Akron professor plays key role in war on terror

AKRON -- A local college professor literally has a hand in fighting the war on terror. In her case, it's what she has in her hands that may make the difference in stopping terrorists who attempt to hijack planes.

Dr. Judit Puskas' is developing a recipe for the future in polymer bullets. Using a thermoplastic rubber that she co-invented more than 20 years ago, the Polymer Engineer at the University of Akron continues to refine the recipe for the latest projectiles for law enforcement.

"We designed this bullet that when they aim at the thorax region, it will just hit the person and (incapacitate) the person but it wouldn't harm the person," Puskas said.

Polymer bullets aren't as likely to ricochet, Puskas said, and are more likely to bruise a suspect while not penetrating the skin as many rubber and plastic bullets do. That makes it ideal for air marshals, said Puskas.

"This would not damage the fuselage so this could be used to (subdue) somebody," she said.

Already in use by several police departments in Pennsylvania, polymer bullets also boast a better efficiency in low temperatures. Plastic bullets fired at below 32 degrees are often just as deadly as regular ammunition, Puskas said.