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PNRI scientists win awards at 2020 NRCP scientific confab

Scientists and researchers from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) recently bagged several awards at the Annual Scientific Conference and 87th General Membership Assembly of the National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).

Dr. Lucille Abad and Dr. Custer Deocaris of the DOST-PNRI Atomic Research Division were among the ten awardees for Outstanding Filipino Researchers under the NRCP Achievement Awards.

Awardees in this category were recognized for their significant contributions to their respective fields and research advancements that benefited the different sectors of economy.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!