkable nuclear event in the homeland.
When treating injured soldiers or mass-casualty victims, obtaining sterile equipment to reduce infection is a problem because sterilization has required a specific supply of power and water, bulky equipment and long cycle times. In early 2022, NSRI began contributing to a multiyear effort to develop power-free field equipment sterilization. With the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, NSRI scientists conducted bio-efficacy testing of hot biocidal vapors to sterilize surgical tools. The technique was repurposed from a project using rapid defeat energetic formulations for countering weapons of mass destruction.
Five-minute tests successfully demonstrated baseline reduction in Staphylococcus aureus vegetative cells and Bacillus thuringiensis spores — without hazardous chemical vapors and with a short cooldown cycle. team aims to optimize the process and produce a functional mobile sterilization tool to save lives in the field.
In 2012, Russian special forces employed a nontraditional, fentanyl-based chemical agent to stop terrorists who had taken hostages, but it also took the lives of civilians. The use of this agent demonstrated a new emerging threat to DOD forces.
An NU team is exploring medical countermeasures to keep U.S. forces safe from such agents. The research falls under a $6.5 million award from the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
Milestones achieved so far include safety and efficacy testing of multiple medical countermeasures targeting opioid and non-opioid pharmaceuticalbased agents; optimizing dosing based on agent exposure levels; determining potential cardiovascular and respiratory effects; and cognition and anxiety testing to ensure the countermeasures do not impair the warfighter’s ability to fight.
The Nation needs resources, personnel, strategies and experience in place to quickly and decisively respond to future threats. DTRA is investing up front, and NU and NSRI scientists are executing these needs before events take place.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Navy’s two hospital ships deployed to Los Angeles and New York City to provide citizen care. The experience onboard prompted DTRA to fund further evaluation of particle dispersal in the ships’ medical spaces.
Underway on the United States Naval Ship Mercy for nine days in February 2024, an NSRI research team conducted 59 tests using fluorescent tracer particles with unique signatures not naturally present, a custom aerosol generator and a particle sensor network for continuous environmental monitoring.
Study conclusions will play a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s and Military Sealift Command’s protection of medical staff and patients from aerosolized pathogens on fleet hospital ships.
At a 2023 committee session of the National Academies for Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Dr. Christopher Yeaw, NSRI associate executive director, presented forward-looking insight into U.S. nuclear strategy and policy as part of a study of potential environmental effects of a nuclear weapons exchange.
At the 2023 Nuclear Deterrence Summit in Washington, D.C., Dr. Yeaw moderated for Deborah Rosenblum, DOD Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, and presented on a panel regarding U.S. readiness. Dr. Yeaw followed up on the concept of readiness with remarks at the 2024 Nuclear Deterrence Summit. He made it clear that the balance of nonstrategic nuclear weapons weighs very negatively against the U.S. and warrants immediate attention.
At the 2023 Project on Nuclear Issues Conference, NSRI intern Grace Farson presented first-of-its-kind research applying mathematical game theory to potential tripolar nuclear conflict.
Presentations by NSRI leaders and interns introduce cutting-edge in U.S. Strategic Command’s mission area, adding to a national discussion that can evolve U.S. deterrence strategies and policies.
NSRI supports first responders through training resources and expertise for all federal government agencies with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE)-related missions. In late 2022, NSRI launched new all-hazards training through a $1.5 million contract sponsored by the U.S. National Guard 24th Civil Support Team.
NSRI’s unique service model prepares responders for hazard events ranging from advanced medical treatment for HAZMAT chemical and biological sampling and decontamination. The team also helps identify and evaluate emerging technologies.
Colorimetric indicators have been a functional asset allowing military teams to respond to indicated battlefield threats; however, they have not evolved significantly for decades. In summer 2023, NSRI scientists helped advance this technology by hosting a workshop with program managers from DTRA and the Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO), as well as end users from the joint services. Attendees outlined the state of the technology and documented requests for new indicator technologies.
With results of the workshop in hand, NSRI conducted a market survey to catalog existing solutions. For requirements without solutions, NSRI outlined goals for future DOD-funded research and development efforts. The final report was delivered in December 2023.
With existing solutions and research requirements identified, DTRA and JPEO have an actionable strategic plan for advancing colorimetric indicator technologies.
U.S. President Joe Biden’s National Security Memorandum 16 on Strengthening the Security and Resilience of United States Food and Agriculture focuses specifically on CBRN threats to the food and agriculture sector. In answer to his call, NSRI cohosted a March 8, 2023, workshop with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources to launch a critical new NSRI focus area: Food, Agriculture and Environment Security.
More than 60 researchers convened to leverage the university’s 150 years of food industry research prowess in support of the DOD, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies working in this space.
Early strategic planning sessions in 2023 targeted three key threats: climate change, bad actors and the need for interdisciplinary integration to build toward a coordinated national defense of food, environment and agriculture. Download proceedings at nsri.nebraska.edu/faes.
