Articles tagged with Radioactivity
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
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Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
The scientific program includes presentations on new research in exotic and radioactive nuclei, quark-gluon plasma, nucleosynthesis, neutrinos, and more. Registration is now open for news media with valid APS press credentials.
Researchers at National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology developed a technique to decompose polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into gaseous products using electron beam irradiation. This process reduces energy required by 50% compared to traditional methods, making large-scale recycling of fluoropolymers more viable.
Physicists have measured a nuclear reaction that can occur in neutron star collisions, providing direct experimental data for a process previously only theorized. The study provides new insight into how the universe's heaviest elements are forged, with potential applications in nuclear reactor physics.
A new EU-funded project aims to develop innovative methods for recycling lanthanides, a rare earth group used in various industries, from nuclear waste. The MaLaR project will explore the use of graphene oxides as specific element scavengers to extract individual elements from synthetic mixtures.
A new film made from a thorium precursor could replace crystals in atomic clocks, enabling more accurate time measurements. The film requires much less thorium-229 and is about as radioactive as a banana, paving the way for smaller, more portable, and cheaper nuclear clocks.
Large-scale wildfires in radiologically contaminated areas enhance the mobility of radionuclides like · 137 Cs and ¹ 90 Sr in rivers. This increases radiation exposure for residents, particularly after a fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine.
Researchers combine a precision cancer drug with an antibody and radiation therapy to eliminate tumors without causing side effects. The approach uses the cancer drug as a molecular flag for cancerous cells, allowing immune cells to target them. This method has shown promise in eliminating lung cancer in mice with minimal side effects.
A Chinese Medical Journal study reveals that patients with prostate cancer can undergo surgical removal without a pre-operative biopsy, using a combination of mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT imaging. This approach reduces costs and complications associated with traditional biopsy methods.
A national report reveals nearly 18% of Canadian homes have radon levels above 200 Bq/m³, increasing lung cancer risk. Canadians are among the most highly exposed to radon, highlighting the need for urgent action to address this public health concern.
Researchers used a retrofitted U2 spy plane to detect gamma radiation in large tropical thunderstorms. Over 9 of 10 flights yielded observations, suggesting more than half of all thunderstorms in the tropics are radioactive.
A team of scientists used synchrotron light to explore low-valent uranium compounds, accurately identifying the three-valent oxidation state in uranium. The findings shed new light on actinide bonding and demonstrate how uranium's 5f electrons respond to changes in their environment.
New research reveals surprising differences in songbirds' diets and gut microbiomes in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Contrary to expectations, birds growing up in radiologically contaminated habitats have a higher diversity of insects in their diet.
A new study suggests that tailored treatment can predict the response of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy, allowing for safe omission of extensive lymph node removal. The MARI protocol showed a 95% overall survival rate and 89% disease-free survival rate in patients who achieved pathological complete response.
A long-term study published in Environmental Epidemiology shows a slightly increased incidence of cancer, particularly colon, pancreas, and stomach cancer in men, as well as lymphoma in women. The researchers used new calculation methods to analyze radiation doses from Chernobyl fallout.
A model has been developed to estimate the changes in air radiation dose rates caused by rainfall, enabling accurate quantification of long-term decreasing trend of air dose rates. The study found that increased soil moisture content provides enhanced radiation shielding effect, leading to post-rainfall decrease in air dose rates.
Researchers developed a novel enzyme-based molecular design that lowers the retention of radioactive agents in the kidneys during radiotheranostic applications. This new approach has promising clinical applications, combining improved diagnostic precision and therapy while minimizing potential side effects.
Researchers found that nuclear weapon fallout from 60 to 80 years ago also contributes to the persistent radioactivity in German wild boars. The team measured cesium-137 levels and compared them to cesium-135 using a mass spectrometer, finding that nuclear weapons testing supplied between 10 and 68% of the contamination.
Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers have found significant amounts of highly radioactive cesium-rich micro-particles in an abandoned school building close to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, posing a potential health risk if inhaled. The study highlights the need for thorough cleaning and safety assessments when handling contaminated buildings.
A nine-year study led by Kyoto University found that critical thinking and logical decision-making promoted intelligent attitudes and risk literacy, reducing anxiety and food avoidance among citizens in Tokyo and Kansai regions.
A new study by AWI researchers finds that manganese nodules can contain high levels of radioactive substances, including radium-226 and thorium-230, which exceed radiation protection limits. Handling these nodules without protective gear poses a health risk to humans.
A Phase 1 clinical trial has started to test the safety and tolerability of an experimental oral drug called HOPO 14-1 in healthy adults. The study aims to determine how the drug removes radioactive contaminants from the body, which can occur after nuclear accidents or exposure to dirty bombs.
Research reveals that certain bacteria can replace essential lanthanides with actinides to sustain their metabolism. The findings suggest a possible role for these bacteria in decontaminating areas contaminated with radioactive elements or separating lanthanides and actinides for analytical purposes.
A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
A group of international scientists warn that nuclear radiation would have catastrophic consequences on ecosystems, including widespread hunger, toxic contamination, and habitat destruction. The authors urge policymakers to take action to mitigate these risks.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully used click chemistry to deliver radiopharmaceuticals specifically to tumors in large dogs with bone cancer, increasing effectiveness and minimizing circulation. This breakthrough could pave the way for click chemistry-based treatments for humans with cancer in the future.
Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.
Researchers combined nuclear fallout records with coral skeletons to define the Anthropocene period, which marks a milestone for humanity's impact on Earth's environment. The study provides clear evidence of plutonium fallout from 1954, linking sediments and coral records.
Researchers used an isomer beam to study isomer depletion in a low gamma-ray background environment. They found no evidence of isomer depletion and measured the excitation probability at less than 2×10^−5, consistent with theoretical calculations.
Researchers reassess radon's accuracy for tracing natural radioactive atoms in flowing groundwater. A new study reveals that the equilibrium assumption used in previous measurements may be flawed, throwing doubt on radon transfer rates.
Research provides first direct evidence of volatilization of control rods during the FDNichi meltdowns, suggesting that boron remains in the fuel debris. This could limit fission reactions, but extensive follow-up studies are needed to characterize boron species across debris fragments.
Scientists have observed that ionizing radiation can cause intermolecular Coulombic decay in organic molecules, leading to damage in DNA and proteins. This new understanding could lead to the development of more effective substances for radiation therapy and improve knowledge of how radiation damages healthy tissue.
The £3.6 million equipment will enable researchers to measure trace levels of radioactive elements, particularly actinides, in samples from UK nuclear facilities and natural environments.
Heavy rainfall accelerates radiocesium leaching from forest litter, increasing dissolved cesium in stream water. The study suggests that expansion of the contact area between water and litter due to groundwater table rise is the main factor.
Physicists at MIT have successfully measured a neutron's tiny effect in a radioactive molecule, revealing small nuclear effects and providing a chance to search for subtle symmetry violations related to dark matter and the Big Bang. The team used heavy radioactive molecules with extreme sensitivity to nuclear phenomena.
Scientists have discovered that plutonium particles from nuclear testing in Australia are more complex and varied than previously thought. The particles, which were dispersed after nine atomic bombs were detonated in remote areas of South Australia, persist in soils to this day, posing a risk to wildlife and the environment.
Scientists from Lancaster and Manchester Universities have received a £1.49 million grant to research the use of robots for nuclear decontamination. The ALACANDRA project aims to improve the interpretation of robot-derived information from complex, cluttered spaces contaminated with dispersed radioactivity.
Researchers found large, highly radioactive particles containing cesium released from damaged reactors during the 2011 nuclear disaster. The particles have high levels of activity and could provide valuable forensic clues about the events leading up to the accident.
Researchers at PNNL develop new detection method for ultra-trace elements like uranium and thorium, allowing for precise measurement in valuable metals like gold. The technique enables detection limits as low as 10 parts per trillion in gold, revolutionizing the semiconductor industry and sensitive particle detection.
A team of scientists has reconstructed solar activity from 969 to 1933 using measurements of radioactive carbon in tree rings. The study used modern detection techniques to achieve high precision, confirming the regularity of the eleven-year cycle and revealing potential solar energetic proton events.
Researchers at University of Münster and Leibniz University Hannover found that a mysterious 2017 radioactive cloud in Europe originated from civilian nuclear activities. The cloud contained high levels of ruthenium-106, which is commonly used in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Researchers at MIT used a super collider and laser spectroscopy to precisely measure radium monofluoride, a short-lived radioactive molecule. The study's findings could reveal signs of dark matter and test symmetry-violating phenomena in nature.
Researchers at the University of Reading studied historic records from a Scottish research station to investigate how Cold War nuclear bomb tests affected rainfall. They found that cloudy days with high radioactivity generated charge were associated with thicker clouds and 24% more rain.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Michigan can quickly differentiate between benign and illicit radiation signatures in cargo, enabling cost-effective detectors at borders. The algorithm works even in high-radiation backgrounds and can identify weak signals from plutonium encased materials.
A Rutgers-led study uses radioactivity from nuclear explosions to estimate whale shark ages, revealing the oldest known individuals at around 50 years old. This research provides crucial information for conservation strategies, as whale sharks are highly susceptible to human impacts such as ship strikes.
Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that utilizes residual gamma radiation signatures to detect and locate radioactive materials, such as weapons-grade plutonium. The method relies on the unique properties of silicates in building materials like bricks.
Researchers have discovered a way to modify molecules to remove toxic radioactive elements from spent nuclear fuel, making the process safer and more efficient. This breakthrough could lead to improved design of new molecules for spent fuel reprocessing, enabling better management of long-term radioactive waste.
Radioactive iodine is now the recommended frontline treatment for patients with thyroid gland overactivity, including Graves' disease. The new guidelines, developed by University of Birmingham researchers, show that radioactive iodine improves cardiovascular outcomes and cures 90% of cases.
The Mobile Source Transit Security (MSTS) system is a first line of defense against radiological terrorism, providing situational awareness and security for mobile radiological materials. Developed by PNNL, the system consists of detection devices and radiofrequency tags to track radiological material.
A study reconstructs the source of radioactive ruthenium detected over Europe in 2017, identifying the southern Ural Mountains in Russia and the Mayak Production Association facility as the likely source. The authors estimated that approximately 250 TBq of radioactivity was released, with most of it occurring on September 26, 2017.
Nami Therapeutics develops nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, offering increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. The platform selectively targets ovarian cancer metastasis in the peritoneal cavity, improving survival rates.
Scientists have created a quantitative map of radioactive cesium-rich microparticle distribution in Fukushima soils, shedding light on their origin and environmental impact. The study suggests three regions of particular interest, with varying levels of microparticle abundance and radioactivity.
A study analyzing over 1300 measurements found the source of a 2017 radioactive cloud to be a civilian reprocessing plant, releasing large amounts of ruthenium-106. The incident caused no health risks for Europe's population.
A new imaging diagnosis device called a Compton camera enables simultaneous PET and SPECT scans, reducing time and radiation exposure. Researchers detected and imaged radioactive tracers with improved accuracy, paving the way for new forms of medical analysis.
Researchers measured high levels of external gamma radiation on islands exposed to nuclear testing, including Bikini and Rongelap Atolls. The study also revealed high activity concentrations of radioactive isotopes in soil samples and fruits from the affected areas.
A study led by Dr. Alliric Willis found that over 25% of low-risk thyroid cancer patients receive unnecessary radioactive iodine ablation treatment, carrying potential long-term risks and financial burdens. Younger patients, men, Hispanic, and Asian individuals are more at risk of overtreatment.
Scientists propose that Earth's continental crust may have been thicker and present as far back as four billion years, with continents possibly rising from the sea much earlier than previously thought. The new model suggests that the survival of early crust was dependent on radioactivity levels.
A study of 18,805 patients treated with radioactive iodine found a modest association between higher doses and increased risk of solid cancer death, including breast cancer. The analysis has limitations due to uncertainties in organ dose estimates and small sample sizes.
Tadpoles from an uncontaminated wetland were placed in a canal with releases of radiocesium from a nearby reactor, accumulating the contaminant at different rates. The study found that bullfrog tadpoles reached maximum threshold levels between 11-14 days, which is faster than previously studied species like waterfowl and fish.