Articles tagged with Uranium
Researchers have developed a method to test building material samples for signs of high-enriched uranium (HEU) use. The technique involves analyzing small core samples using hardware similar to radiation dosimeter badges.
A large-scale study found elevated levels of a biomarker for uranium toxicity in Kuwaiti children who developed obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that uranium exposure may contribute to the country's high rates of obesity and diabetes.
Researchers developed a novel material inspired by siderophores to selectively bind uranium in seawater, offering an eco-friendly alternative to land-mining. The new adsorbent shows promising performance, increasing storage space for uranium and allowing for recyclable reuse.
Researchers have discovered the history of hundreds of lost WWII-era uranium cubes from Germany, which were part of a secretive and ultimately failed effort to build a working nuclear reactor. The findings highlight the differences between German and American nuclear research programs, with the former being divided and competitive.
Scientists at ORNL used computational methods to evaluate 4,600 potential crystal structures of uranium oxide compositions, identifying a potentially stable crystalline phase for U2O7. Their findings could lead to a better understanding of how crystalline and amorphous uranium materials form in the nuclear fuel cycle.
Researchers propose a novel method for reducing uranium concentration in contaminated water by utilizing amidoxime-functionalized ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15. The results show high U(VI) sorption capacities and selectivity, as well as effective regeneration and reuse after six cycles.
A new study found that uranium in mine dust can dissolve in simulated lung fluids and bloodstream, increasing the risk of disease. The researchers tested dust samples from five sites near uranium mines in New Mexico, discovering that mineral composition affects solubility.
Researchers predict and experimentally identify new uranium hydrides that exhibit superconductivity, including UH7 which displays superconducting capability at -219° C. High pressure produces an unexpectedly rich collection of these compounds, many of which do not fit classical chemistry.
A new study by Duke University has found widespread uranium contamination in India's groundwater, with levels exceeding the World Health Organization's safe drinking water standard. The contamination is linked to human activities such as over-pumping of aquifers and nitrate pollution.
Carnegie Mellon's RadPiper robots will identify uranium deposits on pipe walls at the U.S. Department of Energy's former uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio, saving tens of millions of dollars in completing characterization. The robot's use reduces hazards to workers and increases labor savings by an eight-to-one ratio.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method to identify the presence of radioactive materials like uranium and plutonium in building materials. The technique uses brick samples to detect the presence of these materials and can be done in days, not weeks.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered that uranium can perform reactions previously thought impossible, opening the door to new ways of producing materials and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of truly biodegradable hard plastic and new medicines.
A team of researchers used machine learning to model the behavior of aluminum and uranium in different phases at various temperatures and pressures. The study improved upon previous results in terms of speed and accuracy, enabling further work with only promising materials.
A new instrument capable of detecting trace amounts of uranium and other materials will be designed, supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Nuclear Forensics Research Award program. The instrument will allow for nanoscale imaging of isotopic content in solid samples, with unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution.
Researchers found that up to 89% of uranium in Wyoming's roll front deposits is non-crystalline and bound to organic matter, contradicting conventional wisdom. This biogenic uranium has implications for environmental remediation and mining practices.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a lightweight, porous crystal with unprecedented structural complexity using uranium and organic linkers. The new material has a high surface area, pore volume, and water stability, making it suitable for separating small molecules and enzymes.
Researchers from Canada and GEOMAR discover fossil oil mobilized uranium, forming complex-structured gold and uranium ore. High-resolution imaging techniques reveal an intimate spatial relationship between oil products and metals.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of California - Irvine have identified a new chemical attribute of plutonium, the +2 oxidation state in a molecular system. This finding expands our knowledge of actinide chemistry and paves the way for further exploration of transuranic molecules.
Researchers have identified three new uranium minerals, leesite, leószilárdite, and redcanyonite, found growing on the walls of old uranium mines in southern Utah. These minerals provide valuable insights into the chemistry and structure of uranyl compounds and their interactions with the environment.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new technique for extracting uranium from an aqueous solution using soap-like chemicals, potentially reducing the need for harsher separation methods. The technique also shows promise for legacy waste treatment and environmental cleanup.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have made a major step forward in nuclear waste recycling technologies by describing the electronic structure of uranium nitride compounds. A family of 15 complexes was synthesized, and advanced techniques were used to gain insight into their electronic states. This research has the potential...
Russian researchers developed a model to simulate dislocation behavior in uranium dioxide, enabling predictions of nuclear fuel behavior under operating conditions. This study aims to improve the understanding of nuclear fuel properties and reduce accident risks.
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a noninvasive procedure to identify individuals exposed to uranium within one year using hair and nail samples. The technique can also distinguish between natural and manmade sources of uranium, offering a significant advantage in detecting nuclear smuggling threats.
Scientists developed a method to measure the oxygen coefficient of uranium in complex oxides using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The new technique provides accurate information on uranium oxidation state, essential for creating nuclear reactor fuel, waste disposal templates, and environmental rehabilitation technologies.
A new laser-based uranium enrichment technology may provide a hard-to-detect pathway to nuclear weapons production. The separation of isotopes by laser excitation (SILEX) process could enable covert laser enrichment plants, posing proliferation concerns comparable to gas centrifuge development.
The study found that glutathione reduces uranium's chemical toxicity, allowing cells to grow and resist contamination. This discovery is crucial for innovative biological decontamination strategies, particularly in bioremediation of mining waste piles.
Scientists have developed new adsorbents that can extract uranium from seawater, reducing the cost by three to four times. The technology has shown promising results, with an ORNL adsorbent material capable of holding 5.2 grams of uranium per kilogram in natural seawater exposure.
Researchers have discovered a chemical method to immobilize uranium in contaminated groundwater, which could lead to more precise water remediation efforts. The technique involves adding specific amounts of phosphate to form a calcium phosphate barrier that traps uranium, rendering it inert.
Scientists have found evidence of curium in a rare meteorite sample called 'Curious Marie', dating back to the solar system's formation. The discovery resolves a 35-year-old debate and helps reassess models of stellar evolution and element synthesis.
Low oxygen levels hampered life's recovery after the Permian-Triassic extinction, which wiped out 90% of species. Oxygen levels didn't return to pre-extinction levels until 5 million years later, when climate stability increased.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a laser-based X-ray machine that can detect nuclear materials hidden behind thick shielding or smuggled in cargo containers. The technology offers several advantages, including low radiation levels and portability, making it a potential tool for nuclear site inspections.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new ultra-high-resolution technique to study polymer fibers trapping uranium in seawater. The findings suggest that traditional approaches to understanding the binding of uranium by polymer fibers do not accurately represent its behavior in bulk materials.
RHIC scientists found that shape affects particle production and flow in collisions, enabling them to separate results by geometry. This discovery represents a paradigm shift in understanding quark-gluon plasma formation.
Nearly 2 million Americans live near wells exceeding EPA's uranium guideline; nitrate mobilizes uranium through bacterial and chemical reactions. High Plains aquifer contains concentrations up to 89 times the EPA standard.
A report by Princeton researchers suggests that partnering with Iran's neighbors and E3+3 nations could reduce proliferation risks. The authors propose a multinational approach to uranium enrichment, giving access to the plant while ensuring transparency.
Iran's national uranium enrichment plant could be sold to other countries to keep the nuclear program peaceful. Multinationalizing the program ahead of 2025 could set a standard reducing nuclear proliferation risks worldwide.
Researchers at Rutgers University found a strain of bacteria that can breathe uranium, which makes it immobile and prevents contamination of drinking water. The discovery holds promise for cleaning up polluted groundwater at sites where uranium ore was processed to make nuclear weapons.
Researchers found that bacterial community structure can accurately predict the presence of contaminants such as uranium and oil. The approach uses DNA sequencing to monitor bacterial communities in environmental sites, providing a potential tool for detecting damage caused by human activity.
Scientists have developed a method to analyze uranium isotopes to determine whether bacteria were active in forming sediments billions of years ago. This new approach gives researchers a unique tool to study microbial activity and environmental niches from the past.
A Rutgers-led team has solved a long-standing puzzle in physics by explaining the 'hidden order' of an exotic material. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in electronic technology and superconducting materials for applications such as medical imaging and high-speed trains.
Researchers found that stars beyond our solar system produce gold and uranium less frequently than expected, challenging current theories. The study analyzed deep-sea core samples, revealing a significant discrepancy in the abundance of plutonium isotope Pu-244.
Scientists analyzed ocean floor dust to determine the amount of heavy elements created by supernovae, finding much less plutonium and uranium than expected. This challenges current theories that these essential materials are created and distributed throughout space.
Researchers analyzed mid-ocean ridge basalts to understand the uranium isotope cycle, revealing a 'fingerprint' of the element in oceanic crust. The study suggests that uranium has been transported from the surface to the deep mantle through subduction, providing insights into Earth's evolution over billions of years.
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered the atomic structure of uranium dioxide changes significantly when it melts. The study enhances understanding of reactor safety during meltdown scenarios.
Carter Abney has developed a new method to extract uranium from seawater using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could provide a sustainable energy source. The technology also has implications for reducing radioactive waste by removing minor actinides, extending nuclear power capabilities.
Researchers at Michigan State University have enhanced microbes to clean up nuclear waste by strengthening their pili nanowires. The improved microbes form a biofilm with increased armor, allowing them to neutralize more uranium and survive in higher concentrations.
Researchers have developed a method to detect antineutrinos emitted by nuclear reactors, allowing for the monitoring of reactor cores' status, performance, and composition. The detection method was tested using detectors with a volume of only one cubic meter, producing results that show promise for future reactor monitoring.
A new study reveals a sensitive detection method that can identify small quantities of plutonium or highly enriched uranium in luggage, posing a significant threat to nuclear security. The approach combines commercially available spectral X-ray detectors with a specialized algorithm, enhancing the detection powers of X-ray imaging.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown form of uranium that can become mobile under certain conditions, remobilizing from natural wetlands into surrounding water. Researchers found that a specific combination of organic matter, iron, and sulfide presence enables the mobility of uranium.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new method to remove uranium and other heavy metals from water using a solid material that collects metal ions directly from the solution. The CH Collector method is efficient, selective, and can recover even small amounts of metal without adjustments to the solution's pH.
Researchers have designed a highly sensitive nanosensor using graphene oxide to detect extremely low levels of uranium and plutonium in nuclear waste water. The discovery has significant implications for identifying potential leaks and ensuring environmental and human health safety.
Researchers in China are exploring a method to extract uranium from seawater, a potential solution to ensure reliable supplies of the fuel. Despite the challenge of extracting uranium from seawater at economic viability, progress has been made, including successful experiments by Japan and the US.
Scientists have discovered a stable version of a 'trophy molecule' and found its bonding properties to be surprisingly similar to those of chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten. This finding could aid in the extraction and separation of radioactive material from nuclear waste.
A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong correlation between uranium exposure and an increased lupus rate. People who were exposed to higher levels of uranium had lupus rates four times higher than the average population.
Two single-celled Archaea species, nearly identical genetically, respond differently to uranium toxicity, one by metabolizing it as energy, and the other by inducing a dormant state. These findings could teach us about mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for understanding antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in extracting uranium from seawater, which holds at least 4 billion tons of the precious material. The economic analysis suggests that uranium from the oceans could help solidify nuclear energy potential as a sustainable electricity source for the 21st century.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a material called HiCap that can extract valuable and precious dissolved metals from water. The material effectively removes toxic metals from water and has been shown to outperform current best adsorbents in terms of capacity, speed and selectivity.
Researchers at PNNL and ORNL have developed a new method to extract uranium from seawater, with initial tests showing the adsorbent material can soak up more than two times the uranium than Japan's material. The study could potentially provide a cost-competitive source of nuclear fuel, enough to power the world's reactors for 6,500 years.
Researchers at The University of Nottingham have successfully created a stable version of the elusive 'trophy molecule' using a novel method. The team's achievement offers a viable alternative to current nuclear fuels, with superior high densities, melting points, and thermal conductivities.
New research from the British Geological Survey and MIT refines the data used to determine how much time has passed since a mineral or rock was formed. The results show that minerals naturally capture uranium when they form, which in turn undergoes radioactive decays to other elements, allowing for more accurate age determinations.