Article Abstract:
Lawrence Lidsky and his colleagues have developed a new way of processing technetium-99 (Tc-99) without using nuclear reactors. Lidsky, a professor of nuclear engineering at MIT, says that radioactive waste is minimized by the method. Tc-99 is usually obtained from unstable molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) which in turn is derived from weapons-grade uranium baked in a special nuclear reactor. Lidsky's method starts with stable Mo-100 that is bombarded by a photon from a bar of tungsten. The photon forces a neutron to be ejected from the nucleus of the Mo-100 to create Mo-99.
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Article Abstract:
Food irradiation as a method of food preservation has gained a bifurcated response from the consumers. The controversy over the process is heightened by the possible harmful effect that may render the food carcinogenic due to the formation of free radicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. On the other hand, irradiation effectively sterilizes the food against microbacterial contamination causing serious food poisoning. Opponents of food irradiation continue to argue that critical tests have to be done before claiming the process as safe.
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Article Abstract:
Anew geothermal energy source, hot dry rocks well below the earth's surface, is being tested as a means of producing electricity. A 12,000-foot test hole in New Mexico produced rocks easily hot enough to heat water that will in turn produce electricity.
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