Feasibility study of 3D gamma imaging for improving radiological protection at Sizewell B nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power plants are continuously looking to optimise their radiological monitoring and visualization techniques. At Sizewell B nuclear power plant in the UK, a trial was carried out to judge the feasibility of a gamma imaging system to provide accurate visual representation and characterisation of source terms on an operational pressurized water reactor. Data was collected through a series of scans taken in two rooms within a radiological controlled area at Sizewell B and used to generate radiation "heat maps".

Impacts of radiation exposure on the bacterial and fungal microbiome of small mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Environmental impacts of the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident are much debated, but the effects of radiation on host microbiomes have received little attention to date. We present the first analysis of small mammal gut microbiomes from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in relation to total absorbed dose rate, including both caecum and faeces samples. We provide novel evidence that host species determines fungal community composition, and that associations between microbiome (both bacterial and fungal) communities and radiation exposure vary between host species.

Creating new guidelines on how best to treat foot symptoms in people with EB.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a complex rare condition that affects the skin and many parts of the body. Those born with EB have skin so fragile they are called 'butterfly children', their skin is quite simply as fragile as the wing of a butterfly. In the UK it is estimated that there are more than 5,000 people living with EB and 500,000 worldwide.

Measuring the radiation exposure of Norwegian reindeer under field conditions.

Models and approaches have been developed to predict radiation exposure of wildlife under field conditions. However, there have been few attempts to directly measure radiation exposure of wildlife in the field and confirm the doses predicted by models. This is a potential issue for stakeholder acceptance of modelling-based assessments.