U.S. government scientists, working with Enterra Solutions LLC of Yardley, Pa., have developed a sensor system designed to help identify a terrorist attack.

Department of Energy scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory say a technology they developed, called SensorNet, can be augmented by a system developed by Enterra to become a first line of defense against terrorist attacks or even natural disasters.

The researchers say the augmented SensorNet consists of a collection of systems that can detect, identify and assess chemical, biological and radiological threats.

ORNL’s Randy Davis of the National Security Directorate says the rules-based automated system takes the guesswork out of the emergency response equation. He expects the collaboration to lead to more effective responses to disasters and attacks.

Ultimately, Davis says he believes the constantly evolving SensorNet project, combined with Enterra Solutions’ Resilience Net, could lead to near real-time actions to thwart terrorist efforts.