Articles tagged with Nuclear Radiation
A new technique allows researchers to observe magnesium's atomic-scale changes when exposed to radiation, providing insights into how radiation weakens materials. This discovery may lead to the development of new radiation-tolerant materials for deep space exploration.
Two studies examine the psychological status of Fukushima nuclear plant workers and residents' internal radiation exposure after the 2011 meltdown. Researchers found high rates of psychological distress and posttraumatic stress response among Daiichi plant workers, while Minamisoma residents had low levels of cesium radiation exposure.
Jie Lian, a nuclear engineering expert at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has won a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation. He will use the award to develop new advanced materials for use in nuclear power production.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab are developing a much more effective alternative to decontaminate a large number of actinides, including plutonium and uranium. The treatment can be administered orally in the form of a pill, resulting in approximately 90-percent actinide contaminant excretion within 24 hours.
Researchers surveyed over 5,000 people in the Fukushima region and found that almost all had safe contamination levels. The exposure gradually decreased over time, with indoor air having one-tenth the radiation dose of outdoor air.
Arizona State University is developing a high-throughput system for rapid radiation biodosimetry to measure gene expression in individuals exposed to abnormal levels of radiation. The project aims to ensure medical responders have the necessary information to provide appropriate medical treatment and human health safety.
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory and Ukraine's International Radioecology Laboratory collaborated on a special issue of the Health Physics Journal, publishing studies on environmental radiation monitoring, decommissioning Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant cooling ponds, and radioecology re...
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a miniaturized radiation dosimeter that can be stored on a credit-card-sized plastic card. This device, dubbed the Citizen's Dosimeter, can measure radiation exposure in real-time and provide life-saving early detection in nuclear accidents or dirty bomb incidents.
Researchers discover natural compound acetyl resveratrol protects mice from radiation damage, potentially overcoming existing drug's limitations. The substance can be easily produced in large quantities and administered orally.
Duke University is developing a rapid and accurate genomic-based diagnostic test to determine radiation exposure from a dirty bomb or nuclear attack. The test, which uses a signature of gene expression, shows over 90% accuracy in diagnosing radiation status.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting will explore ways to minimize radiation dosage in children, adults, and health professionals. Studies have shown that lower doses can be effective in detecting abnormalities, reducing the risk of cancer among medical professionals.
A study found that educating ordering physicians on the risks, benefits, and alternatives of various imaging modalities reduced unneeded studies by 26%. This targeted education led to a significant decrease in CT scans and nuclear medicine studies, minimizing patient radiation exposure.
The Department of Homeland Security has accepted PNNL to test and evaluate commercially available radiation detectors through its new GRaDER program. This will ensure emergency responders have the best tools available to detect radiation.
Research suggests that vitamin D, specifically its active form calcitriol, could offer protection against radiation-induced damages by regulating cell cycle and proliferation. This could be a potential safe agent for protecting people before or after low-level nuclear incidents.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded $25 million in grants to develop new diagnostics and treatments for radiation exposure. Researchers will focus on improving the diagnosis and treatment of individuals exposed to radiation, as well as investigating the effects of radiation combined injuries.
Researchers found that oxygen atoms in yttria-stabilized zirconia can heal radiation-induced damage by moving into pre-existing vacancies. This self-healing behavior could lead to the development of radiation-resistant materials, improving durability and reducing replacement costs. The simulation results also suggest that this ceramic ...
A new study suggests that low-dose CT coronary angiography can measure cardiac function effectively, offering a lower radiation dose alternative to traditional exams. The technique has the potential to replace high-radiation exams for patients with mobility or other issues.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a system that uses cell phones with radiation sensors to detect and track radioactive material, making it difficult for terrorists to go undetected. The system can pinpoint the location of radiation sources using data from multiple cell phones.
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.
The study found a 121% increase in imaging exams performed on pregnant women between 1997 and 2006, with the greatest increases seen in CT exams. The researchers estimated that pregnant women are exposed to low but potentially harmful levels of radiation during these exams.
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.
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.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging emphasizes the beneficial aspects of nuclear medicine, a highly effective diagnostic and treatment method. Every major hospital has a nuclear medicine department, performing over 19 million procedures annually, increasing by 15% from four years ago.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded $47 million to develop medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear threats. Eight universities have received grants to establish centers for medical countermeasures against radiation, focusing on basic and applied research to develop new products...
Researchers are creating a library of realistic 3D models of patients to improve radiation dose accuracy, enabling safer and more effective treatment. This project aims to bring about a paradigm change in radiation protection by facilitating image processing and simulation.
High levels of radiation from thyroid treatment can trigger homeland security detectors, which are now more common with increased sensitivity. Hospitals should develop documentation guidelines for patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures to minimize this risk.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to combat Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum, two fungi responsible for serious diseases. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) utilizes designer antibodies coupled with radioactive isotopes to deliver targeted radiation, demonstrating superior efficacy over external gamma radiation.
A recent study has found that 18F-FDG PET scans are more accurate than CT scans in predicting post-therapy Hodgkin's disease relapse. The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET was 92%, while CT results were only correct in 56% of cases.
A new study reveals that gadolinium zirconate is highly resistant to radiation, outlasting ceramic materials currently considered for plutonium disposal by millions of years. This finding makes it a leading candidate for the immobilization of plutonium, a nuclear contaminant with a long half-life.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that most household members were exposed to significantly less radiation than the government allows. The study's findings suggest that outpatient care for thyroid cancer patients is safe and poses minimal risk to those around them.
After a 13-year study, researchers found no significant increase in cancer mortality among TMI residents. Initial results showed higher mortality from heart disease, but these were largely attributed to smoking habits and education levels.
A new study has found a significant link between radiation exposure and an increased risk of multiple myeloma among nuclear workers, with older workers facing the highest risks. Workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a 3.5-fold higher mortality rate compared to those with lower exposures.
Researchers visualize radiation-induced breakage of specific chemical bonds in protein, revealing a highly specific phenomenon. The findings have direct implications for improving data collection using X-ray crystallography and developing pharmacological means to protect against radiation damage.
Xie George Xu's 3D virtual man, VIP-Man, simulates radiation's effect on the skin, lens of the eye, optic nerve, and bone marrow with high accuracy. The model will enable accurate treatment planning for diseases requiring radiation therapy, revolutionizing radiation dosimetry in biomedical sciences and engineering.
Researchers developed tests to determine how well bipolar electronics, commonly used in satellites, can survive long-term radiation exposure. The tests, led by Sandia National Laboratories, predict a 10-year response in just a few weeks and have already benefited systems, preventing potential failures.
A study led by Dr. Steven Wing found that lung cancer and leukemia rates were significantly higher downwind of the Three Mile Island reactor than upwind, consistent with high radiation exposures. The researchers conclude that radiation from the accident increased cancer in areas affected by radioactive plumes.