Nuclear Science for Good: Innovation and Role in Daily Life
Nuclear science may sound like something only scientists and researchers are interested in, but the truth is that it plays a critical role in our daily lives. As a STEM field, nuclear science has countless practical applications that impact people all around the world, from powering our homes and businesses to helping diagnose and treat diseases.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways in which nuclear science is making a difference in people’s lives—particularly in the areas of health and medicine, environmental research, and food and agriculture.
Photo by Steve Johnson
What Is Nuclear Science?
Nuclear science is a fascinating field that involves the study of the tiny building blocks that make up the universe - atoms.
Atoms are the basic units of matter and they are made up of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Nuclear science explores how these particles interact with each other, and particularly how they interact in the nucleus of an atom. This is where we get the word “nuclear” from. By understanding the behavior of these particles, scientists can develop technologies that have a wide range of practical applications.
How Nuclear Science Plays A Role In Our Lives
Nuclear science has come a long way since its discovery in the early 20th century. While most people associate it with weapons, it has many beneficial applications.
Health and Medicine:
Nuclear science is used in a variety of ways to diagnose and treat diseases, as well as aid in medical research.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
One of the most well-known applications of nuclear science in medicine is the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays or gamma rays, to kill cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other interventions, such as surgery or chemotherapy, to help improve a patient’s chance of survival.
Another application of nuclear science in medicine is in medical imaging. Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive material to create images of the body's organs and tissues. This type of imaging can help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including heart diseases and neurological disorders.
Environmental Research:
Photo by Luciann Photography
Nuclear techniques are used to study the environment and provide valuable information on the composition and behavior of various elements in the environment. One such technique is the use of radiation detectors to measure the radiation levels in our surroundings. This helps scientists to understand the extent of environmental pollution caused by radioactive materials.
Another technique involves the use of nuclear isotopes to trace the movement of pollutants in the environment. For example, radioactive isotopes can be used to track the flow of water in rivers and groundwater systems. This helps scientists identify the source of pollution and take appropriate measures to address the issue.
Food and Agriculture:
Nuclear science—in the agricultural sector—is used to increase crop yields, improve soil fertility, and develop new crop varieties. These new varieties are more resistant to environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. In turn, it can lead to increased yields and improved food security.
Photo by Tom Fisk
Nuclear science is also used to develop new pest control methods that do not harm the environment or human health. For instance, the sterile insect technique involves releasing a large number of male insects, which mate with wild females, reducing the population of the pest insects.
Furthermore, nuclear techniques help to study soil fertility and plant nutrition, which aids farmers in determining the optimal use of fertilizers and water. This can lead to a reduction in the amount of fertilizer and water required, resulting in cost savings and a reduction in environmental pollution.
To learn more about STEAM Ahead, visit us at www.westeamahead.org