Articles tagged with Radioactivity
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.
Researchers developed a mid-infrared picosecond laser-driven electron avalanche technique to detect electric charges and chemicals in air. They measured electron densities down to one part per quadrillion, equivalent to picking out one free electron from a million billion normal air molecules.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a simple and fast method for radiolabelling antibodies against breast cancer using UV light. The new procedure allows for the production of radioactive drugs and diagnostic agents in under 20 minutes, making it a game-changer for PET imaging and targeted radioimmunotherapy.
Physicists at UMD developed a new method to detect radioactive material remotely using an infrared laser beam. The technique induces an electron avalanche breakdown near the material, allowing detection from a distance. With further development, it could be used to scan trucks and shipping containers at ports of entry.
A new optical measurement method for radioactive methane has been developed by Juho Karhu, offering a cheaper and more agile alternative to accelerator mass spectrometry. The method uses spectroscopy to measure the absorption of materials at different wavelengths, enabling the detection of low levels of radioactive methane in various a...
Scientists use confocal Raman spectroscopy to study silicate glass corrosion in real time, discovering that silica molecules form aggregates near the surface, forming an opal-like layer. This layer does not provide perfect protection against water, allowing the corrosion process to continue.
A recent study reports radiation contamination at an Arizona crematorium following treatment of a patient with a radioactive drug. The contamination was detected on equipment and in the operator's urine, raising concerns about potential health effects.
Computer simulations of planet formation suggest that the presence of radioactive elements from a massive star may have created a wet system on Earth, while also forming ocean worlds in other systems. Researchers found that without these elements, the inner terrestrial planets of our solar system could be very dry and hostile.
UNIST professors Eunmi Choi and Yong Hwan Kim received recognition for their groundbreaking research on remote detection of hazardous radioactive substances. Their innovative technology has the potential to detect radioactivity from tens of kilometers away, revolutionizing radiation detection.
A team of international scientists has estimated the amount of highly radioactive cesium-rich microparticles released by the Fukushima power plant disaster. The research found that around 78% of radioactive cesium was released as glassy particles, which concentrated radiation in affected areas.
Astronomers discover rare radioactive molecule 26AlF in debris of ancient stellar merger CK Vul, revealing insights into star formation and galactic evolution. The detection marks the first time this isotope has been found outside our solar system.
A new study uses weather forecasts to predict radioactive material dispersion, enabling evacuation plans and health-protective measures. The AI tool achieved accuracy of at least 85%, with 95% in winter, over 30 hours in advance.
Scientists find elevated levels of radioactive caesium in Ukrainian milk, posing health risks to children and adults; protective measures can mitigate exposure for less than €10 per person per year.
Scientists from Kyushu University and The University of Manchester identify caesium-rich micro-particles in Fukushima soils, which could pose long-term health risks to humans if inhaled. The new method allows for quick counting of particles and quantifying radioactivity associated with them.
A new Duke University study finds that radioactivity in sediments at three disposal sites is 650 times higher than normal, with conventional oil and gas wastewater contributing to the contamination. The study confirms that radionuclide accumulation occurs after 2011, when authorities limited fracking wastewater disposal.
Physicists at Mainz University have calculated that neutrino detectors could be useful in certain scenarios for monitoring nuclear waste. A suitable detector could detect if radioactive material had been removed without being documented, and verify the contents of a container without opening it up.
A new technique using blue LED lights and catalysts reduces the time to create radioactive molecules from months to hours, accelerating the arrival of new drugs to the marketplace. This innovation has the potential to bring medicines to patients much faster than before.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed an extremely efficient molecular trap that can capture radioactive iodides in spent nuclear reactor fuel, far outperforming existing industrial materials. The material has high porosity and can be recycled and reused, making it a potential game-changer for nuclear waste reprocessing.
A new method for detecting strontium in milk has been adapted for use in routine environmental studies. The research group successfully applied the IAEA's emergency method to achieve reliable results at lower detection limits.
A new study by an international research team has shown that the levels of cesium isotopes, particularly 134Cs and 137Cs, are generally consistent with background levels from aboveground nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s. The study suggests that the risks to human health from eating contaminated seafood are likely to be negligible.
Scientists use radioactive 129I to track ocean currents in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The tracer's long half-life allows precise tracking of water circulation patterns, including the 'Arctic loop' and deep-water flows southward to Bermuda.
Scientists develop detailed models to explore black hole-neutron star collisions, helping detectors identify gravitational-wave signals and telescopes search for gamma-ray bursts. These simulations shed light on the aftermath of catastrophic events in space.
Researchers found that fungi can accumulate radioactive substances, making them suitable for assessing environmental contamination. The study suggests using fungi as biomonitors in ecosystems with low radioactive content, providing a new approach to monitoring environmental pollution.
Researchers have developed a new technique that can characterize nuclear material in a location even after the material has been removed. By analyzing changes in valence electrons, they can determine the presence, strength, and type of radioactive material present.
Researchers find strong support for neutrino-driven supernova explosions, where neutrinos power the blast. The study confirms the theory using computer simulations and observations of radioactive elements in Cassiopeia A.
A study by UNIST has introduced a method for remote detection of hazardous radioactive substances, increasing sensitivity 4,800 times over conventional methods. The new device can detect radioactivity at distances of tens to 100 km, enabling early warning systems and improved safety measures.
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that US nuclear regulators are relying on flawed analysis to justify their refusal to adopt critical safety measures. The consequences of a catastrophic nuclear-waste fire could be considerably larger than the Fukushima accident, forcing millions of people to relocate and resulting in $...
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.
Researchers have developed a direct radiolabeling method for nanomaterials using nanographene, eliminating the need for chelators. This approach significantly improves bioimaging accuracy and reduces biases. The method was tested in mice models and showed promising results.
Researchers at Rice University and Kazan Federal University have found a way to extract radioactivity from water using oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) material. The OMC is highly efficient at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, making it a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.
Research found elevated levels of uranium-234, thorium-230, lead-210 and polonium-210 in drill cuttings from Marcellus Shale wells. The study suggests that at low pH, uranium isotopes can leach into the environment from landfills.
Physicists can now accelerate radioactive beams to explore the unique duality in nuclear freedom, pushing back nuclear physics research boundaries. The HIE-ISOLDE project enables design of experimental tools for both single-particle and collective degrees of freedom.
Recent studies have shown variable levels of radioactive contamination in fish, but population-level effects have not been observed. The long-term fate of the contamination remains unknown, with further research needed to understand its effects on marine ecosystems.
Researchers at UVA have created a new imaging method that combines the advantages of MRI and gamma-ray imaging, enabling high-resolution medical diagnostics with minimal tracer material. The technique uses radioactive xenon isotopes to produce images with increased sensitivity and diagnostic power.
Researchers measured gamma radiation emitted by common household items in a North Carolina home, revealing surprising levels of radiation from everyday objects. The study aims to help people understand news stories about radiation and prevent panic by placing radiation readings into perspective.
Researchers will use geoneutrino detectors to measure the amount of nuclear energy inside Earth. By 2025, they expect to collect enough data to determine the planet's remaining fuel levels.
A major international review found that radiation levels in oceans are decreasing, except near the Fukushima plant where ongoing releases remain a concern. The report highlights the need for continued radiation assessment to understand changing risks.
Research reveals most radioactive caesium fallout was concentrated in glassy microparticles, not dissolved in rainwater, with high radioactivity per unit mass. This challenges previous assumptions about Fukushima fallout and its health implications.
Researchers created metallo-carbon neptunium compounds to study its fundamental structure and bonding properties. This work may aid in reducing the time for stored nuclear waste to decay safely and increase nuclear waste recycling.
A multi-institution team is using the Titan supercomputer to study actinide chemistry and design methods for separating radioactive compounds from their inert counterparts. The team aims to develop a broad understanding of actinide science to safely store spent nuclear fuel and remediate contamination.
An international team found radioactive iron-60 in sediment and crust samples from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, indicating a series of massive supernovae near our solar system. The debris is dated to 3.2-1.7 million years ago and coincides with Earth's cooling period.
A new technique to remotely detect radioactive materials in dirty bombs or other sources has been proposed by researchers at the University of Maryland. The method uses low-power and high-power lasers to create a cascading breakdown of air, which is reflected back when the critical point is reached, indicating the presence of radioacti...
New research from NC State University demonstrates that experts can use air sampling technology to detect and quantify radiological releases. The technique was tested using data from the 2014 WIPP nuclear facility accident, achieving impressive accuracy and precision.
Researchers from Swiss and German institutions analyzed truffle samples for radioactivity 30 years after Chernobyl. The study found negligible amounts of radioactive caesium in Burgundy truffles, making them safe for consumption. The results suggest that the unique nutrient uptake mechanism of Tuber aestivum may be responsible for this...
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new molecular pump that can transport cesium using light. The pump, inspired by rhodopsins found in bacteria, has the potential to facilitate collection and storage of cesium from the environment.
Researchers at Princeton University create a method to selectively radiolabel compounds with tritium atoms, allowing for the study of drug metabolism and potential development speedup. The technique uses an iron-based catalyst that can tolerate various solvents, enabling the tracking of drug breakdown in the body.
Researchers found that radioactive matter migrates more quickly through fractured carbonate rock when it has leaked from a tank near surface waste sites and geological repositories. Intrinsic colloid formation increases the mobility of leaked radioactive materials in the environment.
A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggests that rare mergers of binary neutron stars are the origin of naturally occurring radioactive plutonium-244. This theory resolves the Galactic radioactive plutonium puzzle by explaining why only a small amount of plutonium has reached Earth in recent 100 million years.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution report detecting increased radiation off the US West Coast due to Fukushima, with levels 50% higher than previous samples and still within safe drinking water limits. The study provides valuable insights into ocean currents and mixing, using radioactive isotopes as markers.
Researchers measured radioactivity in infant formulas worldwide and found higher doses than reported limits but lower than recommended levels. Factors such as soil and raw material radioactivity affected levels, highlighting the need for improved monitoring.
A Ph.D. student at the University of Houston is studying calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions from the Allende meteorite to understand when the solar system formed. By analyzing the age of these inclusions, he can gain insight into the timing and nature of early solar system processes.
Researchers have expanded their search radius for dark matter particles using the CRESST experiment, which can now detect particles with masses below 10 GeV/c^2, including those comparable to a proton. The new detectors are being equipped and will begin measuring in late 2015.
A new study reveals high levels of radioactivity in coal ash from all three major US coal-producing basins, up to five times higher than normal soil. The presence of radioactive elements like radium isotopes and lead-210 poses significant environmental and health risks if not properly regulated.
The Antineutrino Global Map 2015 offers new insights into the Earth's interior and reveals information about the planet's heat sources and geodynamics. The map provides a new tool for basic science research and nuclear nonproliferation efforts.
Scientists have successfully tested a new tumor diagnosis method that uses molecular spies to detect diseased cells and visualize tumors. The method, which combines antibody-based detection with pre-targeting technology, has the potential to improve cancer treatment by using internal radiation.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield suggest that deep borehole disposal could dispose of all UK's high-level nuclear waste in just six boreholes, 5km deep. The concept has several advantages over current solutions, including reduced construction costs, easier site selection, and lower environmental impact.
Researchers found that soils with rich organic material and low phosphate absorption show low radiocesium interception potential. Soils with high clay or silt content adsorb radiocesium more readily due to higher mica content.
Researchers used data from NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft to map the radioactive element thorium from an unnamed volcano in the Compton-Belkovich Volcanic Complex. The study found debris from the eruption spread over a vast area, comparable to Scotland's size.
Researchers have discovered a protein in halophilic microbes that can selectively bind to caesium ions, providing potential for bioremediation of radioactive isotopes. The team plans to engineer this protein into plants to absorb and extract caesium from contaminated soil.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new material, boron-coated vitreous carbon foam, to detect neutrons emitted by radioactive materials. This breakthrough improves homeland security and nuclear power instrumentation, overcoming the scarcity of traditional detection material helium-3.