Welcome to the RIB Joint. A blog discussing science issues with an emphasis on health physics and agnotology. We'll try to keep 'em honest. So dig in!
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Union Of Concerned Scientists Is NOT A Science Group
It is an anti-nuclear propaganda group....this article has it wrong.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Radiation Crystal "Ball"
Well, not a "ball", but a detector. Most people are familiar with the term "Geiger counter". The Geiger counter uses a detector which consists of an enclosed gas. When radiation ionizes the gas, the ions produce an electric charge which is converted to a visual output (display, meter, etc.) and which reflects the amount of incident radiation.
Since a solid crystal is denser than air, for a given volume, the sensitivity of radiation detection is much improved. The crystals used in radiation detection don't produce a mobile charge like in a Geiger counter. Instead the crystals emit light in response to incident radiation. The light is gathered by a photoelectrode. The photoelectrode produces the electric response, proportional to the amount of light which is proportional to the amount of radiation, which is converted to a visual output.
This article discusses some work at Washington State University on crystal growth.
Since a solid crystal is denser than air, for a given volume, the sensitivity of radiation detection is much improved. The crystals used in radiation detection don't produce a mobile charge like in a Geiger counter. Instead the crystals emit light in response to incident radiation. The light is gathered by a photoelectrode. The photoelectrode produces the electric response, proportional to the amount of light which is proportional to the amount of radiation, which is converted to a visual output.
This article discusses some work at Washington State University on crystal growth.
Fukushima Anniversary Approaching
It's hard to believe a year has just about gone by since the earthquake/tsunami. Not the kind of anniversary deserving of celebration. Perhaps in another 39 years or so, Japan can celebrate its clean up. Here's a CBS News article with embedded video on the subject. AlJazeera also covered the report discussed by CBS:
Carcinogen Prioritization
This link is titled "What Causes Cancer", but it's really about focusing on reducing the really prevalent carcinogens and not getting diverted on by the more trivial ones.
Monday, February 27, 2012
U.S. Not To Lend Art To Fukushima
Due to radiation concerns. What an irony that the art depicts the "horrors" of nuclear fission.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Is America Heading Straight For Nuclear Catastrophe?
Be scared....be very scared....that's the response they want.
"You Don't Build A House Without A Toilet"
An analogy for the lack of high level waste disposal in Japan, though the same could be said of the U.S.
Patients Benefit From Modern Radiation Technology
We are all fortunate to be living today as opposed to any other time in the past in regards to medical care. Radiation technology continues to improve.
Here's a recent example.
Here's a recent example.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
You Want To Stick That Where? P5
Earlier this month I wrote a series of posts which described my colonoscopy.
The timing of this study is almost perfect.
Get screened.
The timing of this study is almost perfect.
Get screened.
The U.S. Exports Waste To Japan
In this case, the waste is "Dr." Arnie Gundersen "exported" to Japan's National Press Club.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Cancer News
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Rocky Flats Still Contaminated?
The site was supposed to be remediated, but anti-nuke Marco Kaltofen has found some trace contamination. Seems like much ado about nothing.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Can We Have Nuclear Power Without Nuclear Weapons?
The answer, according to Scott Sagan, is that it depends.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Uniontown, OH Landfill Fear Mongering
"It will make your hair stand up"....if you enjoy having people scare you so they can make money.
Kate Upton It Ain't
She is the model on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
This is a 3-D model of a brain tumor which will help with understanding potential treatment options.
This is a 3-D model of a brain tumor which will help with understanding potential treatment options.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thank You "Heartland Insider"!!!!
The Heartland Institute (HI) is a propaganda tool "think tank" which uses public relations to attack scientific findings. They were giddy about the manufactuversy call "climategate", in which some climate scientists' emails were hacked and then portions taken out of context in an attempt to delegitamize climate science.
You Want To Stick That Where? P4
I had my colonoscopy procedure yesterday. Everything went fine. The doctor mentioned that about 40% of patients show polyps (which may or may not be cancerous). However, I was one of the 60% who was "clean".
So, please remember, when you get over 50 get an exam.
It saves lives.
So, please remember, when you get over 50 get an exam.
It saves lives.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Russian Sub May Have Had Nuclear Weapons
The sub that caught fire last year, though officially there were no nuclear weapons.
Fukushima - Put Children Before Politics
Here's a rather odd editorial on the subject from the Japan Times (republished from Sentaku Magazine).
You Want To Stick That Where? P3
I survived yesterday's liquid diet followed by the evening's "Gatorade flush". But no, that's not all. This morning I have to drink another laxitive called magnesium citrate. I remain limited to clear liquids until the procedure is performed this afternoon. The procedure is expected to take about two hours.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
You Want To Stick That Where? P2
Today I switch to a clear liquid diet all day. At 5 p.m., I have to take a laxative pill and mix some powdered laxative with 64 ounces of sports drink. I have to drink ALL of the 64 ounces in 15 minute intervals (8 ounces per interval).
Monday, February 13, 2012
You Want To Stick That Where? P1
Later this week I'll be getting a colonoscopy, which is a screening method for colon cancer. It is recommended for everyone once age 50 is attained. To "clear the way", I was placed on a low-fiber diet yesterday, which continues today (today includes drinking 8 glasses of water). Tomorrow I will be limited to only clear liquids.
The point of this post is to encourage everyone to get screened because it does save lives.
The point of this post is to encourage everyone to get screened because it does save lives.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Fox News Shows Their Anti-Science Again
This time in regards to a recent solar coronal mass ejection.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Are We In The Breakdown Phase Of Nuclear Power?
Does radioactive steam make people stupid??????
Or does it cause them to experience a phase of mental breakdown???
Kyrgyzstan Takes Their Radioactive Coal Seriously
I posted on their radioactive coal a couple of days ago. It looks like some folks are facing charges over the matter.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
So That's What It Sounds Like When You Give A Radiophobe A Microphone
But it's not just radioactivity.....it's...it's.....SUPER-VIRUSES!!!!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
TEPCO Injects Boric Acid
Into Daiichi Unit 2. As I posted yesterday, its temperature has been rising. The boron in the boric acid absorbs neutrons which prevents the fission chain reaction from being sustainable.
Should Government Return HLW Fees?
Nuclear utility companies collect a fee from consumers and hand that fee over to the government to pay for long term high level waste disposal. The intended site for HLW was Yucca Mountain in Nevada, but the Obama administration has decided not to use it. So what should be done with all the fees which have been collected over the decades?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Where Fossil Fuel Meets Radioactivity
Radioactive coal in Kyrgyzstan.
Closer to home, a landfill in PA is seeking a permit to mill rock waste from natural gas drilling. The wastes contain elevated naturally occuring radioactivity.
Closer to home, a landfill in PA is seeking a permit to mill rock waste from natural gas drilling. The wastes contain elevated naturally occuring radioactivity.
The Dishonest Duo Spreading More Propaganda
That would be the Gundersens.
Yes, T.V. host you are given lots of misinformation. Most of it comes from your guests. Anytime you hear "priesthood", you know it's an "us vs. them" conspiracy fantasy. Here's the video.
Yes, T.V. host you are given lots of misinformation. Most of it comes from your guests. Anytime you hear "priesthood", you know it's an "us vs. them" conspiracy fantasy. Here's the video.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Mousseau Is On Fukushima's Case
Glad to hear it.
I think this is separate from Japan's study, but I'm not sure. I mentioned Mousseau when posting Japan's study intentions.
I think this is separate from Japan's study, but I'm not sure. I mentioned Mousseau when posting Japan's study intentions.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
San Onofre Problems
Already expensive shutdown, could get worse.
Meanwhile, the radiation released was minimal.
As if they didn't have enough to do, this.
Meanwhile, the radiation released was minimal.
As if they didn't have enough to do, this.
World Cancer Day!
Is today. Many of the preventative steps taken to cure cancer also have many other benefits like weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, etc.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Challenging Nuclear Power
I really like the irony in this. They say that nuclear is too expensive and Wall St. doesn't want it. So where do they protest? At a shareholders meeting.
Pretty much standard anti-nuke rhetoric.
Interesting Immune Regulatory Pathway
Monocytes give rise to dendritic cells and macrophages. These latter cells generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to destroy any pathogens (or debris in the case of radiation). The monocytes are more senstive to ROS, so they do die, reducing the cells which generated the ROS.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
"Is It Risky For Kids To Play In Contaminated Areas?"
Japanese parents ask.
Not particulary when below the Japanese limit. Of course, there's the risk that kids will be hurt from non-radiological causes too.
Not particulary when below the Japanese limit. Of course, there's the risk that kids will be hurt from non-radiological causes too.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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