Amid Terrorism Fears, Promising Leads in Hunt for Radiation Antidote

Virginia: University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have identified promising drugs that could lead to the first antidote for radiation exposure that might result from a dirty bomb terror attack or a nuclear accident such as Chernobyl. Some of the compounds, including the drug rapamycin, have previously been shown to extend life in organisms such as worms and flies, though it’s unknown if they would have the same benefit in humans. UVA’s research suggests that these compounds, or similar drugs, might counter the deadly effects of ionizing radiation.

Don’t Panic, But Your Avocado is Radioactive: Study Eyes Background Radiation of Everyday Objects

Raleigh: Most people assume all radioactive materials are dangerous, if not deadly. But a new study on the radiation emitted by everyday objects highlights the fact that we interact with radioactive materials every day. The goal of the work is to give people a frame of reference for understanding news stories or other information about radiation and nuclear safety.

Bury nuclear waste down a very deep hole, say scientists

Sheffield: Radioactive materials that decay spontaneously produce ionizing radiation, which has sufficient energy to strip away electrons from atoms or to break some chemical bonds. Any living tissue in the human body can be damaged by ionizing radiation in a unique manner. The body attempts to repair the damage, but sometimes the damage is of a nature that cannot be repaired or it is too severe or widespread to be repaired. Also mistakes made in the natural repair process can lead to cancerous cells. Technologies that will enable nuclear waste to be sealed 5km below the Earth’s surface could provide a safer, cheaper and more viable alternative for disposing of the UK’s high level nuclear waste.

Fukushima data show rise and fall in food radioactivity

Nature: Giant database captures fluctuating radioactivity levels in vegetables, fruit, meat and tea. A massive food-monitoring programme in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster has provided scientists with a unique look at how radioactivity peaks in different foods after a nuclear spill.