Seals Being Killed By Fukushima Radiation????

No, some seals are sick and biologists are trying to determine why.  One possibility is Fukushima radioactivity, but the testing isn't complete.  But don't let those facts impede fear mongering!

Here is the link used by the fear monger which says that test results will take several weeks.

Why The LNT Model Will Be With Us For Many New Years

Sorry, LNT-deniers. 

The LNT model of radiation carcinogenesis isn't likely to change anytime soon.  It is the best model of radiation risk of cancer versus dose.  LNT doesn't "assume" the risk from low doses is absolutely linearly extrapolated from higher doses, as many LNT deniers like to frame the model.  It is based on historical evidence, and it could also be called Linear-Quadratic (curved line instead of straight).  But just like one ignores the curvature of the Earth when measuring a room for carpet, we can ignore the L-Q curvature in the low dose domain.

What's It Like Responding To A Fukushima?

Here's an interview with someone with some insight.

The Yakuza & Nuclear Mafia

I wish I knew how to read Japanese so I could read the links presented in this article.

But based on what is written in English, ties between the yakuza and TEPCO seem fairly nonexistent.

Way To Spoil A New Year Celebration, Arnie

It looks like next year will bring much of the same bull as last year, thanks to folks like Arnie Gundersen.

Let's dig in!

NORM Wastes

Environmental groups are using exposure to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) as a political ploy to stop drilling for fossil fuels.  The risks are trivial, especially concerning the landfilled material.  I had a post on the topic earlier.

Don't Use Tanning Beds Just Because It's Winter

Good advice.

U.S. Nuclear Renaissance Imploding Result Of Fukushima

That's what some folks have determined.

The study is based on testimony one of the folks gave.

It is here.

Contrary Headlines On The Same Subject

It's about the less than stellar performance of a drug targeting ovarian cancer.  In one case it "disappoints" and in the other it "extends progression free survival".

Gene Identified With Pancreatic Cancer

Those with a mutant ATM gene.  The "AT" in ATM stands for ataxia telangiectasia, a condition which makes its sufferers hypersensitive to ionizing radiation.

INL Plutonium Exposure Investigation Continues

Workers back at work.

Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment Linked To Increased Heart Risk

By hardening the coronary arteries.

Small Leak At Pilgrim

More here.

Nuclear Power Discussion

Good NPR discussion.

Diablo Canyon Compared To Fukushima

Here.

Spreading Fear Again

Arnie Gundersen on a public radio show.  Click on link, then on 12/27 "PLAY".  It's about 14 minutes.

Panel Recommends Less Prostate Cancer Screenings & Treatment

The standard prostrate screening test yields a high level of false positives.  And low grade prostate tumors pose little risk compared with surgery or radiation treatment options.  Other approaches are recommended.

Insights Into Fukushima Crisis

The early days were confusing, difficult times.

Alaskan Seals Tested For Radiation

They have strange injuries, but I'll be surprised if radioactivity is found to be the culprit. 

Fukushima Impact

Here's a soft AP story describing Fukushima.

Global Warming Global Disappointment

This article describes China's plan to build the largest coal plant in Asia.

And India has no plans to cut their CO2 emissions.

Someone should tell France that it's going to get hotter.

High Radioactivity Concentrations In Japanese Cedar Flowers

This is interesting.

Dirty Electricity????

Here's a video by the author of a book which shares the title of this post (sans question marks).  His point is that electromagnetic fields cause everything from suicides to cancer. 

"Half of the deaths in this country are caused by electricity..."

Nuclear Russian Roulette???

Here is anti-nuclear activist Dan Hirsch propagandizing to some locals who live near the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.  He is actually pretty polished and he doesn't make the outrageous pseudo-scientific claims of other anti-nukes. 

Let's dig in!:

Let's Help Tumor Cells Commit Suicide

Centrocountin should help.

Japan's "NRC" Criticized In Report

Japan's equivalent to the U.S. NRC is called NISA.

Spank, spank.

Linear No Threshold Model & LNT Deniers

I had some discussions with LNT deniers yesterday on a couple of blogs.  So, I thought I'd do a quick write-up so I'd could produce a link in the future.

A Little Christmas Music - RIB Joint Style

WIPP It!

Remote-handled TRU waste is starting to be disposed of at WIPP.

Here's a pretty good video which describes WIPP:

New Japanese Radioactivity Concentration Limits Are Alarming

To the people who have to enforce them.

Video Of Japanese Sea Floor Post Quake

Here's a video taken by a submarine showing the sea floor associated with the March, 2011 earthquake which hit Japan.

Fukushima - Human Impact

Here's a "soft" description on how Fukushima continues to affect the Japanese.

Breast Implant Manufacturer Used Industrial Grade Silicone!

Which could rupture and leak the silicone into the body.  These implants are not sold in the U.S.  France has agreed to pay for the removal of the implants from 30,000 women!!!  The company owner is being sought for arrest.

Fukushima Fallout "Study" Discredited

I blogged about it a couple of days ago.

Others agree.

Japanese Gov't Criticized Over Evacuation

Report expected to be formally released Monday, but here's the scoop.

Food radioactivity concenrtration limits to be reduced, too.

Better MRI Contrasting Agent Developed

Taking advantage of cancer cells' microenvironment allows this agent to target tumors as opposed to normal cells.

PTEN Gene Mutations Linked To Thyroid Cancer

PTEN (Phosphatase & TENsin homolog) mutations have been linked to many other cancers.  The gene normally regulates cell growth and death.  It has now been linked to thyroid cancer.

Plasmonic Nanocrosses Kill Cancer

I love the term "plasmonic nanocrosses".  They can bind to cancer cells, be irradiated with laser light which heats them, and kill the cancer cells.

"Harvesting" The "Webs"

Savannah River Site will be harvesting the weblike growths on their spent nuclear fuel.

"It's Alive!"  "It's Alive!"....or maybe not.

The U.S. NRC Approves New Reactor Design

Congrats to the AP1000!

Making Connections To Promote Tumors

Those evil inflammation and signaling pathways conspire to help tumors grow.

But Wait....Just When You Thought You've Had Enough!

Tom Hartmann continues to spread the bull regarding the 14,000 U.S. deaths study as a result of Fukushima.

Tritium Associated With Vermont Yankee

Trace amounts.

And The Propaganda Continues....

Arnie Gundersen at it again.

Let's dig in!

A Slew Of Cancer Studies

This one shows how loss of gene Pten leads to tumor growth.

This one discusses the possibility of manipulating regulator T cells to suppress cancer.

Here's a study about a vaccine that utilizes the immune system.

This study discusses a positive feedback loop within carcinogenesis.

This study discovered a gene which links rare and seemingly unrelated cancers.

Japanese Research Reactor's Ceiling Catches Fire

No noted radioactivity released.

And The Propaganda Grows!

Tom Hartmann has been fooled (covered in first 1.5 minutes):

Fuskushima Newborns To Be Monitored

Until age 13.

What's RIF that?

A new study hints that LNT may need some refinement.

And maybe not.

Health Physicist Gift List P3

A bit more expensive than previous stocking stuffers, but very cool!

Here's more:

Tissue Structure Delays Cancer Onset

Advantageous mutations (associated with cancer tissue) can't proliferate as well within spatially structured cell populations (like in the colon) as compared with unstructured populations (like blood).

More here.

Tritium Leakage At Sequoyah Plant

Pretty trivial.

Breast Cancer Risk Associated With Heart Disease Risk

Thanks to the BRCA1/2 genes.

Health Physicist Gift List P2

Here's another great "stocking stuffer".

Fact Or Crap?

Last night I was playing the game "Fact Or Crap?", which is a lot of fun.

And now I've taken a quick read of the anti-nuclear propaganda regarding Fukushima fallout which I posted on yesterday.

Crap.

14,000 U.S. Deaths Due To Fukushima??

That's the new headline.

Things to notice:

Japan Revises Nuclear Power Cost By 50%

Post Fukushima.

Health Physicist Gift List P1

In case you were wondering what to give your favorite health physicist, here's a nice stocking stuffer. 

And it comes in a variety of dose ranges!

Japan Says Fukushima Reactors Are Stable

I posted on that last week, but here is a video clip which I didn't have earlier:

NIMBY

This article describes the renewed effort by the U.S. gov't to find a location for high level waste.  Yucca Mountain, in Nevada, was originally planned as the site, but due to politics has been cancelled.  It's hard to imagine any place else taking it without a similar political battle.  The only likely exception is the operating WIPP plant in New Mexico which disposes of transuranic wastes from nuclear weapons production.

NIMBY is the acronym for "not in my backyard".

Soybean Derivatives Enhance Radiotherapy

Soy isoflavones impede the DNA repair process of cancer cells which are trying to survive radiotherapy.

They have lots of other benefits as described in the article, and they are very safe.

Preventing Cancer Metastasis

Scientists have discovered a micro-RNA that is involved in preventing cancer blood vessel recruitment (cancers need to recruit blood to grow) is also involved in metastasis (spread to other parts of the body).

Here's some recent similar work.

Chickenpox Likes Life In The Shade

The virus doesn't spread where the ultraviolet radiation is more intense.

Using X-Rays To Track Uranium Mobility

Based on uranium's oxidation state.

Cancer Snake Oil Merchant Nailed

He didn't just peddle cancer snake oil (actually coral calcium) but all kinds of lies.

Now he's been hit with a $38,000,000 fine.

Rectum.

Lack Of Gov't Trust Regarding Fukushima

Here's an LA Times article describing the lack of trust of the Japanese government following Fukushima.

This can lead to greater misinformation as the public hears from quacks, as in one of the lasts paragraphs of the article:

"Another guest was a cancer researcher who emphasized that no matter what assurances the government has made about public safety, children were showing up with "new clinical symptoms of low-dose radiation exposure."

There are no clinical symptoms of low dose radiation exposure other than those associated with cancer.  And it's too early for cancer to be symptomatic.

As If Fukushima Workers Didn't Have Enough Problems

It looks like some have contracted norovirus.

Hanford Whistleblower On Rachel Maddow Show

The clip is here.

Whistleblowing is a tricky thing.  On the one hand we all want people to be free to whistleblow.  But then, there are some who abuse whistleblowing as a way to intimidate their employer.

I don't know where this particular whistleblower is on the spectrum.

This link contains videos from the Hanford site.  If you click on the "Mobile Arm Retrieval System" video you can see inside one of Hanford's high level waste tanks.  The tank contents typically have a consistency of dried peanut butter and the MARS tool is used to remotely water blast the contents and vacuum them up.

Indian Point or Oyster Creek: The Next Fukushima?

Here's a pretty good op-ed about New York's Indian Point plant.

The author makes his case without exaggerated fear mongering.

Here's another op-ed concerning New Jersey's Oyster Creek plant.

It's not so good.  It supports an anti-nuclear activist who claims he has evidence that the plant didn't follow an NRC order. He even went to the NRC and made a presentation.  The NRC and the plant have both said he has it wrong. So if the author's point is that, "Its incumbent upon the NRC not only to determine whether there was full compliance with the order but, more importantly, to assess whether the fire safety protections in place today are sufficient to ward off a Fukushima scenario in Ocean County or anywhere else in the U.S."

It looks like they've already done so.

What NOT To Buy For The Holidays (Or Any Other Time)

It's the use of radioactive stones in order to induce radiation "hormesis".

What a bunch of new age scammery...no coincidence the spokesperson in the video says, "God bless".

Yeah, the blessing involving the transaction of cash from your wallet to his.

Spiderman??????

That's the thought that entered my mind when I read this article about web-like growth on spent fuel assemblies..

(Recall that the original Spiderman got his superpowers after he was bitten by a radioactive spider.  In the more recent Hollywood version, the spider was "genetically enhanced")

On the serious side, if the growth is biological it may enhance our understanding of extremophiles.

Should Brachytherapy Be Used To Treat Breast Cancer?

In traditional radiotherapy an external beam of radiation is used to irradiate the entire breast.

In brachytherapy, a radioactive source is implanted into the breast yielding partial irradiation.

The latter approach is gaining in popularity, but there are pro's and con's.

Enchanced Radiation Therapy Efficacy Seen

Radiation therapy  (and drugs known as radiomimetics) damages the DNA of cancer cells (normal cells too, that why targeting is important in radiation therapy).

DNA has repair mechanisms to sometimes fix the damage.

So, if one can damage the repair mechanisms of the cancerous DNA, one can improve the efficacy of the radiation therapy.

And that's what some scientists have done, using folate as a "Trojan horse" to deliver an antibody into the cell nucleus.  The antibody impairs DNA damage repair.

U.S. National Institutes Of Health Bans Further Chimp Research

Happy Holidays to our hairy cousins!

Fukushima In Cold Shutdown

As expected, Japan announced today that the Fukushima reactors are in a state of cold shutdown.

Russia Seizes Radioactive Sodium Headed For Iran

It's Na-22 whose only value is for medical imaging.

It could be used in a dirty bomb (any radionuclide could), but a more effective dirty bomb would use an isotope with a longer half life.

Journalist Refudiates Status Of Fukushima

He was hired under false pretenses, only worked at Fukushima for "more than a month" and yet he knows that "absolutely no progress is being made.".

He's held news conferences.

And did I mention he's selling a book?

Radiation Safety vs Driving Safety

There is a Commentary in the latest issue of the Health Physics Journal about foregoing the Linear No Threshold (LNT) dose model for cancer risk assessment. The authors agree it is sound to use LNT for radiation protection regulation purposes, however.

So the authors basically are LNT-deniers and employ many of the denialist arguments I've blogged about before.

Don't Say The "M" Word

There is a derogatory word for African Americans that starts with the letter "n".  Rather than mention the word in the pubic media, people actually say "the n-word".

It looks like the Japan government was sensitive to the "m-word".

What To Wear To A Fukushima Event???

Here is one possible ensemble.

Busted!

For trying to illegally sell radioactive material.

Hanford Critical Mass Lab Demolished

One of Hanford's most contaminated buildings.  The article includes an embedded video.

Review Of Congressional Inquiry Into U.S. NRC Bickering

In case you missed seeing the actual hearing which was aired on C-Span 3, you can get a tidy review of it here.

Is "Cold Shutdown" The Right Term To Describe Fukushima?

Traditionally, "cold shutdown" has meant that there is an intact reactor, the control rods have been inserted to stop fission, and the temperature associated with decay heat is below the boiling point of water.

The Japanese government is saying that the Fukushima reactors will be in "cold shutdown" soon.

Is that appropriate?

The latest long term estimates for Fukushima cleanup is 40 years.  This article has an embedded video with some good, but brief, footage of the carnage.

Cool Radiation Video Camera

A camera that also detects radiation for a combined output.  This should be very helpful for documenting spill cleanups.

Fukushima Study Monkeying Around

Yes, literally.  The study is using monkeys to collect data.

First Japanese Debris Reaching U.S. West Coast

Slight chance some of it may be slightly radioactive.

Small Spill At Canda's Point Lepreau Plant

Details lacking.

Should The U.S. Phase Out Nuclear Plants?

USA Today had both sides of the argument.

Nuclear Countries Almost Had High Level Waste Disposal Solved

Unless you're Australian.

IAEA Coordinates Pacific Ocean Monitoring

Between different countries.

Now That Is RAD!

A description of RAD, the radiation detector on the Mars Science Lab.

Beautiful,Beautiful Gamma Rays

Have a look! 

Thanks Fermi (and you too, Tycho).

Japan's Industry Minister Wants TEPCO To Get Fishermen Persmission For Water Dumping

That isn't good governance, playing one group against another.  Either allow them to dump or not based on existing regulations.  If no specific regulations exist, the Ministry needs to make a decision and carve out a strategy to deal with repercussions.

Small Reactors Could Play A Future Role

Read more here.

"The analysis of the scans indicates 38 patients had an exposure that may constitute a medical event"

WoW!  I was busy today and only now had a chance to review the NRC Event Reports (see my "Links Of Interest", right hand side of my blog). 

This is very "nonroutine"!

This Smells Fishy - Largest Doses Outside Of Fukushima

According to this Reuters article.  But the article only quotes the "local government". 

Who is that exactly?

Canada's Bruce Power Foregoing Alberta Plans

This will be bad news for some, good news for others I suppose.

Fewer, Larger Radiotherapy Doses For Prostate Cancer

This is good news for those with the disease, no one likes going to get treatment.

Utah Says Waste Blending Needs More Study

Maybe the company should change its name to DilutionSolutions instead of EnergySolutions, since in this case "dilution is the solution"!

High activity resin which would be prohibited for disposal at its Utah site is being diluted with low activity resin so that all of the resin can be disposed of there.  The State wants more info but is allowing the process to proceed, which is reasonable.

Santa Claus Brings Christmas To Fukushima

It's funny how a Germanic pagan figure gets associated with a Christian Greek Bishop and is now giving gifts to kids of a largely Buddhist or Shinto demographic.  I bet he doesn't have an Atomic Energy Lab:

New Gene Mutations Linked To CLL

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia.  Now new genes have been implicated in its evolution.

Fukushima Children's Radiation Limit Not Safe!!! Or is it???

Here's a bit of fear mongering, which is actually one of the most convincing I've seen.  Let's dig in!

12/13/11 UPDATE - The YouTuber has blocked me from posting.  That's typically what propagandists do.

Want To Tour The Savannah River Site?

Now you can!

Radiation Therapy May Cause Cognitive Problems

Noted in breast cancer survivors.

Fire At Tsuruga Nuclear Plant

No reported release of radioactive materials.

The Higgs Particle

Here's a great article describing the search for the Higgs particle (a quanta of the Higgs field) which is what we think gives other particles their mass.

Good Article On Radon

It's targeted for a Utah audience, but has lots of more general info.

Both Boys & Girls Can Benefit From HPV Vaccine

In minimizing their risk of cancer.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients Can Skip Radiation Therapy

Good news.  Read more here.

AREVA Expecting Large Losses

Read more here.

Rep. Markey Defends NRC Chief Jaczko

Yesterday I had a post regarding infighting at the highest level of  the U.S. NRC.

It looks like Rep. Markey (a longtime anti-nuke) is coming to the defense of Jaczko (who used to work for Markey).

Radiation Won't Stop World Cup

The Club World Cup Soccer championships will be played in Japan.

I Should Have Been A Civil Engineer P3

This is obviously the third in a series.  A series whose length is contingent on Marco Kaltofen's actions. Here is Part 2 which includes a link to the original post.

Well, Marco's back at it, so here goes Part 3.

Criticism Of IAEA

And it ain't pretty.

NRC Chief Jaczko Hurting The NRC

So says his fellow commissioners.

Contaminated Baby Food Maker Learning Politics

I've posted previously on the slightly contaminated baby food.  Here's more.

Genkai Plant Also Had Leak

Read more here.

What's Ahead For Fukushima?

A long and tough road.

This article summarizes some research on the the expected marine impacts.

And here's a video describing the current status:

An Ambiguous Japanese Report On Children's Doses

Here's an article about some radiation surveys taken in Koriyama, which shows that most children are not receiving very much radiation exposure.  But it's odd for the radiation experts to conclude that the levels "pose no harm to the children's health".  The risks are small, but they're not "no".

It's Fun To Watch A Cancer Cell Die

Ok, maybe not on the list of top ten fun things, but this article describes how suppression of a particular protein can cause some cancer cells to die.

And there's a video!

Ex-Fukushima Accident Leader Has Cancer

No, not due to Fukushima (though that won't stop the whackos).

Fukushima - Has The China Syndrome Begun?

That's the question being asked by some anti-nukes.

IF any of the cores have hit ground water, that's still a long way from the China Syndrome, which is associated with a core melting through the Earth.  Regardless, the inaccessibility of the cores is very problematic.  The situation needs to be stabilized before a second earthquake or tsunami affects the area.

Japan's Prime Minister is optimistic.

The anti-nukes, not so much:

Some TN Residents Feel Ignored By The NRC

As related to the licensing of a second Watts Bar reactor.

Radiation Ain't All Bad

Here's a link that covers the basics of radiation therapy.

More On Japan's Cesium Contaminated Milk (Or "All Bq's Are Not Equal")

I've already posted on the issue, and the cancer risk is low.

But this recent The Japan Times Online article makes a couple of fundamental errors.

Japanese Government To Nationalize TEPCO

Read more here.

First Japanese Astronaut Forced To Evacuate

As a result of the Fukushima accident.

Japan's Ministry Of Education Might Need To Go To School

A school on political strategy. 

According to the reporter, the ministry retracted a publication on the safety of nuclear power following Fukushima.  Now, they've published a report which is being interpreted by some of the folks as an attempt to downplay the severity of Fukushima's radioactive contamination.

Japanese Split On Fukushima Cleanup

Tough decisions to be made.

Vermont Yankee Silt Ok, Still Leaking Tritium

Read more here.

Meanwhile, Hanford folks have been very busy treating their ground water.

Lifestyle & Cancer

If only people responded to other cancer risks the way they do to radiation.

Read more here.

Here's an anti-nuclear protester smoking:

NRC Chief Concerned Over Nuclear Power Industry

Read more here.

Zion Plant Reactor Head Moving To Utah

For disposal.

You're Mistaken...You Are Radioactive

Here's a video on the recent Fukushima spill.  At one point the guest's video image turns yellowish and he jokes that he isn't radioactive.  The hosts says something like, let's hope not. 

They don't realize we are all radioactive:

Turkey Point Nuclear Plant Helps Crocodiles

Crocodile smiles!

Cesium Found In Baby Milk Powder

It's far below any regulatory levels, but if a mother has a choice, will she buy that product or make another choice? 

"They're Admitting...blah, blah, blah"

Why is it whenever someone (let's say a nuclear power plant owner) learns something he/she didn't know before, and tells everyone else what he/she has learned....that "they're admitting" something?

To admit something suggests one has knowingly done something wrong and withheld that information from others, until one finally discloses the information.

This guy, Kamps, needs to admit he's a fear mongerer.

Chernobyl Wildlife

Tim Mousseau is a solid researcher.  It's a shame to have to listen to him via Dr. Helen Caldicott.  But he is worth listening to.  He has performed many studies of the Chernobyl ecology.

One of the "arguments" I've frequently encountered from pro-nuclear folks is that the Chernobyl ecology is thriving.

Merging Tsunami Responsible For Fukushima

A double whammy!

Natural Nuclear Reactors & Life

Here is an interesting article about a possible connection between naturally occurring nuclear reactors and life.  A reactor might improve genetic diversity (among survivors) locally, giving life more options for long term success.

Fukushima Spill

It looks like 45 tons of radioactive water spilled inside some sort of water purification facility at Fukushima.  Perhaps 300 liters escaped the building.  The article is nice in that it actually provides some radiation data, but it's not clear at what height the readings were actually taken.  Even if taken close to ground level, that's some pretty contaminated water!

This article includes an embedded video and states that the estimated radioactivity levels were 130,000 Bq/cm3 of strontium (I assume Sr-90).

This article states that 220 tons of water may have escaped the building, big difference from the first article.

Opal, What A Gem!

It's great for sequestering uranium!

Probably won't be much reassurance for those in Jaduguda, India.

Los Alamos Nuclear Weapon Facility In The Headlines

It's called the Chemistry Metallurgy Research Replacement Facility.  It's almost as if it requires a contorted name in order to substantiate its price tag of almost $6,000,000,000.  It seems that the DOE wants to keep the facility in Los Alamos, even though it's earthquake prone.

Hot Tires

I've heard of Hot Wheels (toy cars):

Now we have hot tires!

Japan's "Nuclear Gypsies"

Here's an interesting story about Japan's "nuclear gypsies" or those more typically referred to as "jumpers".

Some Hudson, NY Folks Had An Evening Of Fear Mongering

Recently with Helen Caldicott.

She claims over a million people died from Chernobyl, which is baseless (actually it's based on the discredited NYAS book).  The same book is responsible for claims about deformed children.

She says there's no "pill" you can take to rid the body of radioactive elements.  That's not true.

More On Fukushima 1

I posted the other day that Unit 1 might be worse than first thought.

That seems to be the consensus.  CBS News covered the story with some good video.

U.S. Coast Guard Awaits Radiation Claims From LORAN Workers

LOnge RAnge Navigation is the source of the LORAN acronym.  It was a terrestial radio-based navigation system used by the Coast Guard prior to using more modern GPS systems.

These systems used vacuum tubes.  In a vacuum tube, electrons flow from a cathode to the anode within a sealed, airless tube.  The electrons emit X-rays as a result of a phenomenon called bremsstrahlung ("breaking radiation").  This usually isn't a safety problem until the voltage exceeds about 15 keV, because until then, the tube itself provides sufficient shielding of the X-rays. 

As the voltage increases, additional shielding is required in order to minimize the X-ray dose (since X-ray energy is proportional to the voltage which is causing electron acceleration).

It looks like the Coast Guard didn't inform the LORAN workers of the X-ray risk, and some workers may have been overexposed.  Though it's hard to tell from the article which doesn't give any dose estimates.

Radioactive Placards Make Folks Nervous

Radioactive placards are a paradox.  They are intended to warn first responders to a potential accident about the hazards associated with the cargo.  That's why they're big!  So they can be seen from a distance.

But, they also serve as advertising for potential terrorists.

Or, they just scare people!

VA Uranium Mining Controversy

To mine or not to mine.

That is the question.

Airport X Ray Backscatter Machines

PBS Newshour covered the topic last night.

Fukushima Earthquake Moved Sea Floor Half A Football Field

Yikes!

Lower Antioxident Levels May Explain Higher Male Skin Cancer Risk

Another explanation is that males have higher levels of myloid derived suppressor cells which might suppress the immune system.  A suppressed immune system could be favorable to carcinogenesis.

New High Clarity, Ultra Low Dose CT

Thanks Notre Dame, Purdue & GE Healthcare!

Though, I wish the article specified the degree of dose reduction.

There are around 60,000,000 CT scans performed each year in the U.S.

The delivered dose varies based on what is being studied.

Learn more here.

The Impact Of Fukushima On The Japanese Food Market

This video illustrates how exaggerated fears of radioactivity can impact people's lives.  From the mother who is concerned for her child, to the fishermen trying to make a living.

Fukushima Unit 1 Might Be Worse Than First Thought

Or it might not.  Hard to tell.

TEPCO really needs to call Bustice and Power Girl.  They know how to save nuclear power plants:

"Radioactive Box" Found In Boston Basement

What is it about the city of Boston and radioactive material?

Now a box labeled "radioactive" has been found in a basement! 

This article provides a better photo which shows the overreaction.

Woes For U.S. Enrichment Corporation

A sign of the times.

Fukushima Guilty Of World's Worst Sea Contamination

This video by AlJeezera could be much better.  It compares the levels of radioactive contamination off the coast of Japan, with Black Sea contamination levels from Chernobyl.  Say what???

Chernobyl was not directly off the coast of the Black Sea, like Fukushima is off the coast of the Pacific Ocean!

Canadian Firm Pursuing Nuclear Fusion

They've certainly got an uphill battle, but here's wishing them the best of luck!

Read more here.

Boston Police Get A "Dose" Of Reality

The Boston police stopped a truck which was apparently carrying radioactive material (this is routinely done throughout the country).  Using radiation meters, the police saw a meter response to the radioactive material.  Rather than investigate whether the truck was legally carrying radioactive pharmaceuticals, or low level waste, or some other material, they overreacted and cordoned off the area.

Nuclear Waste Back Home In Germany

Run! Run! 65.17 uSv/hr!

Here's a video clip that has all the fear mongerers in a tizzy.  Someone in Japan measured 65.17 uSv/hr in an evacuation zone.  The reason people were evacuated was because of expected high radiation levels.  And that level isn't particularly worrisome.

(Kind of funny that the instrument is in a bag.  Why?)

Second Cancer Usually Same As The First

Pretty much what I would have expected, but it's always good to do the research.

If one survives a particular cancer and gets cancer again....the second cancer is likely to be the same kind as the original.

Fukushima Plant Director Sick

Bring on the speculation!

Cancer Rates Around Fukushima To Rise 20%-30%!!!

No they won't.  But why let facts get in the way of fear mongering?

High Level Waste And More

This is a good video which includes a discussion of high level waste, an interview with U.S. NRC Chairman Jaczko, and a discussion on China's energy growth (half of the world's power plant demand is due to China).  A highlight is great footage of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant which just received its 10,000th shipment.  It looks like it will fulfill its mission years ahead of schedule. 

But don't buy the short story on cold fusion, until Rossi provides evidence to support his claim.

TN Groups Critical Of Bulk Survey For Release Program

A couple of TN groups don't like TN's Bulk Survey For Release Program. 

Read more here.

Radiation Precautions In The Cascade Mountains?

No.  But if one is a professional fear mongerer, why not give it a whirl?

Canned Soup Raises Urine BPA Levels

Bisphenol A is known to cause reproductive developmental problems in non-human animals (not so clear in human animals).  Consuming canned soup contributes to BPA intake.

Pilgrim Nuclear Plant Community Wants More Radiation Monitoring

Read more here.

Karl Grossman Can Relax Now

Recently, Karl Grossman engaged in fear mongering regarding the "horrific" consequences if the launch of NASA's Curiosity went bad.

Grossman can relax now.

Curiosity is on its way to Mars.

Happy Landing!!!

Congratulations NASA!

Widespread Fukushima Contamination In Food

There is pretty widespread Fukushima contamination in fish, mushrooms, rice and other foodstuffs.  However, the contamination levels are low.  The limit is 500 Bq/kg which represents an annual dose of 5 mSv if only this food is eaten for the year.  This level of risk parallels typical annual background radiation doses.  Obviously, one wants to avoid the risk if possible, but it is nothing to fear.

Denmark Likes Wind

Read more here.

Poland Planning First Nuke Plant

Read more here.

Now It's The German's Turn!

The French had their turn protesting the German radioactive waste which was sent there for treatment.  Now that the waste is being returned to Germany, it's their turn. 

Reminds me of the game of HOT (get it?) Potato.

Japanese T.V. Host "Gets" Leukemia From Fukushima

It's ridiculous to think that someone could get leukemia so soon after Fukushima, just from eating some vegetables, whether contaminated or not:

Po-210 Poisoning Death Remembered

I'm a few days late, but back on November 23 of 2006, Alexander Litvinenko died from poisoning by Po-210. 

Swiss Nuclear Shutdown To Cost $22.5 Billion

That's a lot of dough!

Skin Cancer News

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD's) are the deleterious DNA products of UV radiation.  They are difficult for our cells to detect for repair because they are tightly wound within the DNA.  Now a specific protein complex has been found which helps the cell identify and remove the CPD's.

The worst type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma.  There is a drug available to treat this, but patients become resistant to the drug over time.  Now researchers have figured out why.

Total Effective Dose Equivalent Question

Asked on YouTube:

"The question still remains: how does the test account for the concentration of energy, i.e., the difference of being zapped by x amount of energy (expressed in gamma) while flying in an airplane vs letting the same amount of energy (x) accumulate in your thyroid? Radiation therapy is based on this - the energy is concentrated and directed to a specific spot (cancer); in case of Fukushima, one absorbs radiation internally, which accumulates in a certain organ and kills it"

Why Can't We Be Friends?

You don't often see pro-nuclear AND anti-nuclear folks agree on a radiation cancer risk study.

But they do in regards to a U.S. NRC initiated plan to have the National Academy of Sciences assess the cancer risk in populations around nuclear power plants.  The study is being done in two phases.  The first is assessing whether it seems likely that a statistically valid study could be accomplished at such low dose levels.  This phase is currently in progress. If not, there is no need for a second phase.  If so, the second phase would perform the epidemiology based on findings in the first phase.

Possible Therapy For Radiation Sickness

It's been shown to work on mice.

New Evidence Links Virus To Brain Cancer

Read more here.  Fortunately, there is also research regarding enhanced brain tumor treatment.

 

Senator Markey Goes After Hanford

Read more here.

Some French Folks Protest German Waste

Read more here.

Arnie Gundersen Gives Me Gas

H2 gas, to be exact....oh, and please send $$$, new sweatshirt needed.  (He actually wasn't his typical anti-nuclear self in this video): 

Pesky Neutrinos

Perhaps you've heard of some experiments involving neutrinos and the OPERA detector.  It's possible that neutrinos may actually move faster than light.  It's also possible they may not.  Neutrinos have mass and light doesn't, so it would be very unexpected if neutrinos could travel faster than light. (Note: the reference is really the speed of light in a vacuum.  We know charged particles can exceed the speed of light in a non-vacuum...that's what causes Cerenkov radiation).

Last year, research indicated that neutrinos might affect the rate of radioactive decay.  But this was discounted.

Mortality Rates For Pharynx/Mouth Cancers Have Decreased

Congratulations!

H2O2 & Tumors

Here's some interesting research on how the immune system is stimulated by H2O2.  Tumors and wounds release H2O2. 

A frequent cliche I've heard many times by LNT-deniers is that radiation stimulates the immune system and therefore radiation is beneficial.  They fail to realize that stimulating the immune system can also be detrimental.  Inflammation has been associated with carcinogenesis.

This article links cancer, inflammation and aging.  It doesn't make the strong link between inflammation and cancer, as the link above does, as it is focused more on aging and senescent cells.

Tumor Specific Pathway Identified

Certain tumors use a reverse Krebs cycle.  We may be able to tailor cancer fighting drugs to attack this unique phenomenon.

Coffee Seems Effective In Reducing Endometrial Cancer

Read more here.

Edward "Clueless" Calabrese

My initial, opening post when starting this blog was a criticism of Edward Calabrese.

Rather than providing evidence to contradict the LNT, he's whining again.

Let's dig in!

DoD To Release Radiation Dose Estimates For Japan Bases

Read more here.

Mars' Radiation Environment And Humans

I recently posted on Karl Grossman's fear mongering concerning the NASA Curiosity rover and its Pu-238 power.

Here's more on the subject.

One of Curiosity's goals is to measure the radiation environment on Mars for future human habitation as well as general science knowledge.

A Pain In The Glass

Hanford's Vitrification Plant is hurting.

Even More Action Needed On Global Warming

The inertia of our political and economic systems are just too great.

More here.

NRC Targets Waterford 3

Read more here.

Former U Of Arizona Reactor Fully Decommissioned

Read more here.

More On Hydrofracking

This is timely.

Hydrofracking & Radioactivity

This is pretty bizarre.  Marvin Resnikoff is fear mongering about the radioactivity associated with hydrofracking.  First, he makes the ridiculous comparison between fracking brine and drinking water. 

Marvin, guess what?  No one is drinking the fracking brine. 

He laments about the pipes with the internal scale buildup.  These can be sent to any number of waste disposal sites.  Not a big deal.  Unless one wants to manufacture a controversy....a manufacturoversy.

Fukushima Struggles To Rescue Its Land

Radiation Phobia & LNT

This is a bit of a weird opinion piece.  It discusses the need to continue funding the DOE's Low Dose Radiation Research Program.  But the author seems to think that continued funding will overturn the LNT model, and that will reduce radiophobia.

Radiophobia is an unwarranted fear of radiation.  In other words, the people suffering from it don't understand LNT to begin with.  If they did, they would realize the cancer risks are usually trivial and they wouldn't be phobic.  They are phobic because they don't understand LNT and aren't interested in any sort of accurate risk assessment.

BEIR VII, which was tasked with determining the best radiation dose response model, looked at the types of studies done by the LDRRP and others (see Chapter 2), and concluded LNT is the best model.  The LDRRP continues to provide new insights and may lead us to overturn LNT (either because the dose response is super-linear or supra-linear at low doses) one day.

I don't think that will have much psychological effect on radiophobes.

Get Educated!

Colardo State University offers some radiation safety courses online.  They're convenient, but not free.

Vanderbuilt University has posted some relevant lectures on YouTube, so they're both convenient and free!

Do These Types Of Articles Aid Anyone In Understanding Radiation Risk?

Not in my opinion.

Karl Grossman On Curiosity

The Curiosity is NASA's Mars Science Rover, which is powered by Pu-238.  Mr. Grossman is fixated on the rover's power source.  Curious, isn't it?  Not really, Mr. Grossman enjoys a long history of fear mongering.

Post Fukushima Radiation Levels

Read more here.

A Look Inside The Byron Nuclear Plant

Have a look.

Hudspeth County, TX High Level Waste Storage Site Cancelled

Read more here.

Concerns Over Tokyo Hotspots

Problems At Braidwood Unit 2

The reactor vessel head leaked at the seal surfaces.

Wade Allison - Is No Expert

I recently posted on some poor reasoning by Dr. Wade Allison who has been promoting the idea that radiation safety limits should be raised a thousand-fold.

According to his website, he is selling a book which provides a "clear and positive scientific account of the effect of radiation on life".  And you can schedule him for a lecture! 

This suggests he has expertise on the subject.  And yet I was perplexed at his erroneous and simplistic reasoning as I pointed out in the earlier post.

I am perplexed no more.

Here are 4 short clips (about 2 minutes each, you may have to "Load 10 More Videos" to get to them, they are the "Oxford Discussion" series) with Dr. Allison.

He admits he has no expertise in the field of radiation safety (at about 1:30 in the 2:01 minute video).  Even worse, he denounces expertise. 

Why would anyone want a lecture (or buy a book) on a subject by someone who states he doesn't have expertise in it? 

I Should Have Been A Civil Engineer P2

I had a post earlier "starring" Marco Kaltofen, and he's back.

Included in the video's title is "Airborne Radiation Spread", but there's something else being spread which has a distinctive bovine fecal odor.

Nukes On The Road!

Here's some more fear-mongering from Alex Jones.  What would he say if the truck didn't have radioactive placards?  "A government cover-up!"

Nuclear Fusion?

Not anytime soon.

New Test For Lung Cancer

Uses gold nanoparticles.

New Drug Combo Targets Multiple Cancers

Sounds promising.

Probiotic Protects Mice Intestines From Radiation

A new study finds that a probiotic (a cousin of that found in dairy yogurt) helps to protect the intestines of mice, if given prior to radiation.   Studies on humans are needed.

The Thorium Dream?

More here.

European I-131 Gets Less (or More) Confusing

A Hungarian medical isotope firm comments that they are likely responsible for increased I-131 levels in Hungary.  But unlikely they are responsble for other heightened levels found throughout Europe.

Head scratcher.

Update:  The IAEA is attributing all the I-131 to the Hungary firm.

EU Bans Airport X-Ray Security Scanners

'In order not to risk jeopardising citizens' health and safety, only security scanners which do not use X-ray technology are added to the list of authorised methods for passenger screening at EU airports"

More here.

More Of The Same Bull

Here's a recent YouTube upload, though the video dates back several months.

The "million dead" figure (shared by Caldicott in the previous post) comes from the infamous, no longer available NYAS book shown in the video.

And for an added bonus...unrelated video of kids with birth defects!

Passionate, Yes...Accurate, Not So Much

Here is Dr. Helen Caldicott at a recent anti-nuclear rally.  She mentions millions of cancer deaths from Chernobyl, but that figure isn't supported by the current evidence:

The U.S. DOE Gets A Spanking

Criticized for its largess.

iPhone Geiger Counter

Now that's cool!

Nightmare Of Nuclear Waste

Here's a lengthy anti-nuclear documentary.  It's full of bias and half truths, but they have some excellent photography and old clips.

Global Warming In About 2 Minutes

UC Davis Has Some Ugly Wastes To Attend To

Read this.

New Oncovirus Identified

Cytomegalovirus.

Damn Platelets!

Just kidding...though they do seem to play a role in cancer metastasis.

How Tough Is It To Build A Dirty Bomb?

Though it's several months old, this is a great clip from PBS's Newshour:

Mountains Limited Spread Of Fukushima Fallout

Read more here and here.

Otsego County, NY At High Risk For Radon

Free test kits available.

Possible Link Between Radon & Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It's just an ecologic study, a broad stroke, first impression which will require follow-up.

I posted on skin cancer not long ago.

Nuclear Power Industry News

Read more here.

The Four "Facts" Of Dr. Wade Allison

From the blog Atomic Insights, I learned of a physicist named Wade Allison who is preaching the need for a new understanding of radiation safety. 

Why?  He mentions 4 facts.  Let's dig in:

The Shieldalloy Radioactive Waste Disposal Fight In New Jersey

Read here.

Nuclear Mishaps Are An Elite Conspiracy Aimed At Mitigating Human Fertility!

WOW!  When conspiracy nuts go nuts....they really go nuts.

Here's The Alex Jones Show....just making stuff up (and he throws in the deformed baby pictures!!!  Can't have a good show without 'em!!):

How Hanford Progress Hurts The Local Economy

Can be found here.

Gene Mutation Associated With Malignant Melanoma Found

Malignant melanoma is the worst type of skin cancer.  I recently posted on the topic.

Researchers have discovered that a mutation in the gene (called E318K) could block sumoylation of MITF.

Say what????

Radiation Causing Unusual Changes In Japan??????

No...unless one wants to make stuff up.

That seems to be the motivation behind this Japanese webcast program, which was originally broadcast back in July, but has only recently been uploaded to YouTube.  If you click on the "cc" button, you can get English subtitles, but to do that, you have to go to the original post (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_O2j_f43P4).

If I were going to direct a spoof on the "dangers" of radiation, I would've done something like this clip. 

But it isn't a spoof!

Report Provides Details On Fukushima

Click here.  Separately, the video below was recently released by TEPCO.  And reporters have been allowed to tour Fukushima in protective gear (second link here).

The Power Of The Crowd To Map Japan's Radioactivity

Here's an insightful video from PBS on a group called Safecast who is mapping radioactivity levels in Japan:

Good Radon Awareness Media Coverage

Can be found here.

“Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie — A Tale of Love and Fallout” by Lauren Redniss

A book review.

Fusion Progresses

We're learning more about plasma confinement.

The Fukushima Syndrome

A two part series about Japanese apprehension of nuclear power after Fukushima.

Part 1:

Mystery I-131 Over Parts Of Europe

According to the IAEA.

Fukushima Is Killing Philadelphia Babies!!!!!

What can I say:

Voodoo Medicine

Voodoo Acupuncture medicine is bogus.  Why would anyone even attempt such a flawed study?

Notice, that no sham acupuncture was used (that's intended for a second study).  So what we basically have is the placebo effect.

And worse, most of the study is based on self-reporting by the patients rather than by objective physical measurements (some salivary flow rates were measured, but hardly mentioned in the article).

Fukushima Cleanup Estimated at $14 Billion

According to Japan's Ministry of the Environment.

Epigenetic Therapy Shows Promise For Lung Cancer

Lung cancer falls into two broad groups based on the size of the cells that make up the tumors:  small cell tumors (about 20%) and non-small cell tumors (about 80%).

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence.  A common epigenetic phenomenon is methylation, whereby a methyl group (a chemical compound which includes CH3) is added to a portion of a gene (cytosine or adenine).  Methylation tends to suppress the expression of the gene.

A new drug, using epigenetic methylation, has been found to be helpful in treating non-small cell lung cancer.

Waste Control Specialists Grand Opening Of Low Level Radioactive Waste Site

Waste Control Specialists celebrated the grand opening of its LLW disposal site yesterday.

There hasn't been a new LLW disposal site opening for decades in the U.S.

Braidwood Tritium Leak

Here's a classic example of lazy reporting by a local news outlet.  It's just one side versus the other, absent of any facts regarding the risk of tritium compared to other everyday risks.

Nuclear Fusion Energy Making Progress

Nuclear fusion is being pursued in a multi-national project called ITER.  Though it seems that fusion is always "decades away", progress is being made.

Should we stick with it?

More On INL Incident

Can be found here.

Spokane, WA Folks Concerned About Waste Shipments

Click here for more.

Bowel Screening Reduces Cancer Deaths

By >25%.

Some of the underlying genetic causes of colorectal cancer discussed here.

Small Shielding Leak At HI Oncology Center

Pretty insignificant.

Small Mishap In Idaho

Not a lot of details, but odd that the workers were offered treatment to expedite elimination. 

That usually isn't done unless the uptake is thought to be significant.

5 Years Isn't A Lot Of Time

To reduce global warming.

Davis Besse In The News

Small containment building cracks.

Public Health Preparedness For Radioactive Attack

I recently posted a similar, older video whose targeted audience was public health professionals and first responders. 

This link includes a recent C-Span video featuring Dr. Norman Coleman.

The audience is obviously the general public.

Our Skin Can "See" UV Rays

Duh!  Obviously our skin reacts to ("sees") ultraviolet light. 

What is interesting in that the skin uses the same light receptor as in our eyes, called rhodopsin.

But if UV is non-ionizing, how does it cause cancer?

Transparent Radiation - The Film

Looks like a transparent trailer....what is the point?

Wall Street Journal Article On Fukushima

Can be found here.

Fukushima Syndrome - HDNet Tonight

Tonight, on HDNet World Report at 9 p.m. EST, one of the topics is "Fukushima Syndrome: The Stark Cost of Japan's Nuclear Embrace".

Better Late Than Never!

I only recently started this blog, and just barely missed pointing out National Radon Week of October 17-24.

HAL Meet Asimo..

I recently wrote about HAL, the robotic suit that could be helpful at Fukushima.

Here's another called Asimo.

Update On Your Local Nuclear Disaster? Check With The Weatherman!

After watching the Atomic Trucker, it's "comforting" to know your local weatherperson is standing by to give you updates on the potential consequences.  

This is a talk given by a U.S. CDC representative (Charles Miller) to the American Meterological Society about the weatherperson's potential role in a nuclear disaster.

The Atomic Trucker

This is an amazing story of an (extra-) ordinary trucker who figured out how to make working replicas of the atomic bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

If he can do it......????