Anton
Tanquintic, a young Filipino physicist won honors in the World Nuclear
University (WNU) 2015 Olympiad. Tanquintic came in second place among five
finalists for his presentation on the production of radioisotopes and their
application on food and agriculture.
A 22-year
cum laude graduate of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering from Ateneo de
Manila University, Tanquintic’s “Nuclear Solutions for Today’s Needs” video of
digitally drawn animation shows the daily application of nuclear energy and the
positive impact of nuclear science that benefits medicine, food production and
industry.
Contrary
to conventional belief, nuclear techniques are commonly used today and that
these techniques are safe and beneficial and the fear of the word “nuclear” is
unfounded. It is a “Rebranding” of the word “nuclear” that is needed.
Applications
of nuclear techniques such as in medicine where Cobalt-60 is cited wherein it
sterilizes over half of medical supplies in modern hospitals. Industrial
applications such as detection of defects in metal structures is conducted by
using gamma rays were also given as an example.
Pest
control in farming and food production is also a beneficiary of nuclear
techniques wherein it was used to sterilize insects thus making them incapable
of reproducing are utilized in pest control in farmlands.
Improved harvests are achieved by use of hereditary changes that employs mutation breeding that is radiation induced. Desirable traits are made by changing the DNA of plants by radiation thus new varieties are made.
The use
of Ultra-Violet (UV) lights in vegetable compartments in refrigerators
lengthens the shelf life of the produce.
The topic
of the nuclear olympiad for this year is “Nuclear Techniques for Global
Development”. It is an opportunity in showcasing the creativity and knowledge of
the participants with regards to Nuclear Sciences and Applications and their
impact on human lives.
The Final
round of the Olympiad was held in Vienna, Austria.
The
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted the event on the margins of
its 59th General Conference.
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