PNRI Develops Wound Dressing From Honey
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The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology (PNRI-DOST) has developed an effective wound dressing from local honey sources in the Philippines.
Science research specialists from PNRI’s Biomedical Research Section are taking advantage of the antimicrobial properties of these local products to produce a cheaper and comparable alternative – if not a better one already – to antibiotics for treating exudating wounds and burns.
“Honey has, since ancient days, been used for medicinal purposes; its composition makes it a very effective agent for healing wounds,” said Biomedical Research Section head Zenaida De Guzman.
According to Ms. De Guzman, honey is ideal as a wound dressing not only for its antimicrobial and potentially anti-inflammatory composition, but also for its low pH level that is suitable for fast healing.
Its sugar content helps in the granulation of wounds, while its low moisture gives honey a longer shelf-life. Furthermore, honey’s low water activity helps the dressing draw out water and pus, thereby drying the wound and reducing the chances of infection.
PNRI-DOST Establishes Electron Beam Irradiation Facility for Research and Industrial Applications
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The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology (PNRI – DOST) is establishing an Electron Beam (EB) Irradiation Facility at the PNRI compound in Diliman, Quezon City, bringing the country’s technology at par with the international community through the applications of radiation processing in various industries.
With this new facility, the PNRI takes the next step in its use of irradiation technologies. PNRI’s present Cobalt-60 Multipurpose Irradiation Facility has demonstrated many of the applications of radiation processing using gamma-rays and has been regularly serving clients from the food, packaging, medical products and pharmaceutical industries.
While the facility operates on a semi-commercial scale, the institute currently encourages industries to establish commercial irradiators to make an impact on the country’s sustainable development.
NNSA, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute to Prevent Radiological Terrorism
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MANILA, Philippines – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), an agency within the US Department of Energy, and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology (PNRI-DOST) announced the commissioning of two secure radiological transportation vehiclesas part of a broader cooperative effort to help combat nuclear and radiological terrorism in the Philippines and around the world. The two vehicles are standard cargo vehicles, customized with extra security features specifically designed in coordination with PNRI to provide a more secure means of transporting radiological material within the Philippines.
“Working with our partners in the Philippines and around the world to eliminate, remove and protect vulnerable nuclear and radiological materials is critical to our shared efforts to prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons,” said NNSA Deputy Administrator for Defence Nuclear Non-proliferation Anne Harrington. “By better securing materials during transportation and preventing terrorists from acquiring dangerous nuclear and radiological material, we are working to implement President Obama’s unprecedented nuclear security agenda while promoting peace and security around the world. Joint efforts like this allow our countries to combine resources and expand our progress toward strengthening radiological security and countering the threat of radiological terrorism.”
Read more: NNSA, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute to Prevent Radiological Terrorism
DOST and PNRI Chiefs Attend 57th IAEA General Conference in Vienna
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Secretary Mario G. Montejoof the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Director Alumanda Dela Rosa of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) - DOST represented the Philippines in the 57th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference held at Vienna, Austria from September 16-20.
Attended by more than 3,000 delegates from 159 nations, the annual session gathers the IAEA Member States to foster its general programs and activities, as well as to showcase the Agency’s latest developments both in the peaceful application of nuclear science and in the equally indispensable issue of nuclear safety and security.
Read more: DOST and PNRI Chiefs Attend 57th IAEA General Conference in Vienna
