Do You Know How Nuclear Technology Impacts Our Lives?
From enhancing cancer care and food safety to protecting ecosystems and improving water management, nuclear techniques are driving innovative solutions to global challenges. Dive into these stories to learn how the IAEA and its partners are making a difference in health, agriculture, energy and the environment.
<strong>Do you know how nuclear science supports food security? </strong>
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The work of the IAEA’s Insect Pest Control Laboratory in Seibersdorf, is crucial for protecting agriculture from invasive pests, by promoting the pesticide-free Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a solution. During a Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in Mexico in 2021, the laboratory's expertise helped authorities to produce and release over 1.2 billion sterilized flies, protecting crops worth billions of dollars. This sustainable approach demonstrates how SIT can effectively address pest challenges, a key component of Atoms4Food, while reducing reliance on chemical treatments. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/nuclear-technique-helps-mexico-eradicate-an-invasive-insect-pest-outbreak-threatening-farmers-livelihoods">here</a>.
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A scientist working at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Department of Nuclear Science and Application at IAEA Seibersdorf, Austria (Photo: IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear science can protect banana crops?</strong>
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Bananas need warm, humid climates to thrive. However, due to changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, bananas are suffering from drought stress – a shortage of water in the root of the plant – leading to reduced harvests. Through the Atoms4Food initiative, nuclear techniques can help spot and assess the extent of the drought stress, enabling local institutes to improve agronomic practices to enhance the resilience of banana production.
Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/how-isotopic-techniques-can-be-used-to-spot-drought-stressed-banana-crops-and-help-save-them">here</a>.
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Scientists used nuclear techniques to assess levels of drought stress in bananas. The study was carried out in banana fields in Tanzania. (Photo: M. Vantyghem/IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear technology contributes to cancer care?</strong>
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Nuclear techniques are transforming global health by advancing medical treatments and diagnostics. Through the Rays of Hope initiative and IAEA-supported research, radiation oncologists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are now able to reduce treatment times for patients with patients with head and neck cancer by almost half. The IAEA carried out research in 12 cancer centres in 10 LMICs, using a treatment regimen of fewer but higher doses of radiation per daily treatment session over a shorter time frame. This approach (known as hypofractionation) offers a cost-effective tool to enable more patients to receive safe, effective and timely care. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/new-radiotherapy-technique-for-treating-head-and-neck-cancer-could-reduce-treatment-times-by-nearly-half">here</a>.
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A patient undergoing radiotherapy. (Photo: IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear science helps countries adapt to climate change-related water issues?</strong>
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In recent years, Costa Rica has experienced above-average ocean temperatures and its first ever recorded hurricane. To help the country prepare for future storms, the IAEA has collaborated with local experts, using isotope data combined with climate models and historical records to predict the frequency, intensity, and scale of meteorological events. Isotopic techniques are now assisting scientists in monitoring extreme weather events and protecting the country’s drinking water and population. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/how-climate-change-affects-water-resources-in-costa-rica">here</a>.
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Instruments in the isotope hydrology lab analyse water samples, uncovering insights about groundwater that can support sustainable water resource management. (Photo: IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how isotopes can help trace the origins of urban water pollution?</strong>
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In Mauritius, research using isotopic techniques has helped scientists track the sources of nitrate pollution in urban waterways. Supported by the IAEA, this innovative approach equips policymakers with the tools to address contamination, protect public health, and preserve vital waterways. By tracing pollution at its source, isotopes offer a sustainable solution to urban water management challenges. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/isotopes-help-trace-the-origin-of-urban-water-pollution-in-mauritius">here</a>.
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An isotope hydrologist collects water samples from a pollution-affected site near Port Louis to investigate contamination sources. (Photo: I. Matiatos/IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear data supports the future of fusion energy?</strong>
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The IAEA’s Nuclear Data Section provides critical atomic and molecular data essential for fusion energy research. This data supports advancements in plasma diagnostics and helps optimize fusion devices like tokamaks, which are now achieving fusion reactions thanks to stronger magnetic fields and improved materials. By enabling progress toward milestones such as pilot plant development, the IAEA’s efforts are helping to transition fusion from a distant dream to a viable energy solution for the future. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/bulletin/fusion-ready-when-society-needs-it">here</a>.
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The ST40 tokamak, developed and operated by a private fusion energy company, Tokamak Energy, in October 2020. (Photo: Tokamak Energy)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear technology can help protect communities from industrial pollution?</strong>
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Through the IAEA’s Coordinated Research Project on ion beam accelerators, scientists are analyzing microscopic particles to assess environmental impacts. In Indonesia, researchers used this technique to identify heavy metals in air samples from industrial sites, uncovering critical data about pollution levels. These insights empower policymakers to create strategies that safeguard public health and promote sustainable industrial practices. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/bridging-gender-gaps-in-ion-beam-accelerator-research">here</a>.
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Indonesian researchers, Diah Dwiana Lestiani (left) and Muhayatun Santoso (right) are seen preparing equipment at ANSTO’s accelerator facility, setting up for an experiment using ion beam techniques to analyze material properties. (Photo: M. Santoso/BRIN)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear techniques enhance food safety worldwide?</strong>
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Food safety is vital for health and trade, yet mixed contaminants in food often go undetected. Managing diseases in livestock requires the use of veterinary drugs and pesticides, the residues of which are a public health concern. Through an IAEA-coordinated research project, 25 innovative methods were developed to use nuclear science to analyse multiple hazards like pesticides, veterinary drugs, and mycotoxins in a single test. These eco-friendly techniques improve food safety while reducing environmental impact. This is part of the IAEA’s broader work under the Atoms4Food initiative, which focuses on improving food security, safety and nutrition worldwide. Learn more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/crp-success-story-enhancing-food-safety-through-improved-testing-for-mixed-contaminants-and-residues">here</a>.
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Bananas are an important crop for global food security. (Photo: J. Sasanya/IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear techniques protect farm animals from disease?</strong>
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African swine fever caused a global crisis in 2018, wiping out a quarter of the world’s domestic pig population. With no cure or vaccine, early detection is crucial to prevent the disease from spreading. Through the ZODIAC initiative, the IAEA and FAO have developed nuclear-derived tools like the Polymerase Chain Reaction and molecular sequencing to track and contain the virus. These methods helped safeguard Indonesia’s pig population when the disease struck in 2020 and continue to support the protection of pork industries across Asia and Africa through early and accurate detection. Learn how nuclear techniques preserve farmers' livelihoods and enhance food security <a href="https://www.iaea.org/bulletin/stopping-pig-black-death-african-swine-fever">here</a>.
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A scientist carrying out lab testing in Uganda. (Photo: O. Yusuf/IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear science supports seafood safety?</strong>
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Oil spills threaten the health of marine ecosystems and the people that rely on them for sustenance and economic stability. The IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories help protect seafood stocks from pollution, such as that caused by oil spills, ensuring safe and sustainable food supplies. After a disastrous oil spillage in 2020 where over 26 square kilometres were affected, the IAEA supported local scientists in analysing hydrocarbons and monitoring long-term impacts of the spill on marine ecosystems and fisheries. This expertise is also helping countries like Peru safeguard seafood safety, protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on ‘blue foods’ for protein. Learn more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/protecting-our-ocean-nuclear-techniques-for-marine-emergency-response-to-oil-spills">here</a>.
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IAEA scientists study oil spill impacts and microplastics in shrimp. (Photo: IAEA Monaco)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear techniques help protect rivers?</strong>
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The IAEA has developed a method using stable isotopes to assess how different sources of freshwater, including rainfall, surface runoff, soil water, and groundwater, all contribute to river flow. This method helps protect vital river systems, supports adaptation to climate change and the management of evolving land-use challenges. By tracking and understanding water sources more effectively, the IAEA is helping ensure the sustainability of rivers for both ecosystems and communities. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/predicting-river-flow-dynamics-using-stable-isotopes-for-improved-ecosystems">here</a>.
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Rivers are essential as they nurture ecosystems, support communities, and provide vital water connections between regions. (Photo: A. Productions, Adobe Stock)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear science helps farmers use less water?</strong>
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Through an IAEA-funded project, farmers in Namibia have been trying out a nuclear-based approach to irrigating their fields, which has helped them substantially improve water use efficiency. The IAEA and FAO worked jointly in Namibia to address droughts that caused substantial harm to the country’s agriculture and economy. Nuclear and related techniques were used to finetune water-saving irrigation technology, such as small-scale drip irrigation for watering fields efficiently and delivering small but precise amounts of water directly to plants. This technology helped to increase the production of crops from once a year to almost year-round. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/combined-water-saving-and-nuclear-techniques-help-improve-farmers-productivity-and-income-in-namibia">here</a>.
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Farmers in Namibia have improved water use efficiency. (Photo: J. Adu-Gyamfi/IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear applications contribute to groundwater management?</strong>
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Groundwater is the main, although limited, source of freshwater in many parts of the world. Through coordinated research projects, the IAEA develops and implements sophisticated isotope hydrology techniques to better understand the age and flow of groundwater. Through the Global Water Analysis Network (GloWAL), the IAEA will support countries in generating the crucial data needed for water management, preserving the natural environment, and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/world-water-day-2022-making-invisible-visible-using-nuclear-techniques-to-assess-and-manage-groundwater-in-critical-situations">here</a>.
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Isotopes of water molecules provide crucial information on groundwater, which makes up 30 per cent of the world’s available freshwater. (Photo: D. Calma / IAEA)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear techniques help preserve wetlands?</strong>
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Researchers from Argentina, in collaboration with the IAEA’s isotope hydrology experts, have successfully unraveled the hidden connections between groundwater and surface water in the region. Using advanced nuclear techniques, the researchers traced water sources back to the transboundary Guarani Aquifer System, which provides water to over 30 million people in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. The insights gained from this research provide a foundation for better managing and preserving the wetlands, ensuring their future as a healthy and sustainable resource. Read more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/world-wetlands-day-isotopic-techniques-help-protect-threatened-ecosystem">here</a>.
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Scientists conducting water sampling in a lagoon within the Ibera Wetlands. (Photo: Martin Mazza)
<strong>Do you know how nuclear techniques help diagnose breast cancer?</strong>
<br/><br />In the Caribbean, breast cancer ranks second in both cancer incidence and mortality, claiming almost 6000 lives annually. To enhance early detection and diagnosis, the IAEA is training doctors in the region on mammography — an X ray based diagnostic tool pivotal for the timely detection and treatment of breast tumours. Cancer professionals were also able to practice ultrasound-guided breast biopsy on breast mannequins procured by the IAEA, which course participants took back to their facilities in the Caribbean for continued training. Through the Rays of Hope initiative, the IAEA is helping to save lives by improving access to and the quality of timely cancer interventions. Learn more <a href="https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/breast-cancer-screening-and-diagnosis-strengthened-in-the-caribbean">here</a>.
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Doctors from the Caribbean are trained on mammography techniques. (Photo: B. Anderson/City Cancer Challenge)
