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X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a useful technique in agricultural science to determine the elemental constituents of plant materials. It allows for quick analysis, high spatial resolution, measurement of multiple elements within a single scan, and requires minimal sample preparation while being non-destructive. In this study, we used wavelength dispersive XRF (WDXRF) to study agricultural diseases. We performed a spectroscopic investigation in agricultural samples to measure the elemental changes caused by infestation. A broad range of major, trace, and heavy elements were detected and quantified in healthy and infested crop samples, and we observed significant changes in the elemental concentrations. We also used laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in combination with XRF spectrometry. Further improvements will provide exciting perspectives for the application of XRF in the area of plant and agricultural science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed a tooth sample of a renal patient using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry to quantify major and trace elements, and heavy and toxic elements in particular. The elements detected and quantified in the tooth sample were calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), oxygen (O), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), sulfur (S), potassium (K), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), strontium (Sr), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zirconium (Zr). FT-IR spectrometry has been used to extract relevant information about the molecular contents of the tooth sample. We have compared our results with those obtained in the laboratory for the healthy subjects, and also with the values reported in the literature as obtained using XRF spectrometry only. Elements found in the tooth sample were correlated with the chronic kidney disease (CKD) of the patients. An outline of the XRF apparatus and applications of XRF as a tool for analyzing to dental specimens are also briefly highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallstones and kidney stones are very painful, and also can lead to cancer. The accumulation of heavy and toxic elements has been associated with the formation of such stones. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy can be a useful technique for analyzing the types and concentrations of such elements in these stones as a means of better understanding their causes and development, as well as potential ways to avoid them. Vivek K. Singh, an assistant professor of physics at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, India, has been studying the use of WDXRF for such analyses, and he recently spoke to us about this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information regarding the extraction of Uranium from the sea water. It ids mentioned that the oceans contain staggering quantity uranium and heavy element. According to Benjamin P. Hay, a scientist, Earth's oceans contain more than 4 billion metric tons of dissolved uranium which is 1,000 times greater than all known terrestrial sources. It informs that the main challenge in extracting Uranium from the ocean in a large-scale can cause negative effects on marine conditions and the lives of animals associated with it.

Highlights a symposium on heavy-element cleanup at the American Chemical Society's national meeting in Anaheim, California. Environmental significance of uranium compounds; Presentations by James Beitz and Heino Nitsche; Nitsche's goal of developing an actinide-transport model.

Reports on the controversy over recommendations by the International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry's (IUPAC) Commission on Nomenclature of Inorganic Chemistry concerning heavy elements. Reactions from nuclear scientists; Response by commission members; Elements 104, 105 and 106 as focus of controversy in the US; Rejection of seaborgium for element 106. INSET: Unhappiness over `seaborgium' rejection isn't universal..

Highlights the discoveries of heavy elements made at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California as a National Historic Chemical Landmark according to the American Chemical Society. Holding of a presentation ceremony; History of LBNL; Transcurium elements discovered.

The article focuses on a study that was published in the periodical "Physical Review Letters" in 2014, concerning the creation of element 117, and mentions about the case for adding element 117 to the periodic table, where it would take its place as the heaviest element.

The article discusses the study conducted by Michael Block of the Institute for Heavy-Ion Research (GSI) in Darmstadt, Germany, regarding the mass of heavy elements which was weighed through ingenious ion-trap mass spectrometer.

The article reports on the confirmation of synthesizing nuclei of element 114. Reports regarding the matter first came up 10 years ago from scientists in Dubna, Russia, but its result has been confirmed by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The extremely low probability of making super heavy nuclei of element 114 was done by firing 48Ca ions into a plutonium target which presented formidable challenges to successfully reproduce the Dubna results.

The article focuses on the discovery of element 118 by researchers from the U.S. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory who are working with scientists from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia. The development of three atoms of the super-heavy element is the result of the bombardment of a target made of californium with high-velocity calcium ions. Element 118 is the fifth element that was found by the Livermore-Dubna team.

Presents science and technology news, compiled as of June 2001. Possible use of single-stranded DNA oligomers with ferrocene units at one end in DNA sequencing; Designation of hassium as the heaviest element; Development of technique for gene silencing in mammals.

Reports on the creation of a superheavy element, element 114, an isotope of transactinide element with 173 neutrons. Team of scientists who created the new element; Fusion experiments that lead to the creation of the element; Lifetime of the new element.

Reports on the revised list of proposed names for heavy elements, released by the International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Changes from the original IUPAC list and proposed names by the American Chemical Society.

Reports on the creation of element 110 in a nuclear fusion experiment conducted at the Gesellschaft fur Schwerionenforschung (GSI) Heavy Ion Research Center in Darmstadt, Germany. Bombardment of lead target with nickel atoms; Members of discovery team; Characteristics of element 110; Future projects.