Category: IAEA

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The FT-NIR technique is a non-destructive chemical analysis technology which involves shining a beam containing many frequencies of light at a sample and measuring the absorption of near-infrared light. HS-GC-IMS involves analysing the gas layer above the sample, resulting in a 2D data matrix which can be used to compare samples to each other or a reference sample.

Scientists also were able to differentiate between 242 olive oils and identify their origin from four different regions of Lebanon with 89 per cent accuracy. Lebanese olive oil varies in quality and cost depending on its region of origin. In this case, a Fourier Transform infrared (IR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance technique was used, which measures the internal reflection of infrared light from interaction with a sample and processes the data using mathematical algorithms. All these techniques represent a rapid and non-destructive way to test products such as olive oil for adulteration or mislabelling.

The research on Slovenian olive oil was carried out as part of  an IAEA coordinated research project to develop more food authentication tests, for instance to reveal where the olives in extra-virgin olive oil were grown.

“Infra-Red spectroscopy and other techniques such as FT-NIR and HS-GC-IMS can be used to analyse the samples in the laboratory and directly in the field, it offers high sample throughput, low operational costs, requires little or no sample preparation, and no need for chemicals or specialized laboratory facilities,” said Christina Vlachou, Head of the Food Safety and Control Laboratory of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

Building on the recent launch of Atoms4Food, a joint initiative of the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this year will see a gathering of food specialists from academia, public bodies, industry and commercial organizations at the International Symposium on Food Safety and Control. The Symposium, which will be held at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna from 27 to 31 May 2024 in collaboration with the FAO, will provide a forum for sharing cutting-edge research and innovation, exchanging information and discussing international initiatives and needs.

The year 2024 will also mark the 60th anniversary of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, a unique international partnership between the two organizations that supports the safe and appropriate use of nuclear and related technologies in food and agriculture to contribute to global food security and sustainable agricultural development worldwide.

New research to tackle food fraud and other innovations in food safety and control will be among the issues considered at the International Symposium on Food Safety and Control. The IAEA will continue, with the expertise of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, to support food safety and quality and forge partnerships under Atoms4Food.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Ion beam analysis (IBA) is another nuclear method gaining ground in criminal investigations. For this kind of analysis, ion beam accelerators are used to speed up ions or electrons, producing a beam of charged particles. When samples of forensic evidence are placed into the ion beam, they emit radiation which can be picked up and analysed. Using ions enables investigators to understand the composition and origin of the sample, which can help to analyse drugs, explosive and gunshot residues, fake historical artifacts or art. Determining the age and composition of samples means they can be more effectively used  as evidence in investigations.

Gunshot residues, for example, can help to investigate violent crimes involving firearms. A gunshot residue is a cloud of vapours and particles released from the explosion of a cartridge in a firearm. Nuclear techniques, such as ion beam analysis, help to detect the inorganic components originating from the shot to detect tiny particles on items related to a shooting (e.g. on the suspect’s hands or clothes) in order to confirm the identity of the shooter.

IBA enables investigators to conduct elemental mapping, which helps in the analysis of specific parts of the evidence and detects tiny traces of incriminating substances, such as microscopic particles of residues on particularly small parts of clothing.

Ion beams have also been used to analyse glass shards from hit and run accidents, which could prove useful in investigations of crimes involving vehicles. Studies show that through a combination of IBA and machine learning, glass fragments from car windows can be traced back to various car models and manufacturers with up to 80 per cent accuracy.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The IAEA is actively assisting low- and middle- income countries to increase access to cancer care as well as supporting other peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in key health areas, the 154th Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) heard as Meena Singelee, Head of the IAEA Liaison Office in Geneva, delivered the IAEA’s statement. Over the past year, the IAEA worked closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners to study antimicrobial resistance; used nuclear techniques to combat malnutrition; and supported Ukraine in a health emergency, the WHO board heard. The longstanding and close partnership between the IAEA and the WHO was also highlighted in the IAEA’s statement to the board in Geneva.  

High-level delegates from ministries of health across the globe were informed of the progress made in providing assistance on cancer care to countries under the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, set up in 2022 by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to widen access to diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy in countries where the need is greatest. In 2023, the IAEA initiative has delivered tangible results – from procuring specialized radiotherapy and medical imaging equipment to facilitating the training of 80 medical professionals and establishing the first Rays of Hope Anchor Centres in Africa, Asia and Europe. The Anchor Centres will support the cancer care capacities of neighbouring countries and create opportunities for regional, subregional and integrational advancement.  

The high-level delegates were also updated on the strong collaboration between the IAEA, the WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Ten cancer control assessments, known as imPACT Reviews, were coordinated by the IAEA in 2023 and conducted jointly with the IAEA, the WHO and the IARC to assist countries with their national cancer control plans.  

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA