Search

The article reports on the process being developed by researchers at National Research Universal (NRU) in Canada to produce medical isotopes without the need for a nuclear reactor.

The author points out the need to address policy and market failures that could lead to more shortage of medical isotopes. He notes the shortage of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) in August 2010. He claims that there is little or no action are being taken by producers, users or governments to ensure that there will enough supply of Mo-99. He believes that irradiation and processing services prices should include a realistic margin based on the full costs of production.

The article shows that the hydropyrolysis process can detect illicit levels of steroids in urine. Colin Snape, a Nottingham professor of chemical technology and chemical engineering, said that by refining the measurements of carbon 12 and carbon 13, an accurate test on the presence of illegal steroids can be produced. Chemical engineers said that this technique can be available in the market in time for the London Olympics.