Nuclear analytical techniques and imaging systems such as neutron activation analysis, proton-induced X-ray emission, accelerator mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and computed tomography are widely used in many applications. "Paleoradiology" uses such nuclear technologies to study artefacts, skeletons, mummies and fossils. Many museums worldwide use the nuclear technologies to discover otherwise hidden details that piece together historic puzzles.
With the advent of more sophisticated CT technology and post-processing software, it is now possible to view mummies in coronal and sagittal planes as well as manipulate the raw data to create three-dimensional (3D) models of mummies and reconstruct their physical appearance. The approach is non-intrusive, leaving the mummy intact, untouched, and unharmed. The age-old mysteries can now be unravelled through the modern science of paleoradiology.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is helping interested countries apply such nuclear technologies for purposes of archaeological study and cultural preservation. Countries should take benefit of the Paleoradiology to improve investigative archaeology, which is still in early stage.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Pakistan nukes
The fallout of the political turmoil in Pakistan is going to be disadvantageous to India. The Pak President has already warned that there is a likelihood of nuclear weapons getting into the hands of Taliban or other terror groups mushrooming in Pakistan.
All said and done, Pak will always consider India as its enemy number 1 and use the funds obtained from western countries to produce more and more nuclear weapons to fight against India. Now the risk is augmented by the terror groups in Pakistan soil, such as Al Qaida and Taliban.
So, any kind of softening of Indian war preparedness against Pakistan will be disastrous for India. Remember Kargil. Nuclear deals apart, India should not sign any pacts with USA or other countries which are likely to curb Indian preparedness against any attacks from the neighbouring countries.
All efforts by, diplomatic or otherwise should be made by the world leaders to ensure safety and security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan.
All said and done, Pak will always consider India as its enemy number 1 and use the funds obtained from western countries to produce more and more nuclear weapons to fight against India. Now the risk is augmented by the terror groups in Pakistan soil, such as Al Qaida and Taliban.
So, any kind of softening of Indian war preparedness against Pakistan will be disastrous for India. Remember Kargil. Nuclear deals apart, India should not sign any pacts with USA or other countries which are likely to curb Indian preparedness against any attacks from the neighbouring countries.
All efforts by, diplomatic or otherwise should be made by the world leaders to ensure safety and security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Plutonium – not as deadly as assumed
Plutonium (Pu), since its discovery in 1940, is extensively used in military and in reactors for power generation. It is artificially produced in the nuclear reactors on absorption of a neutron by the Uranium-238 (U-238) atom and subsequent beta decay of the U-239 to Neptunium (Np-239) which further undergoes beta decay to form Pu-239. It is an excellent fissile material (which undergoes fission reaction to release energy) and hence can be used in the manufacture of nuclear devices.
However, whenever plutonium is mentioned in news media, the name of the element is preceded by adjectives such as “deadly” or “most dangerous”, lethal, etc. This is clear a matter of misinformation to sensationalise the news. It is well known that many workers, years ago, have inhaled plutonium in measurable quantities and have not suffered any serious ill effects. Plutonium, like other elements in Periodic Table such as Radium and Thorium and Uranium is radioactive and decay by alpha radiation emission. These radioactive elements are present in trace amounts in soil, food, water and in our bodies. Thorium is used in gas mantles.
Since plutonium is an artificially produced element, the exposure of the public to plutonium is not possible except in situations of nuclear accident or any terrorist attack using so-called Dirty Bombs containing plutonium. Plutonium is not much of a chemically toxic element, but its radioactivity per unit gram is high and hence it is a radiotoxic element. In case of any intakes involving insoluble plutonium compounds, the fraction absorbed by the body fluids is almost negligible and in case of intakes involving soluble compounds of plutonium compounds only a small fraction, of the order of 0.0001, is absorbed by the body and over time gets deposited in bone and liver. Inhalation of air contaminated with plutonium particles needs to be prevented, and in case of an emergency situation, even a simple respirator of the type used in hospitals will provide considerable protection against the inhalation hazard.
However, whenever plutonium is mentioned in news media, the name of the element is preceded by adjectives such as “deadly” or “most dangerous”, lethal, etc. This is clear a matter of misinformation to sensationalise the news. It is well known that many workers, years ago, have inhaled plutonium in measurable quantities and have not suffered any serious ill effects. Plutonium, like other elements in Periodic Table such as Radium and Thorium and Uranium is radioactive and decay by alpha radiation emission. These radioactive elements are present in trace amounts in soil, food, water and in our bodies. Thorium is used in gas mantles.
Since plutonium is an artificially produced element, the exposure of the public to plutonium is not possible except in situations of nuclear accident or any terrorist attack using so-called Dirty Bombs containing plutonium. Plutonium is not much of a chemically toxic element, but its radioactivity per unit gram is high and hence it is a radiotoxic element. In case of any intakes involving insoluble plutonium compounds, the fraction absorbed by the body fluids is almost negligible and in case of intakes involving soluble compounds of plutonium compounds only a small fraction, of the order of 0.0001, is absorbed by the body and over time gets deposited in bone and liver. Inhalation of air contaminated with plutonium particles needs to be prevented, and in case of an emergency situation, even a simple respirator of the type used in hospitals will provide considerable protection against the inhalation hazard.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Nuclear Techniques can be used for Diagnostics and Control of Animal-Origin Diseases – Swine flu
United Nations official said that increased cooperation and vigilance on the part of both international and national health systems can help curb the continued threat of a major new influenza A (H1N1) pandemic - popularly known as swine flu. There is still a real threat of a pandemic, and the world health bodies and governments remain in full alert until this danger passes over.
With at least two new pathogens capable of harming humans emerging each year, 75 per cent originating in the animal kingdom, the prompt diagnosis of and response to disease in animals is vital both for disease control and for assessing practices that are most likely to result in risks to animal health and for people.
New nuclear and related techniques, are essential in ensuring appropriate diagnostics and control of animal-origin disease such as avian and H1N1 influenza pandemics, known as zoonotic diseases (source:IAEA News).
With at least two new pathogens capable of harming humans emerging each year, 75 per cent originating in the animal kingdom, the prompt diagnosis of and response to disease in animals is vital both for disease control and for assessing practices that are most likely to result in risks to animal health and for people.
New nuclear and related techniques, are essential in ensuring appropriate diagnostics and control of animal-origin disease such as avian and H1N1 influenza pandemics, known as zoonotic diseases (source:IAEA News).
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Indian Army chief is alarmed by Pakistan nukes
World-over, all Indians are alarmed by the above report appeared in the news papers. It is also reported that most of the nuclear war heads are aimed at Indian targets. How the new Indian government is going to react to such a situation is to be seen. Pakistan is concentrating in increasing its nuclear arsenal, augmenting the fissile material (plutonium) production and improvising the war-head delivery systems. It is a global threat. It looks China is providing all the support to Pakistan in these activities.
Knowing the past history, why the Americans are pumping-in billions of dollars to Pakistan in the name of fighting terrorism? Americans are playing a double game as usual. India better watch out. It is in India’s own interest that it doesn’t sign CTBT and the Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT), which will prevent India from producing much needed fissile material.
Knowing the past history, why the Americans are pumping-in billions of dollars to Pakistan in the name of fighting terrorism? Americans are playing a double game as usual. India better watch out. It is in India’s own interest that it doesn’t sign CTBT and the Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT), which will prevent India from producing much needed fissile material.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Feedback on DNA Article on “Centre sounds dirty bomb alert…” on 22/05/2009
It is indeed a good article published by Indian daily, DNA (Upfront) on May 22, 2009 entitled “Centre Sounds Dirty Bomb alert… . The article has given very relevant information with regard to the developments in preparedness for responding to “dirty bomb attacks”. The story is well written. It is long over-due that the bomb detection and other agencies responding to conventional bomb attacks are also equipped with radiation detection and monitoring equipments.
Recently, a national conference of Indian Association for radiation protection (IARP) was held at Jodhpur with the focal theme of “Management of Radiological & Nuclear Emergencies”. Various related issues were covered exhaustively in the conference. In the internet, there are blogs (http://radsafe.blogspot.com and http://praja2007.blogspot.com) dedicated for radiation protection and nuclear issues. Dirty bomb is also covered in these blogs.
I may just add that the definition “What is dirty bomb” (in the FAQs), given by the author in this article needs correction. The dirty bomb, as known today, doesn’t cause plume of radioactive particles. It is not a nuclear bomb. The probability of the radiation levels from a dirty bomb explosion scenario causing radiation sickness and cancer is very remote.
Recently, a national conference of Indian Association for radiation protection (IARP) was held at Jodhpur with the focal theme of “Management of Radiological & Nuclear Emergencies”. Various related issues were covered exhaustively in the conference. In the internet, there are blogs (http://radsafe.blogspot.com and http://praja2007.blogspot.com) dedicated for radiation protection and nuclear issues. Dirty bomb is also covered in these blogs.
I may just add that the definition “What is dirty bomb” (in the FAQs), given by the author in this article needs correction. The dirty bomb, as known today, doesn’t cause plume of radioactive particles. It is not a nuclear bomb. The probability of the radiation levels from a dirty bomb explosion scenario causing radiation sickness and cancer is very remote.
Pakistan is expanding its nuclear sites
United States and some other western country are pumping in billions of dollars to Pakistan to control terrorism. In fact, the money is reportedly is used to maintain camps for training terrorist outfits, to buy weapons and to increase nuclear weapon inventory.
It is also reported that Pakistanis have added one more plutonium separation plant to expand its’ nuclear weapon stockpile.
Even today, the biggest enemy as per Pakistan’s own admission is India and not Taliban. It is also reported that the US arms sent to Afghan forces have landed in the hands of Taliban. Very soon, the Taliban may take possession of the government machinery and get control over the nuclear arsenal. India may face the “Taliban-managed” nuclear terrorism originating from Pakistan. India should be ready to respond to this kind of terrorism.
It is also reported that Pakistanis have added one more plutonium separation plant to expand its’ nuclear weapon stockpile.
Even today, the biggest enemy as per Pakistan’s own admission is India and not Taliban. It is also reported that the US arms sent to Afghan forces have landed in the hands of Taliban. Very soon, the Taliban may take possession of the government machinery and get control over the nuclear arsenal. India may face the “Taliban-managed” nuclear terrorism originating from Pakistan. India should be ready to respond to this kind of terrorism.
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