If NSOL can detect nuclear weapons, how does that information get out to the public without national security issues? Government contracts without specific information maybe?
IMO nuclear detection is becoming more possible because of improving multiple sensor technologies coupled with software development.
Regarding ethanol technology, in NSOL style, I believe it is simply a recombining of already proven technologies that can be duplicated by competition (once understood) and therefore is the key reason why NSOL doesn't want to say anything until all the pieces are in place.
Conversly, once NSOL goes public with the ethanol technology, you can assume they will have a complete roadmap in place and will be ready to handle competition. (and hopefully a lot of press releases)