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The University of Maine's research and development initiatives related to homeland security, including environmental monitoring, involve many diverse areas of study — from computer science to water quality. UMaine's Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology (LASST), the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites (AEWC) Center, and the Sen. George J. Mitchell Center for Environmental and Watershed Research are three campus-based focal points for UMaine's research efforts to protect our troops and our citizens. LASST is developing sensors for monitoring high temperatures in Air Force vehicles and equipment, and for detecting microbial pathogens, toxic chemicals, bioagents and explosives. Using nanotechnology, LASST engineers and scientists are developing materials that absorb toxic compounds in liquids, sequence DNA at high speed and more effectively sample fluids from biological tissues. AEWC's composites research includes the development of ballistic protection panels for troops housed in tents; new-age building materials with increased resistance to earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes; tamper-resistant shipping containers; and advanced composite hulls for the U.S. Navy's high-speed Mark V Special Operations crafts. At the Mitchell Center, numerous research initiatives are aimed at helping protect the drinking water supply.