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Units 3 and 4 of Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant to Undergo Joint Maintenance of Shared Systems

Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant staff will initiate a planned extended outage for Unit 4 on the evening of August 1, while Unit 3 will remain in its outage state. Both units will be offline simultaneously in August, and the plant will use this window to conduct comprehensive inspections, maintenance, and modernization of the shared facilities of Units 3 and 4. Bohdan Zronek, member of the Board of Directors of ČEZ Group and head of the nuclear energy division, stated that the simultaneous shutdown of Units 3 and 4 at Dukovany will place the plant under an intensive work schedule over the coming weeks. Experts from ČEZ and its suppliers will handle hundreds of tasks, and the effectiveness of the outage work depends on precise coordination across all stages. According to...

2026-08-01

IIT Develops Novel Nanomaterial for Efficient Recovery of Rare Earth and Uranium Resources

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee have developed an acid-resistant magnetic nanocomposite capable of recovering uranium and rare earth elements from acidic leach solutions. The material consists of core active nanoparticles encapsulated in a protective silica layer, enabling efficient absorption and extraction of these valuable resources in complex acidic aqueous media. By synthesizing the silica shell using biocompatible reagents, the researchers not only enhanced the material's corrosion resistance but also made it safer and more environmentally friendly. This novel nanocomposite demonstrated exceptional performance in laboratory tests, recovering up to 370 grams of uranium and rare earth elements per kilogram of material. It can operate effectively not only under conditions such as natural groundwater...

2026-08-01

U.S. Explores New Methods for Lunar Ice Detection Using Synchrotron X-ray Microtomography and Seismic Models

On July 31, researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Maryland and the University of Hawaii, proposed a new method for locating subsurface ice deposits on the Moon using seismic waves. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, are expected to provide a reference for interpreting detection data and locating water resources in future lunar landing missions. The research focuses on how subsurface lunar materials respond to seismic waves. The team developed computational models to predict the behavior of lunar subsurface media of varying compositions under seismic wave excitation. Experimental results showed differences in seismic response between ice-bearing and dry rocks, indicating that seismological methods have the potential to identify ice layers buried beneath lunar regolith and rock.

2026-08-01

Four new units at India's Kudankulam nuclear power plant delayed by three years, cost overrun of 55% to $14.4 billion

The construction cost of four new units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant being built by Russia's Rosatom in India has increased by 55% since 2024 due to delays. Each unit has a capacity of 1 gigawatt, and the updated total construction cost has reached 1.38 trillion Indian rupees (approximately $14.4 billion). Among them, the construction cost of Units 3 and 4 has increased by 73%, while the cost of Units 5 and 6 has risen by 40%. Russia had previously provided India with $4.2 billion in state credit for the construction of Units 3 and 4. Indian officials stated that the reasons for the delays include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, difficulties in the supply of specific materials and equipment, and problems faced by contractors. Despite...

2026-08-02

Russia's Vector Research Center Proposes Quantum Dots for Boron Delivery in Neutron Capture Therapy

Russia's Vector Research Center has proposed using quantum dots as targeted boron delivery systems in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to explore more precise approaches to tumor treatment. Yuri Tumanov, the center's chief researcher, presented this research progress at a conference on engineering biology and biopharmaceuticals. Boron neutron capture therapy is a cancer treatment method that combines boron-containing drugs with neutron irradiation. The basic concept involves first allowing boron-containing drugs to accumulate in tumor cells, then subjecting the patient to neutron irradiation, which triggers a nuclear reaction that releases energy concentrated within boron-containing cancer cells, thereby destroying tumor cells. How to construct boron delivery systems that are low-toxicity, highly efficient, and capable of participating in targeted tumor destruction remains one of the key challenges in this field...

2026-08-01

Czech research team develops minimally invasive radiocarbon dating sampling method to aid dating of prehistoric rock art

A research team at the Czech Radiocarbon Laboratory (CRL) of the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences has developed a minimally invasive sampling method for dating carbon-based rock art, enabling the acquisition of materials needed for radiocarbon dating with virtually no damage to the rock art's appearance. After sampling, the outline of the rock art remains intact, with only a slight lightening of color in the sampled area. This method provides a new technical pathway for dating cave paintings of historical value. In the past, sampling of cave paintings was often strictly restricted for heritage conservation reasons, which also hindered related chronological determination efforts. The new method, through a gentler sampling approach, enhances the feasibility of dating carbon-based rock art while maximizing the preservation of its scientific and cultural value...

2026-08-02

Santa Casa Hospital in Ceará, Brazil, Introduces New Linear Accelerator for Cancer Treatment

Santa Casa de Sobral Hospital in northern Ceará, Brazil, has introduced a new linear accelerator to strengthen cancer treatment for patients in the northern region. The hospital received a new linear accelerator for radiotherapy of cancer patients. After completing the installation, training, and licensing processes, this new technology is expected to double the institution's radiotherapy capacity, increasing from the current 600 patients per month to approximately 1,200 new patients. This equipment, the Halcyon linear accelerator, is considered the latest technology in radiotherapy and is the second unit of its kind installed in Ceará. The device is capable of providing faster, more precise, and safer treatment for various types of cancer...

2026-08-01

Nuclear Emergency Seminar Held in Angra dos Reis, Brazil to Strengthen Risk Prevention and Control

On August 1, 2026, the 5th Nuclear Emergency Seminar concluded successfully in Angra dos Reis. Organized by the Civil Defense Department of Rio de Janeiro State, the event brought together public institutions, professionals, and authoritative representatives to strengthen cooperation in nuclear emergency prevention, integration, and response. Participants focused on updating operational procedures, exchanging experiences, and developing strategies oriented toward protecting the public. The seminar placed special emphasis on crisis management procedures, inter-institutional communication, and the improvement of preventive measures, aiming to ensure rapid and effective responses in emergency situations. The event highlighted the importance of coordinated action among federal, state, and municipal governments, while also...

2026-08-02

Vietnam's National Assembly Committee on Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs officially reviews approval contents related to Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant

On the morning of July 31, the National Assembly's Committee for Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs of Vietnam officially commenced the review of approval contents related to the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant. At the plenary session held at the National Assembly office building, the Committee's Standing Board convened its second formal review meeting to approve contents related to the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant. The meeting was chaired by Le Tan Toi, member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Committee for Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs, with Vu Hai Ha, member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Committee for Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs, responsible for the organization and coordination of the meeting. At the meeting, representatives from the Office of the President submitted relevant reports, and leaders from the Ministry of Industry and Trade also delivered presentations. Participants...

2026-08-01

Follow-up consultations on ROK-US nuclear-powered submarine and nuclear cooperation agreement progress slowly

According to a South Korean diplomatic source on July 31, South Korea and the United States have yet to finalize the schedule for the second working-level consultation, and the follow-up talks originally planned for July have not yet taken place. The consultations are aimed at implementing the security-related agreements outlined in the joint statement issued at last year's summit between the two countries, including South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and the revision of nuclear cooperation arrangements regarding uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. The two sides previously held their first working-level consultation in Seoul on the 2nd and 3rd of last month. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker led a cross-agency delegation to South Korea at the time to discuss the implementation of the security agreement with the South Korean side. Observers...

2026-08-02

Russia Suspends Payments to Nuclear Agency, Redirects Funds to Rosatom

The Russian government has decided to continue suspending membership fee payments to the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), redirecting the funds to Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation. According to the latest resolution, approximately 61.3 million rubles (equivalent to nearly $773,500) originally allocated for the 2026 NEA membership fees will be reallocated to Rosatom. This marks the second consecutive year Russia has failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the agency. As early as 2025, Moscow had already ceased paying membership fees, following the suspension of its membership. Russia's membership in the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency was suspended in May 2022, which occurred following the...

2026-08-01

Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam Publishes Revised List of 22 Administrative Procedures in the Field of Radiation and Nuclear Safety

The Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee recently issued Decision No. 2017/QD-UBND, publishing the revised and supplemented list of administrative procedures in the field of radiation and nuclear safety within the functional management scope of the Bac Ninh Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The list comprises a total of 22 administrative procedures, covering specific matters such as licensing for radiation operations, registration of nuclear technology application services, and license renewal and modification. This serves as the provincial-level implementation and localization of authority delegated or adjusted by central ministries (such as Decision No. 2607/QD-BKHCN of the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology issued in May 2026). According to the requirements of the Decision, the Bac Ninh Provincial Department of Science and Technology will take the lead, in coordination with relevant agencies and the People's Committees of districts and cities, to review and improve the electronic processing workflows and structures within administrative procedures, relying on the one-stop and integrated one-stop mechanisms. At the same time, the procedure contents will be publicly posted at public administrative service centers in communes and townships, as well as at points for receiving administrative procedures and returning results, and will be strictly processed online in accordance with the regulations published on the National Public Service Portal (https://dichvucong.gov.vn). This arrangement aims to unify the service guides, document checklists, and processing timelines for radiation and nuclear safety matters into a digital window, reducing the need for in-person visits.

2026-08-01

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority Begins Revising Seismic Motion Evaluation Guidelines

In response to the data falsification issue at Chubu Electric Power's Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has initiated the revision of seismic motion evaluation guidelines. The falsification involves seismic motion evaluation data that underpins the safety of nuclear power plants, carrying significant implications. The NRA has stated it will treat this matter with utmost seriousness, aiming to establish stricter standards and monitoring systems through the guideline revision. Chubu Electric Power's data tampering is a grave issue that undermines public trust in nuclear power plant safety. Seismic motion evaluation is an extremely critical element in assessing the seismic resistance of nuclear power plants, and data accuracy is fundamental to safety. This incident has called into question the safety of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, necessitating a thorough investigation and re-evaluation by regulatory authorities. In the revision work...

2026-08-01

Russia's MEPhI Electrospray Ionization Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Listed in Russia's Key Scientific Instrumentation Projects

According to the 2025 activity report recently released by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization developed by the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) has been listed as one of the 8 successful projects under the federal program "Development of Domestic Civil Instrumentation for Scientific Research." The mass spectrometer, developed under the guidance of MEPhI Professor Alexey Sysoev, is primarily used for quantitative analysis and identification of chemical substances, particularly suitable for identifying relevant components in complex mixtures. Previously, all such instruments on the Russian market were imported. This independently developed chromatography-mass spectrometry system can handle...

2026-08-01

Romania Stands by NuScale SMR Project Amid Growing Controversy

The Romanian government and state-owned nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica have been progressively advancing plans since 2021 to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by the U.S. company NuScale, with the site located at Doicesti. Following the failure of NuScale's first U.S. project and an increase in cost estimates for the Doicesti project, doubts have emerged over Romania's choice, which would involve six 77 MW SMRs. Earlier this month, Romania's Ministry of Energy—the largest shareholder of Nuclearelectrica—reaffirmed its partnership with NuScale and rejected Nuclearelectrica's request to reassess the supplier selection. Nevertheless, the project still...

2026-08-02