A recent study suggests that radiation exposure can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark administered low-dose-rate ionizing radiation treatments to two groups of mice. One group received a cumulative dose of 0.3 Gy at a rate of 1 mGy over 24 hours, while the other received 6.0 Gy at 20 mGy over 300 days. In both groups, the hippocampus sustained molecular changes similar to those found in Alzheimer’s patients. Source: University of Queensland The hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory formation, is known to be negatively affected in Alzheimer’s patients.
Read More
Leak at nuclear reactor in Norway is contained: operator
A leak at a small nuclear reactor in Halden, Norway, has been contained, according to its operator. No immediate danger to staff or the surrounding environment has occurred. Atle Valseth, research director at the Institute for Energy Technology, estimated that up to 8 employees were present during the leak. The crew evacuated as soon as the leak was detected and did not receive hospital treatment as the dose they received was low. Although the incident occurred on Monday, the Norweigian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) was not alerted until the following day. The regulator is investigating the circumstances that caused the
Read More
RF radiation awareness promoted by construction groups
In an attempt to inform employers and labor organizations about the risks of radiofrequency radiation, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), Roofing r2p Partnership, and the RF Radiation Work Group worked together to develop the Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation Awareness Program for the Construction Industry. Workers may be exposed to radiation when they work on building structures close to radiofrequency-generating devices. Overexposure may lead to adverse health effects, such as blindness, burns, and sterility, warns CPWR. Risk factors include the number of devices, the proximity of the worker to a device, and time spent near the device. Full
Read More
Radiation protection plans for astronauts evaluated by NASA
Ahead of the launch of the Orion spacecraft, NASA is evaluating radiation protection plans for astronauts when they go into deep space. Engineers, astronauts and designers are conducting testing in a representative model of the spacecraft. Designers of the Orion capsule are also testing their plan to help astronauts escape from radiation in space. In the even of a radiation incident, astronauts will take shelter and create a fort around them using their supplies. Full Article
Read More
Children’s radiation safety overlooked, say pediatricians
Children’s radiation safety is being overlooked and must be addressed, according to doctors Alan Schroeder, of Stanford and James Duncan of Washington University in St. Louis. The pediatricians published a Viewpoint article in JAMA Pediatrics urging for increased attention to the amount of ionizing radiation children receive. Information campaigns such as Image Gently have been documented to successfully bring radiation safety to the forefront at children’s hopsitals. However, a lot of imaging is provided outside of the hospital setting, allowing for too much variability, the authors argued. Additionally, individual hospitals can remain anonymous with no accountability for excessive imaging. To
Read More
Radiation protection gene discovered in tardigrades
Japanese researchers discovered a radiation protection gene in a small animal named the tardigrade. Source: sciencenews.org Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are resilient organisms able to survive through extreme temperatures, outer space, high pressures, and intense radiation. After decoding the entire genome of the Ramazzottius varieornatus tardigrade, the scientists found a protein that may be key to resisting high amounts of radiation. Named Dsup for Damage Suppressor, the protein protects DNA from being damaged when it is irradiated. In the study, human cultured cells exposed to X-rays had their DNA damaged. When given the ability to produce Dsup, the
Read More
China’s current nuclear safety frameworks effective, but require further development to cope with nuclear growth
A United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert team visited China to evaluate its nuclear safety in September this year. The team commended the country’s nuclear and radiation safety frameworks as effective. But with rapid nuclear energy growth, China should continue to further develop them. In the meantime, China should adopt the draft Nuclear Safety Act. China currently has 32 nuclear power reactors in operation and there are 24 nuclear power reactors under construction. Full Article
Read More
Energy Department ends inquiry into Idaho radiation exposure
Two years ago, a radiation leak happened at an eastern Idaho nuclear facility, leading to the contamination of nine workers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the consequences of this event were low and they will not conduct a formal investigation. The agency will continue to monitoring the company’s efforts to improve nuclear safety at the Idaho National Laboratory. Full Article
Read More
Diagnostic reference levels for radiation lowered in Germany
Germany’s Federal Office for Radiation Protection released a statement that nation’s diagnostic reference levels for all X-ray and CT examinations have been significantly reduced. Due to the increase in the efficacy of machines, less radiation is required to produce the same results as before. Depending on the test, radiation levels may drop by 20% to 50%. Full Article
Read More
Food imports from Japan tested for radiation in Hong Kong
Ever since the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, Hong Kong has been testing Japanese food imports for radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi reactors’ meltdown. The Center for Food Safety (CFS) continues to test samples from Japanese imports five days a week around the clock. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on the other hand, treats Fukushima with a periodically updated import alert, allowing certain imported Japanese food without inspection. Full Article
Read More