Chinese Scientists Synthesize New Nuclides Ruthenium-160 and Tungsten-156

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Chinese Scientists Synthesize New Nuclides Ruthenium-160 and Tungsten-156

Chinese Scientists Synthesize New Nuclides Ruthenium-160 and Tungsten-156

Researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have recently synthesized the new nuclides ruthenium-160 and tungsten-156 for the first time. The relevant findings were published in the international academic journal Physical Review Letters on February 15.

Atomic nuclei are quantum many-body systems composed of protons and neutrons. Nuclei with different numbers of protons and neutrons have different properties, and scientists refer to them as nuclides. The synthesis and study of new nuclides are not only important for understanding the structure of matter but also provide important information for understanding the evolution of astrophysical environments, serving as important means to explore the mysteries of nature.

Chinese Scientists Synthesize New Nuclides Ruthenium-160 and Tungsten-156

source: news.cn

The research team relied on the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Accelerator and used the Inflatable Recoil Separator SHANS to synthesize the new nuclides ruthenium-160 and tungsten-156 through fusion-evaporation reactions. Ruthenium-160 (with 84 neutrons) exhibits α-radioactivity, while tungsten-156 (with 82 neutrons) exhibits β+ decay radioactivity. The team measured properties such as the alpha decay particle energy and half-life of ruthenium-160, as well as the half-life of tungsten-156.

Through a systematic analysis of the new measurement data and existing data, the researchers found that when the atomic number is greater than 68, the preformation probability of alpha particles in isotones with 84 and 85 neutrons gradually decreases, revealing an enhanced shell effect with 82 neutrons in neutron-deficient nuclides. Further research suggests that the reason for this enhanced effect is the gradual approach to the potentially more stable double magic nucleus lead-164 (with 82 protons and 82 neutrons).

This study provides the first clear indication of the evolution of the neutron shell with 82 neutrons on the neutron-deficient side and marks a new phase in China’s research on new nuclides in a new nuclear region.

Could these two new Nuclides be used in radiotherapy？

The new nuclides ruthenium-160 and tungsten-156 synthesized by Chinese scientists could potentially have applications in radiotherapy, but further research would be needed to determine their suitability and effectiveness for this purpose.

Ruthenium-160’s alpha-radioactivity could be of interest in targeted alpha therapy (TAT), a type of radiotherapy that uses alpha particles to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Tungsten-156’s beta+ decay radioactivity might also be useful in certain types of radiotherapy, although it is less commonly used than other types of radiation.

Before these nuclides could be used in clinical settings, more studies would be needed to assess their safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Additionally, the production and availability of these nuclides would need to be considered, as well as the development of suitable delivery methods to target cancer cells effectively.

Could these two new Nuclides be used to make nuclear weapon?

It is unlikely that the new nuclides ruthenium-160 and tungsten-156 could be used to make nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons typically require specific isotopes of certain elements, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, which are used in fission reactions to release large amounts of energy. Ruthenium-160 and tungsten-156 are not commonly associated with nuclear weapons development.

However, it’s important to note that the potential use of any new nuclide or element in nuclear weapons would depend on various factors, including its nuclear properties, stability, and availability. Nonetheless, the primary focus of research on new nuclides like ruthenium-160 and tungsten-156 is typically on their fundamental properties, applications in nuclear physics, and potential uses in fields such as medicine or materials science, rather than in weapons development.