How do we meet the need of energy-guzzling technology safely, efficiently and affordably? K-State is finding answers.
Everyone on Earth has been exposed to some form of radiation. Think dental or medical X-rays, but also exit signs, smoke detectors and even bananas. Yes, bananas!
Amir Bahadori’s latest research dives deep into the human impact of radiation exposure. His team collaborates on the Million Person Study, which pools decades of data from about one million radiation workers to better understand the health effects of chronic exposure.
This understanding is vital as nuclear power makes a comeback, fueled by a need to power everything from energy-hungry space exploration to artificial intelligence.
Efficient and eco-friendly
Mention “nuclear power” and disasters like Three Mile Island may come to mind. But safe operations and waste storage, reliable production and newer designs make nuclear a wise energy choice today.
“Nuclear plants have a reputation for being very expensive. One of the goals of these newer companies is to make the production of plants more modular and consistent from site to site, bringing down the cost,” Bahadori said. “Nuclear plants have essentially zero emissions while operating.”
Bahadori explains that one of nuclear power’s main benefits is its incredible high-energy density.
“Some of the newer reactors actually have the potential to burn more of the fuel that is currently not being used to create energy,” he said. “And you end up with less waste.”
Out of this world
Bahadori states that nuclear power is here to stay — and not just on Earth.
“There’s a lot of talk about nuclear reactors on the moon or Mars to provide the power needed for surface operations, or using nuclear propulsion for getting astronauts to different locations in the solar system,” he explained. “And I think we’ll continue to see a lot of innovations in the health realm.”
Whether it be for energy, space travel or human health, K-State is leading the future of nuclear power and other beneficial uses of radiation.
