Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have designed a system that uses fusion to eliminate most of the transuranic waste produced by nuclear power plants. This invention could help combat global warming by making nuclear power a more viable replacement for carbon-heavy energy sources.
Physicians around the world are urging US President Barack Obama to prioritize nuclear abolition as a matter of global health and security. The current nuclear arsenal poses an existential threat to human life and the environment.
Researchers will conduct simulations of advanced nuclear energy systems using powerful IBM Blue Gene/P supercomputer. The work aims to develop precise computer simulations of next-generation nuclear systems, reducing costs and improving safety.
Researchers have made groundbreaking measurements of rare tin, cadmium, and indium nuclei, refining theoretical models about element creation in the cosmos. The discovery of Tin-100, a 'holy grail' of experimental nuclear physics, marks a major breakthrough in understanding nuclear stability.
Stanford researcher Mark Z. Jacobson finds wind power to be the most promising clean energy source, offering a 99% reduction in carbon emissions and water consumption. In contrast, biofuels, nuclear power, and coal are significantly polluting, causing thousands of deaths per year.
Engineers at the University of Texas at Austin have received a $511,000 grant to research better methods for monitoring and detecting covert nuclear tests. They aim to improve the international community's ability to determine if a nuclear test has occurred by analyzing atmospheric xenon levels.
Sandia scientists train Iraqi professionals to clean up radioactively contaminated sites and safely dispose of radioactive wastes. The program focuses on characterization, cleanup, dismantling nuclear facilities, waste management, and waste disposal at the Al Tuwaitha nuclear complex.
The SNM Technologist Section (SNMTS) has partnered with IBA Molecular and Philips to provide a leadership training program for young professionals in nuclear medicine technology. The program aims to develop the leadership skills necessary to excel in the field.
The University of Texas at Austin has been awarded a three-year grant of $750,000 to establish an outreach program for historically black colleges and universities. The program aims to introduce students and faculty to nuclear science and engineering, addressing a discipline that lags in attracting minorities.
Raymond Jeanloz receives the 2008 Hans Bethe Award for demonstrating the reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile in the presence of a moratorium on nuclear testing. His work showcases the stability of nuclear materials, contradicting advocates for new nuclear weapons.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine is now free and open to the public six months after publication, accelerating access to new research and advancing understanding of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. This move reflects the journal's exceptional quality and influence as an academic and professional resource.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that 90% of patients who underwent cardiac nuclear stress testing did so appropriately under updated guidelines. However, 21 patients received unnecessary tests, highlighting the potential for savings through adherence to test-appropriateness criteria.
Professor Constantin Chassapis and Hamid Hadim will develop educational and training programs to address energy industry workforce challenges, focusing on nuclear engineering expertise. The program aims to provide practical skills and competencies for future nuclear power engineers and technicians.
A new study in International Studies Review uses social psychology to understand Japan's nuclear restraint, finding that persuasion, identification, and conformity are key factors. The research suggests that Japan's faith in the NPT is rooted in its desire to be seen as a successful state, rather than a deterrent.
Thakur's work has advanced excellence in healthcare through the development of radiopharmaceuticals and imaging techniques, including a new monoclonal antibody for detecting infection. The 2008 Benedict Cassen Prize recognizes his major advance in basic or clinical nuclear medicine science.
Peter J. Ell, director of the institute of nuclear medicine and chair of nuclear medicine at UCL, is awarded the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for laying the foundations of nuclear medicine in Europe. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in developing molecular imaging techniques, including SPECT.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM) has awarded $170,000 in research grants to support nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research. This funding supports independent research projects, including the work of talented young scientists who will further advance diagnostic tools and treatments.
A recent survey of pediatric hospitals reveals a lack of universally applied standards for administering radiopharmaceutical doses to children. Experts recommend establishing guidelines that balance high-quality image resolution with low radiation exposure, taking into account each child's unique profile.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new method to predict the properties of light nuclei, allowing for better understanding of element origins and star behavior. This breakthrough enables more accurate calculations of nuclear reaction rates, which are crucial for astrophysics experiments.
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $589,000 continuation grant to Florida Tech associate professor Marcus Hohlmann for his research on using subatomic particles to detect hidden nuclear materials in cargo. The project uses muon radiography and a novel micro-pattern particle detector to identify potential threats.
The DIAMOND consortium aims to address the £70 billion cost of decommissioning UK nuclear sites through research and innovation. The project will also provide training for the next generation of nuclear waste specialists to combat an EU-wide skills gap.
Researchers have compared historical monitoring data with actual records from the test site to refine nuclear explosion detection methods. The study reveals that today's techniques can detect nuclear tests with high accuracy, thanks to improved monitoring experience gained from past efforts.
A symposium on energy research highlighted the need for transformational breakthroughs to meet future energy demands while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists discussed various renewable energy sources, including solar, nuclear power, hydrogen economy, and catalysis for transportation fuels.
A limited nuclear weapons exchange between Pakistan and India could create a near-global ozone hole, with mid-latitude ozone decreases reaching up to 40 percent. This would have huge effects on human health and ecosystems, with potential rises in cataracts, skin cancer, and damage to plants and animals.
Researchers have developed a cubic-meter-scale antineutrino detector that can quickly and precisely monitor the operational status and thermal power of nuclear reactors over hour-to-month-time scales. This new tool provides a direct measurement of reactor performance, enabling nonproliferation efforts by detecting fissile material inve...
A team of researchers from INL and partner institutions has successfully improved coated-particle nuclear fuel performance by reaching a burnup of 9% without any fuel failure. The breakthrough increases the efficiency of the reactor system, reducing fuel requirements and waste generation.
A team of Northwestern University chemists has developed a new metal sulfide material, KMS-1, that can effectively remove strontium, a major component of nuclear waste, by exploiting its unique properties. The material works across the pH scale and outperforms existing methods in terms of selectivity and efficiency.
A group of scientists, led by Stanford physicist Michael May, is urging an international push to improve nuclear forensics to prevent terrorist attacks. They recommend training, advanced equipment, and stronger ties to intelligence agencies to quickly identify the source of nuclear materials.
The American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) report warns that the US is losing its expertise in rapidly identifying nuclear materials. The pipeline for replacing these specialists is almost empty, and university programs in radiochemistry have been dwindling.
Scientists from University of Chicago Medical Center report that moving active genes to nucleus periphery can silence them, preventing transcription. This novel form of gene regulation involves attachment to inner nuclear membrane, blocking transcription through proteins residing on the membrane.
Researchers aim to develop a safety mechanism for next-generation nuclear power generators by studying carbon fiber composites embedded in a carbon matrix. The project seeks to understand how nanotubes improve the radiation-damage tolerance of ultra-thin carbon fibers.
A study highlights the need for improved patient information and counseling on nuclear medicine procedures, which can trigger radiation alarms in public places. Healthcare professionals, especially those in outpatient facilities, require formal training and standardization of instructions to ensure patient safety.
A computer model developed by Dr. David Morton is being expanded to prioritize radiation detector placement in high-risk areas, using data on smugglers' routes, materials, and methods. The goal is to detect nuclear smuggling attempts more effectively.
Argonne is developing advanced simulation tools called SHARP to validate new nuclear technologies and reduce waste, with the goal of closing the nuclear fuel cycle and reducing proliferation risk. The lab's work aims to optimize reactor design and safety using high-speed supercomputers.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating thermochemical hydrogen production using advanced nuclear energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence. The three-year, $2.4 million program aims to develop efficient technologies for hydrogen production compatible with nuclear-generated heat sources.
Researchers will create detailed computer models of a new proposed type of nuclear reactor, the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), which can burn highly radioactive materials and operate without using new fuel. The project aims to improve understanding of the physics of the system to design safer reactors.
Scientists at Michigan State University's NSCL created three new isotopes of magnesium and aluminum, exceeding current scientific models' predictions. The findings suggest that variants of everyday elements might exist beyond the known stability limit, sparking excitement in rare isotope research.
The University-National Park Energy Partnership Program has funded nearly 70 projects at over 30 national parks, saving energy bills and educating future energy professionals. Students conduct energy audits, data analysis, and implement renewable energy measures such as solar and wind turbines in historic sites.
The nuclear power industry is riding the green wave back into public favor, but it's still bound by a global energy landscape dominated by solar, wind and carbon sequestration. Veteran reporter Matthew Wald examines the trade-offs associated with alternative energy sources in his special feature.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has revised its nuclear medicine technologist's scope of practice, reflecting changes in technology and molecular imaging. The updated document includes procedures such as CT scans and administering contrast.
Princeton physicists have made the first real-time observation of low-energy solar neutrinos, confirming a long-held theory about the sun's nuclear reactions. The observation provides precise measurements of the neutrinos' energy and confirms that we understand how the sun shines.
A new internet-based training course is being developed to provide critical information for radiological sciences professionals. The eight-hour course, led by top radiation biologists, will cover the health consequences of a radiological or nuclear event and medical management of an exposure.
A research review of 136 countries found elevated leukaemia rates in children and young people near nuclear facilities, with rates increasing by 14-24% depending on proximity. The study suggests that the cause remains unclear, with environmental exposure and viral transmission being proposed hypotheses.
Researchers at K-State are working on making sodium-cooled nuclear reactors safer and more efficient by developing technology to measure coolant velocity, pressure, and temperature. The goal is to improve reactor operations and maintenance with minimal investment in new equipment.
Michael R. Zalutsky received the award for his significant contributions to medical science, especially in using molecular targeting to combat cancer. His research has had a substantial impact on therapeutic nuclear medicine and its applications.
R. Edward Coleman received the award for his contributions to molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice, particularly in advancing positron emission tomography (PET) for breast cancer, Alzheimer's, and brain tumors. His research has had a significant impact on medicine, and he is recognized as one of the best doctors in America.
A new study by the Institute for Policy Studies reveals significant concerns about GNEP's practicability and potential waste disposal issues. The report concludes that the program is unlikely to succeed due to unprecedented radioactive waste generation and unmanageable risks.
Livermore researchers have made the most accurate measurement of a nuclear isomer's excitation energy, a crucial step towards controlling its decay. This breakthrough could enable the use of isomers as high-energy density storage systems like batteries, and has implications for quantum computing, general relativity testing, and more.
A new study analyzing US nuclear reactors finds a range of electricity costs from 3 cents to 14 cents per kilowatt hour, with higher costs attributed to poor plant operation and security concerns. The study suggests that new technologies and safer reactors may not mitigate the financial risks associated with nuclear power.
A symposium explores the evolution of low energy nuclear reactions, with researchers presenting findings that suggest these phenomena have evolved and are supported by repeatable experimental data. Evidence includes excess heat generation, documented nuclear reaction products, and detection of high-energy atomic particles.
Eugenio Schuster, a controls engineer at Lehigh University, has received a five-year NSF CAREER Award to develop active control systems for nuclear fusion reactors. The goal is to regulate the density, current, and temperature of plasmas in fusion reactors to achieve self-sustaining fusion reactions.
A new study details the devastating impact of a nuclear attack on American cities, including casualties from blast and radiation, and burn victims from massive fires. The researchers suggest simple interventions can save tens of thousands of lives.
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has awarded its first-ever early site permit for a new nuclear power reactor, marking a significant step in the country's nuclear renaissance. PNNL researchers are assisting NRC with environmental and safety reviews, and document preparation.
Researchers have discovered that aged, fertilization-failure mouse oocytes can be used as cytoplasmic donors in nuclear transfer procedures, paving the way for future human egg use. This breakthrough could optimize cloning protocols and reduce waste of discarded IVF eggs.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have successfully cloned mice from adult skin stem cells using nuclear transfer, with a success rate of 19 out of 100 attempts. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of personalized embryonic stem cell lines for disease research and treatment.
The supplement examines the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in cancer diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. It provides guidelines and algorithms for the use of PET/CT in evaluating and managing head and neck cancer and thyroid cancer.
A small-scale nuclear conflict could produce as many direct fatalities as WWII and long-term climate disruptions, impacting nearly everyone on Earth. The scientists estimated fatality estimates ranging from 2.6 million to 16.7 million, and the environmental impacts could spread worldwide.
A small-scale regional nuclear war could produce as many direct fatalities as all of World War II and disrupt the global climate for a decade or more. The environmental effects would be catastrophic and long-term, affecting regions far from the target areas or countries involved in the conflict.
Two studies by University of Colorado at Boulder researchers predict a regional nuclear war could produce as many fatalities as World War II, disrupting the global climate for decades. The conflict could also lead to unprecedented climate change, with smoke emissions potentially exceeding 5 million metric tons.
Climate experts warn of the devastating impact of regional nuclear conflicts, which could lead to widespread famine due to enhanced greenhouse effect. Detonation of nuclear weapons in tropical regions may have harsher effects than those in northern latitudes, exacerbating global food shortages.