Originally Posted by Mr. Gel-pack

This NPR story is interesting, Guns, Tumors And The Limits Of The Human Eye:

Hat tip Schneier's "Limits of Visual inspection":

This would give some scientific justification for the TIP program.

So, TIP-wise and research-wise, packing "targets" in your bags might actually improve the odds of TSA catching its mythical <1-in-a-billion terrorist. Rather than feel bad when some TSO chides me for forgetting a bottle of water, I'll consider it my way to help "ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce".