YGEN.L Regulatory News (YGEN)

28 Mar 2007 07:02

ViaLogy PLC28 March 2007 Date: 28 March 2007 On behalf of: ViaLogy plc ("ViaLogy" or "the Company") Embargoed until: 0700hrs ViaLogy PLC Technology Update o Vialogy combines technologies to detect Chemical, Biological,Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive materials ("CBRNE"). o Exclusive license from Oak Ridge National Laboratory ("ORNL") willenable detection of CBRNE material traces from 100 metres distance. LONDON, March 28, 2007 - Two breakthrough technologies are being combined byscientists in California to enable the detection of covert and camouflagedbuildings where explosives may be manufactured and stored. The hand-heldchemical detection device will also be able to identify dangerous compoundsbeing carried by people. The US subsidiary of ViaLogy PLC (LSE: VIY) in Altadena, CA, and UT Battelle LLC("UT Battelle"), of Oak Ridge, TN, have completed an agreement grantingexclusive commercialization rights for dual-beam Reverse Photo-AcousticSpectrometer ("REPAS") technology. UT-Battelle manages Oak Ridge NationalLaboratory ("ORNL") for the U.S. Department of Energy. Under this patentlicensing and commercialization agreement, ViaLogy will capitalize on thesynergy between ORNL's breakthrough REPAS technology and ViaLogy's advanced weaksignal processing for standoff detection of minute amounts of CBRNE materials. The REPAS methodology was invented by Dr Thomas Thundat and scientists Dr. MingSu and Dr. David Hedden. Dr. Thundat, who is a Corporate Fellow and Head ofORNL's Nanoscale Science and Device's Group, has demonstrated the potential toachieve ultra-long range detection of various explosives such as TNT, PETN (oneof the explosive materials in Semtex plastic explosives), and RDX, a majorcomponent of many plastic bonded explosives used in nuclear weapons. ViaLogyplans to combine its patented weak-signal technology, Quantum ResonanceInterferometry (QRI), with REPAS to build a device effective at distances of atleast 100 metres. Long range detection of CBRNE materials is an exceptionally challenging problemand an extremely high priority in the global war on terrorism. Accurateidentification of persons and facilities in cluttered urban environmentsinvolved in suspected bomb-making activities is critical. The recent increase ofterrorists using radio-controlled improvised explosive devices ("IEDs") andvehicle bombs has lead to significant losses in human lives and building damage. Current state-of-the-art explosive signature detection systems endanger bothsecurity personnel and civilians. ViaLogy aims to create a portable or mobileplatform-mounted system that can be used to rapidly scan human or buildingsurfaces from a secure distance. Any detected signature will immediatelytrigger actionable intelligence that can be used to identify, observe, monitor,track suspects, and/or neutralize personnel and facilities at a distance. "REPAS is a remarkable invention, and we are delighted to partner with ORNL inthe commercialization process," said ViaLogy's CEO, Michael Kelly. "IdentifyingCBRNE and IED assembly facilities from a distance is a technique that has neverbeen properly mastered. "Dr. Thundat and his team at Oak Ridge have now demonstrated that REPAS caneffectively identify unique chemical bonding signatures for explosives.Integration with the powerful QRI algorithm will significantly extend thedistance of coverage and enhance the signal-to-background ratio". Dr. Tom George, ViaLogy's Director for Product Development and Nanofabrication,will be leading the technology integration project. Dr. George previously headedthe MEMS Sensors and Technology group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Vialogy will be working with manufacturers and system integrators to fast trackproduction, certification and distribution of the ViaLogy REPAS systems. For further information please contact: ViaLogyMichael Kelly, CEO - US +1 626 296 6337Terry Bond, Chairman - UK & Europe +44 (0)20 7869 7014 Redleaf CommunicationsEmma Kane / Samantha Robbins +44 (0)20 7822 0200 Seymour Pierce LimitedMark Percy +44 (0)20 7107 8000 About ViaLogy: Network Centric Signal Processing. ViaLogy is a leading innovator of network-centric, real-time signal processingplatforms for sensor applications. ViaLogy is currently deploying and designingcomputational systems, powered by its patented technologies, for applications inlife sciences, public safety and security, surveillance, defense andgeoseismology. Vialogy focuses on market driven problems where automation,timeliness, quality and reliability of information processing are essential.ViaLogy's core competency incorporates rapidly and accurately detecting weaksignals buried in high noise background and clutter. This technology can beemployed to solve problems involving sensor integration and information overloadchallenges involving video, telephony and control sensors, as well as forenhancement of numerous signal processing applications. For more information,visit our website at www.vialogy.com. About UT-Batelle, LLC: A not-for-profit company, known as UT-Battelle, has beenestablished for the sole purpose of managing and operating the Oak RidgeNational Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Formed as a 50-50 limitedliability partnership between the University of Tennessee and Battelle,UT-Battelle is the legal entity responsible for leading ORNL as the Laboratoryenters the 21st Century. About ORNL: ORNL (www.ornl.gov) is a multiprogram science and technologylaboratory managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by UT-Battelle, LLC.Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research anddevelopment to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions thatstrengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase theavailability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; andcontribute to national security. ORNL also performs other work for theDepartment of Energy, including isotope production, information management, andtechnical program management, and provides research and technical assistance toother organizations. The laboratory is a program of DOE's Oak Ridge FieldOffice. Except for statements of historical fact, the information presented hereinconstitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statementsinvolve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may causethe actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materiallydifferent from any future results, performance or achievements expressed orimplied. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange