PH nuclear initiatives tackled in IAEA ministerial confab
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Photo from the IAEA
PH nuclear initiatives tackled in IAEA ministerial confab
The Philippine delegation presented various key initiatives aimed at advancing the country’s nuclear science and technology at the recent 2024 Ministerial Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held 26-28 November 2024 in Vienna, Austria.
Foremost among said initiatives is the technical cooperation between the Philippines and the IAEA which has been continually made robust through the years, resulting in various endeavors as reported by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia as head of the delegation.
“We view this conference as an opportunity for IAEA Member States to reaffirm our commitment to realize the full benefits of nuclear applications, and their contribution toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Usec Buendia.
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DOST fuels a nuclear Philippines at the Atomic Energy Week 2024
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DOST fuels a nuclear Philippines at the Atomic Energy Week 2024
Whether you’re a millennial, boomer, or zoomer, whatever your generation, we can all help fuel a nuclear Philippines as the country celebrates this year’s Atomic Energy Week (AEW) from December 9 to 13 at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
With the tagline “Gen-Atom: Fueling a Nuclear Philippines”, the 52nd AEW will once again feature various activities such as technical session, career talk and poster-making contest for students, and open-house guided tours of nuclear S&T exhibits all day long, from December 9 to 12.
Read more: DOST fuels a nuclear Philippines at the Atomic Energy Week 2024
DOST-PNRI spearheads nuke tech for food and health at NSTW 2024
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DOST-PNRI spearheads nuke tech for food and health at NSTW 2024
The wonders of atomic innovation are once again felt down South, as scientists from researchers from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) feature its latest nuclear and radiation applications at the 2024 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) at the Limketkai Center in Cagayan De Oro City!
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Importance of nuclear science in food checking at NSTW Forum
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Raymond Sucgang answers questions from forum attendees. With him are (L-R) Kristelle Mae C. Tardecilla and Haydee M. Solomon
The country’s first ever Nuclear Ambassador, Mohammad Nur Casib, a student of the Philippine Science High School- Central Mindanao Campus, delivers a powerful message on the relevance and importance of nuclear science
Importance of nuclear science in food checking at NSTW Forum
Nuclear science may still be considered by many as “mysterious”, but in reality, it works in things we love, like food.
Food and condiments like honey and vinegar, should be authentic for people to get their money’s worth and to guard their health. For those who are up for nobler things like preference for organic food and adherence to halal standards, pure and authentic food is a must.
There are typical ways of checking like real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) that can determine adulterations of foods by biological contaminants or those with DNA.
But what if the food is already processed? There is already no DNA in it, so RT-PCR will no longer work.
Raymond J. Sucgang, a nuclear analytical techniques expert at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), has the answer. “The most effective way to check the food products, whether unprocessed or processed, is through the isotope technique.”
The technique uses tools to identify the isotope fingerprint of the product. Just like humans, food and beverages have fingerprints--a unique chemical signature that allows the product to be identified.
Aside from being able to determine if food is pure or not, isotope techniques can also be used in tracing the geographical origin of food and verifying if it is organic or adheres to halal standards, Sucgang explained.
“Isotope technique can even trace the travel history of a person,” he revealed. “It’s done by checking the isotopes found in the hair.”
These are just a few snippets of the animated discussion on isotope techniques and other nuclear technologies held in the “What’s Your Ulam, Bestie?” forum at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro on November 28, 2024.
The lively discussion was driven by the moving message on the relevance and importance of nuclear science by the country’s first ever Nuclear Ambassador, Mohammad Nur Casib, a student from Philippine Science High School- Central Mindanao Campus. Casib got a gold and the highest points at the first International Nuclear Science Olympiad, earning him the title.
Organized by the DOST-PNRI, the forum also featured radiation processing and how it is used to lengthen shelf life and help in achieving food safety and security, as discussed by Haydee M. Solomon. Also featured was the so-called “Future Food” presented by Kristelle Mae C. Tardecilla. The goodies, made from superworms, became an instant hit among forum and exhibit attendees.
Messages were also delivered by Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Anne I. Samson and Chief of Nuclear Services Division Dr. Preciosa Corazon B. Pabroa.
By Framelia V. Anonas, PNRI-Nuclear Information and Documentation Section
