Researchers discover how human cells take in nuke-crisis contaminated plutonium

[kristopher]

Researchers discover how human cells take in nuke-crisis contaminated plutonium

A United States research has discovered how the toxic radioactive element plutonium -- detected in and around the grounds of the crisis-stricken Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant -- is taken up by human cells.

The research team led by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in Illinois has been working on ways to stop the uptake of the synthetic element -- a byproduct of nuclear fission and also the fissile material in many nuclear warheads. However, the team has at the same time emphasized the extreme difficulty of expelling plutonium once taken up, and the necessity of preventing nuclear accidents that could introduce the element into the environment.

The researchers used special x-rays among other techniques to analyze plutonium uptake in the body. They found that the element -- which has a half-life of some 24,000 years -- was being brought into cells by binding to a protein responsible for iron uptake. There are two binding sites for iron uptake and at least one of them must still bind to iron for the other to bring in plutonium. The process also has a preference for iron ions even in the presence of plutonium -- a preference that could lead to new plutonium poisoning treatments.

The team also said, however, that complete prevention of plutonium uptake was not realistic.

Normally, plutonium ...

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110628p2a00m0na006000c.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. the necessity of preventing nuclear accidents that could introduce the element into the environment.

Oops, a little late for that.

[TalkingDog]

2. Given this statement, logic would suggest iron rich foods might help

"The process also has a preference for iron ions even in the presence of plutonium"

from: http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/nutrition/iron.html

Cereals & Grains: barley (Bajra), Rice flakes

Pulses & Beans: Cow pea, Lobia (black-eye beans), Lentils, Soybean

Vegetables: Beetroot greens, Mint, Parsley, Turnip greens.

Vegetables like broccoli and bok choy are rich in iron. These vegetables are high iron and also high in vitamin C, which increases absorption of their iron content. The presence of vitamin C in these vegetables help absorb iron.

Sea vegetables are very high in iron. Refer the high iron food list given below.

Spices: Turmeric (Haldi)>

Fruits: Dried dates, Watermelon, Raisins

Fish and Red meats

Iron in Animal Sources Heme Iron