[en] The Symposium on Chemical Effects of Nuclear Transformations showed that interest in the subject matter is far from being exclusively academic. Though a large number of the papers dealt with theoretical aspects, it was felt that hot atom reactions provided a valuable means by which a large number of radioactive isotopes and labelled compounds could be prepared practically free from their inactive counterparts. Such so-called carrier-free preparations are in great demand for industrial, medical and scientific applications. Discussions showed that a detailed knowledge o: the characteristics of radiation damage was essential to the successful development of nuclear power Nuclear transformations in solids provide a method of generating such damage and at the same time leave radioactive products that permit the study of the subsequent repair. This technique permits studies a' levels of damage much below those that are necessary with the less sensitive purely physical procedures. A number of papers emphasized the theoretical importance of the insight which hot atom chemistry gives into the mechanism of reactions occurring at abnormal temperatures

[en] A 'Manual on the Safe Handling of Radioisotopes' was published in English on 15 Dec ember 1958 by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This is a comprehensive handbook of internationally compiled recommendations for users of radioisotopes. It covers organizational, medical and technical aspects of radiation safety practices. It is also the Agency's first technical publication. French, Russian and Spanish editions will appear shortly. The Manual should prove useful to all users of radioisotopes in industry, medicine, research, etc., but is directed mainly to small scale users who may not have access to other sources of information. The recommendations apply only to radioactivity surpassing the limit of 0,002 microcurie concentration per gram of material; or a total activity of more than 0,1 microcuries in the working areas; this limit is based on the most dangerous radioisotopes. The experts state that the limiting level might be higher for less dangerous isotopes, but recommend that all be treated as potentially dangerous. This would have educational value and avoid accidents caused by misidentification. The Manual also stressed that good radiation safety practices depend on effective organization and warns that even very competent workers sometimes ignore or forget important health and safety requirements

[en] Research and development activities in a number of countries reflect the urgency and importance attached to safeguards and their application for preventing diversion of materials as well as for maintaining complete records of the valuable fission products of nuclear reactors. Significant advances have led the Agency to arrange a symposium to be held at Karlsruhe from 6-10 July 1970 under the title 'Progress in Safeguards Techniques'. Experience and technical aspects will be reviewed and it is expected that information will be given on concepts emerging through systems studies, design criteria facilitating safeguards applications, nondestructive measurement methods, improvements in other methods and the development of new surveillance and containment techniques. (author)

[en] The Agency, in co-operation with the Government of Spain, will hold an Inter-regional Training Course on Uranium Ore Analysis for countries in Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East at the Centro Nacional de Energia Nuclear 'Juan Vigon', Madrid, Spain, from 7 September to 27 November 1970. Costs are being met from funds of the United Nations Development Programme. The course, which will be conducted in English, will provide intensive training for analytical chemists in the special techniques of detection and determination of uranium in ores. The teaching staff will consist of Spanish specialists, Agency staff and visiting lecturers provided through the Agency. The number of participants will be limited to 20, of whom 16 will be selected from countries other than the host country, and Governments have been invited to submit nominations. (author)

[en] Henry DeWolf Smyth, after nine years of service in the Board of Governors and General Conference, is retiring from his position as United States Representative to the Agency. His distinguished personality, marked by a scientific approach to the problems facing the Agency, wise and careful judgment and quiet humour, will be missed in the Board. (author)

[en] The composition of the IAEA Board of Governors for 1961-62 was completed with the election of five new Members at the last session of the General Conference. The Conference elected Colombia, Greece, Hungary, Pakistan and Viet-Nam to serve a two-year term on the Board of Governors. They succeed Bulgaria, Ceylon, Mexico, the Philippines and Spain, which had been elected for a two-year term at the third session of the General Conference in 1959. The Board of Governors at present consists of 23 Member States, of which 13 are designated by the outgoing Board and 10 are elected by General conference. The designation of 13 Members, which is made annually by the Board itself, is based on certain geographical and technical criteria specified in the Agency's Statute. The other 10 Members are elected by the General Conference in such a way as to ensure proper representation of different areas on the Board as a whole

[en] Useful information connected with environmental radioactivity has already been obtained by the Rangoon Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Burma, the setting up of which was helped by the Agency's Technical Assistance Programme. Other assistance has helped the Rangoon General Hospital to install a scanning unit with which medical diagnosis and treatment can be aided

[en] A new agreement for Co-operation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy between the United States and Japan was signed in Washington on 27 February. Secretary Rusk and AEC Chairman Glenn T. Seaborg signed for the United States and Ambassador Shimoda for Japan. This agreement, which is for a period of 30 years, continues co-operation in the peaceful development of atomic energy begun with Japan in 1955. It provides for the supply of enriched uranium from the U.S. to fuel 13 large nuclear power reactors to be built in Japan, and for the transfer by the AEC of up to 365 kilogrammes of plutonium for use by the Japanese in their peaceful research and development programme. In keeping with the long-standing policy of both countries, the International Atomic Energy will continue to administer safeguards under the new agreement. (author)

[en] As a means of aiding progress in improving food production, a seven-weeks training course on the use of radioisotopes and radiation in soil and plant nutrition is to be held in Teheran, starting on 3 November. It will be open to scientists sponsored by Governments of countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East. (author)

[en] Results of an international architectural competition for the design of a Headquarters for International Organizations and a Conference Centre in Vienna have been announced by an international jury. The new centre will house the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Agency. (author)