Researchers Analyze Chromosomes for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Emergencies
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Using a microscope, PNRI researchers analyze blood samples for the presence of dicentric chromosomes (right) which are telltale signs of radiation exposure
Researchers analyze chromosomes for radiation safety and nuclear emergencies
To ensure the safety of occupationally exposed workers, as well as potential victims in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency, researchers from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) continue to study blood samples for any signs of radiation exposure beyond the allowable regulatory limits.
Monitoring radiation exposure becomes even more important considering the increasing variety of nuclear and radiation-related technologies in factories and firms. In the Philippines, most workers who are regularly exposed to radiation are from the industrial and medical sectors.
In addition to the local users of radioactive materials, a growing number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) trained in non-destructive testing also use radiation in aircraft maintenance and other industries – and safety requirements for their continued employment abroad includes an assessment of their radiation exposure.
To help our “bagong bayani” monitor their radiation doses, PNRI researchers use cytogenetic biodosimetry to analyze the chromosomes in their white blood cells to see if there are any aberrations that would serve as signs of radiation damage.
Read more: Researchers Analyze Chromosomes for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Emergencies
Researchers use isotope techniques to help ensure clean freshwater in Pampanga
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Dr. Sunshine Tan, a grantee of PNRI’s Graduate Student Research Grant Program (GSRGP) funded under DOST-PCIEERD, analyzes the water samples at the accelerator mass spectrometry control room of the University of Tokyo.
Researchers collect water samples from production and domestic wells among various localities in Pampanga to analyze for salinity and possible contamination of the groundwater in the area.
Researchers use isotope techniques to help ensure clean freshwater in Pampanga
COVID-19 underscores the need for freshwater for health and hygiene; thus constant water shortages in various parts of the country are not only inconvenient but also pose a threat to efforts in preventing the pandemic.
To help ensure that our precious freshwater sources are not only available but also free of salinity contamination, scientists from the University of the Philippines–Diliman (UP Diliman) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) used nuclear techniques to analyze where the salinity of the groundwater in Pampanga is coming from.
Wells and other groundwater sources are vital to Pampanga residents’ homes and businesses, according to prior studies by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
However, seawater coming from Manila Bay may contaminate the fresh groundwater in the coastal municipalities in the southern border of the province.
To help authorities prepare the proper mitigation strategies, the researchers assessed the groundwater in Pampanga and whether its salinity comes from the sea or from other sources.
Read more: Researchers use isotope techniques to help ensure clean freshwater in Pampanga
Online Research Support for K-12 Teachers and Students
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Online Research Support for K-12 Teachers and Students
Good news to K-12 teachers and students! You can now access online the DOST-PNRI Library's research assistance services to help you with your science investigatory projects and researches.
To avail yourselves of this service, check out the following guidelines.
Link to Research Support Request Form
Link to Science Direct
Link to International Nuclear Information System Repository
This initiative is in line with DOST-PNRI's Nuclear Science and Technology Education Program.
Stay safe, everyone!
DOST-PNRI webinar builds teachers’ skills in educating students on nuclear benefits
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(Clockwise from upper left) Micah Pacheco, DepEd NCR Regional Science Supervisor and one of the expert panelists, and webinar organizers Regaele Olarte, SDO Muntinlupa Science Supervisor,; Joseph Gutierrez, DepEd Bureau of Curriculum Development Senior Education Specialist; and Michael Casas, PSHS Special Science Teacher. Olarte, Gutierrez and Casas are all alumni of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regional Training Course for Teachers to Introduce Nuclear Sciences in Secondary Schools through Innovative Approaches.
DOST-PNRI webinar builds teachers’ skills in educating students on nuclear benefits
How do you make a minute speck such as an atom relevant to children today? And how about making the atom’s nucleus vivid and concrete to today’s visual generation?
“If the nucleus were the size of a coin, then the atom would be bigger than a football stadium,” Michael Casas, Chemistry and Research teacher, described the atom to some 108 webinar participants. Teaching at the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus, Casas has mastered the art of using analogy to explain scientific concepts to his students.
“Yet the smallest part of a matter is actually mostly empty, as what Ernest Rutherford in 1908 found out, but with a hard center,” Casas went on to explain more about the structure of an atom as participants noted his every point.
The webinar participants were even more amazed on learning about radiation, particularly its sources and uses, which were discussed by Ma. Regaele Olarte, education program supervisor at the Department of Education (DepEd) in Muntinlupa. She also taught participants on how to protect themselves from radiation, such as limiting the time of exposure, going away from the source of radiation, and using shield.
Webinar on nuclear S&T
All these learnings came during the Covid-19 pandemic where participants and expert resource persons went beyond community quarantines and time zones in a virtual convergence that focused on the basics of nuclear science and technology. The webinar, titled “Introductory Course on Nuclear Science and Technology Education for Teachers” held on April 29 aimed to equip teachers with basic knowledge and skills that will help them teach nuclear science and technology more effectively to students.
The 108 participants were composed of elementary and secondary teachers, education program supervisors, and science coordinators from various schools in the National Capitol Region. Participants joined the webinar despite the technical-sounding topic, short notice, and the inconveniences caused by the community quarantine in the region.
Read more: DOST-PNRI webinar builds teachers’ skills in educating students on nuclear benefits
