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Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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Through a project implemented by the IAEA in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Azerbaijani scientists and farmers have more than doubled their cotton yields by implementing climate-smart agriculture (CSAA) methods using nuclear and related technologies.

October 7, 2025

Artem Vlasov, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

Isotopic techniques are helping Azerbaijani scientists and farmers obtain crucial data to optimize fertilizer use and improve cotton production while protecting soil health. (Photo: M. Zaman/IAEA)

As part of a project implemented by the IAEA in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Azerbaijani scientists and farmers, by implementing climate-smart agriculture (CSAA) methods using nuclear and related technologies, were able to more than double their cotton yield. Thanks to the use of a new "cotton super" variety and the effective implementation of CSAA methods that increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner, yields in the pilot project increased from the national average of three tons per hectare to eight tons per hectare.

This pilot project was implemented in 2021 as part of an IAEA technical cooperation project. Its primary focus was developing CSA guidelines for cotton production, training Azerbaijani scientists and innovative farmers in CSA practices, and conducting on-farm pilot field trials. In 2022, another project began, aimed at improving best practices for nutrient application and soil and water management in cotton production. It also aims to increase cotton productivity, as Azerbaijan's lands are particularly vulnerable to climate change and soil degradation. Since 1991, the country's average annual temperature has increased by 0.4 degrees Celsius, while precipitation has decreased, and extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heat waves have become more frequent.

"Overall, soil nutrient application and water management strategies account for 60% of crop productivity gains," says Mohammad Zaman, a soil scientist at the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and the project's lead specialist. "It's important to accurately determine the volume, mode, and stage of growth."

KSAH methods involve the use of isotopic techniques to obtain important data that allows for the optimization of fertilizer use and the improvement of agricultural production efficiency while maintaining soil health.

"When we first started, Azerbaijan's soils were severely degraded, fertility was very low, and the soil lacked a range of essential nutrients necessary for cotton growth," says Zaman. To address this issue, IAEA specialists developed and provided cotton growers with a full range of nuclear and related techniques covering a wide range of crop production aspects, including soil preparation, selection of the best cotton varieties, nutrient application, irrigation of cotton fields, and control of weeds, pests, and diseases.

"Using improved nutrient application, soil, and water management techniques, along with the Cotton Super variety, has allowed us to improve productivity, enhance quality, and increase profits," says Sakhavat Mammadov, a farmer from Azerbaijan who participated in the pilot project and has been implementing COSH practices on his farm for the past two years.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The IAEA team at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) today heard multiple rounds of incoming and outgoing shelling, adding to nuclear safety risks at a time when the plant has been without off-site power for nearly two weeks, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

The shelling occurred between 14:05 and 15:30 local time, totaling about 15 rounds at near and middle distance from the site, the team reported. Some explosions triggered car alarms, the team said.

Around the same time, the ZNPP informed the IAEA team that two rounds of shelling struck around 1.25 km from the site perimeter, in the vicinity of a fire extinguisher charging station. No casualties were reported and there was no immediate information of any damages.

While today's shelling – a common occurrence near the ZNPP in recent years – did not have an immediate impact on nuclear safety and security, it further underlined the constant dangers facing Europe's largest nuclear power plant during the armed conflict.

"The nuclear safety and security situation is clearly not improving. On the contrary, the risks are growing. The plant has now been without off-site power for almost two weeks, forcing it to rely on emergency diesel generators for the electricity it needs to cool its shutdown reactors and spent fuel. This is an extraordinarily challenging situation," Director General Grossi said.

"I once again call for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities during the war. I'm also continuing to engage with both the Russian Federation and Ukraine with the aim to restore off-site power to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible," the Director General said.

In the tenth and longest loss of off-site power suffered by the ZNPP during the conflict, the plant lost the connection to its last remaining 750 kilovolt line on 23 September. Eight emergency diesel generators are currently operating to provide back-up electricity to the site.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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New IAEA project to combat seafood counterfeiting using nuclear technology

Since the 1960s, per capita consumption of seafood—rich in calories, protein, and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins—has doubled and is projected to double again by 2050.

October 6, 2025

Rola Bou Khozam, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Fish samples are collected as part of food monitoring programs in Member States. Photo: Maestroni/IAEA

Seafood is one of the most widely traded food commodities globally, contributing to food security and a source of income for the population. Since the 1960s, per capita consumption of seafood—rich in calories, protein, and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins—has doubled and is projected to double again by 2050.

However, the problem of seafood fraud is a growing global concern. As a result, food safety, consumer confidence, and economic stability are at risk. Through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, the Agency is launching a five-yearcoordinated research project(PKI) to assist countries in strengthening food control systems to detect and prevent seafood fraud.

The project aims to protect consumers and producers, as well as to ensure fair trade practices in industries such as fisheries and aquaculture.

The IAEA will use nuclear and related techniques to build scientific capacity, ensure product authenticity, and enhance the sustainability and transparency of seafood supply chains.

As a result of the PKI, it is planned to create reference databases of isotopic and molecular characteristics of various seafood products for use in digital food traceability systems.

What is seafood adulteration?

Seafood counterfeiting often involves substituting expensive species with cheaper alternatives, mislabeling origin or fishing areas, selling farmed fish as wild or previously frozen fish as fresh, and using unauthorized or hidden additives. Seafood counterfeiting can occur at any stage of the supply chain—from production and processing to wholesale/retail distribution and distribution in food service establishments. As supply chains become more complex, monitoring and tracking become increasingly difficult, creating opportunities for fraud.

These criminal acts mislead consumers, hinder trade, and, in some cases, pose a serious health risk. For example, substitution of species can expose consumers to allergens, toxins, parasites, or pathogens. If the origin of seafood is incorrectly stated, the fishing grounds may be contaminated, fishing there may be prohibited, or they may be home to endangered species. Selling thawed fish as fresh poses a risk of microbiological risks or allergic reactions caused by compounds such as histamine. Labeling claiming that a product is organic or conforms to certain religious norms also requires verification of authenticity. To address these challenges, national and international food control systems must employ reliable, appropriate analytical methods.

How is counterfeit seafood detected using nuclear methods?

The Food Safety and Control Laboratory supports countries in the use of nuclear and related analytical methods to strengthen laboratory capacity, enhance regulatory oversight, and facilitate trade in safe, authentic seafood. These technologies can be a valuable tool for detecting fraud. When combined with traditional methods, they create a comprehensive evidence base, enabling more informed action to ensure food safety and authenticity.

One of the most effective methods is analyzing the ratios of stable isotopes of light elements—carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen—in biological tissue, which reflects environmental conditions and the state of the environment. This allows scientists to determine the geographic origin of fish and verify whether they truly lived in the wild.

The effectiveness of stable isotope analysis can be enhanced by combining it with elemental composition determination methods such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, ion beam analysis, neutron activation analysis and mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic or optical spectrometry. Scientists also use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to distinguish between different species, detect additives, and identify fraudulent practices, such as the sale of frozen fish as fresh.

High-resolution mass spectrometry allows scientists to study proteins (proteomics), small molecules (metabolomics), and lipids (lipidomics). The resulting molecular characteristics can be used to identify food safety hazards and verify labeling.

Research objectives

This CRP builds on previous projects on food authenticity and aims to enhance the capacity of countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries, to apply nuclear technologies to combat seafood fraud. The goals of this CRP include strengthening consumer protection, increasing trust in food control systems, and supporting sustainable water resource management.

The objectives of this program include the development and validation of fit-for-purpose analytical methods, the establishment of standardized sampling and preparation protocols, and the generation of new analytical data to address knowledge gaps in the detection of seafood adulteration.

The work under the CRP is planned to result in the creation of reference databases of isotopic and molecular characteristics of various seafood products. These databases will be used in digital food traceability systems to facilitate international trade and regulatory compliance.

Furthermore, the CPI will serve as a platform for expanding expertise, organizing technology transfer, regional cooperation, and training. Participating countries will have the opportunity to align their national seafood labeling regulations with Codex Alimentarius and international standards.

"This IAEA project provides Member States with a valuable opportunity to collaborate to combat fraud and mitigate risks in seafood supply chains using robust nuclear science-based tools. Information on the provenance of seafood can facilitate trade and sustainable development," said Debashish Mazumder, Project Manager for Food Provenance Verification at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

Over the course of five years, this CRP programme will produce IAEA scientific publications for sharing with food safety networks, regulators, and industry representatives. The long-term goal of the CRP is not only to ensure the authenticity of seafood but also to promote sustainability and fairness within seafood value chains, support small-scale fisheries, and combat illegal and unregulated fishing.

How to participate in this PKI

Research institutes interested in participating in this CRP should submit their proposal for a research contract or agreement by email to the IAEA Research Contracts Section no later than 31 October 2025, using the appropriate form at DKI web portal.

The IAEA is committed to gender equality and encourages a diverse workforce. Qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information related to this PKI, potential candidates should use the feedback form on the pagePKI.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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Five reasons to visit the IAEA Visitor Centre

The IAEA's new Visitor Centre is a first-of-its-kind place to learn about how nuclear science and technology help solve global challenges.

October 1, 2025

The IAEA's new Visitor Centre is a first-of-its-kind place to learn about how nuclear science and technology help solve global challenges.

Visit the new IAEA Visitor Centre in Seibersdorf, Austria, and learn how nuclear science helps solve some of the world's most pressing challenges—from food security and the clean energy transition to combating climate change and protecting global health.

The center features 33 interactive exhibits, digital displays, and real-life examples that demonstrate how the IAEA works with countries around the world to put the "Atoms for Peace and Development" principle into practice.

Don't miss these five key interactive exhibits:

1. Radiation in everyday life

A visitor uses a Geiger counter to measure the radiation emitted by a potassium sample. This is an example of natural radioactivity.

Did you know that the human body contains potassium—in quantities sufficient to trigger some radiation detectors? Due to the presence of potassium-40, the human body is a small but constant source of natural radiation that sensitive devices can detect. Try out a Geiger counter at an interactive exhibit and learn what levels of radiation are considered safe. You'll also learn why radiation isn't just a concern for nuclear power plants, but is a natural part of the environment and even present in the human body.

2. Arsenal of tools: what tools does a warranty inspector have in his toolbox?

Visitors are presented with life-size figures of IAEA safeguards inspectors who explain the special tools they use during verification activities.

When visiting nuclear facilities around the world, IAEA inspectors carry specialized instruments to verify that nuclear material is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. All of these instruments are on display for the first time. You'll meet an inspector, and they—or rather, a life-size image of them on a display—will personally explain the purpose of each instrument. You can touch all the instruments, allowing you to see firsthand how the IAEA safeguards system builds trust and ensures international peace and security.

3. Ocean acidification in close-up

The Ocean Acidification exhibit's interactive display provides real-time information on how rising temperatures and changing pH levels are impacting corals and marine life.

Oceans sustain ecosystems, regulate weather, and provide livelihoods for more than three billion people. However, human activity is altering the oceans' chemistry. Seawater absorbs approximately 23% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity, making seawater acidity levels 30% higher than pre-industrial levels. This interactive exhibition showcases in real time how acidification weakens corals, threatens marine life, and disrupts the food chain, and also explores how nuclear technology is helping scientists study and address these issues.

4. What is the difference between nuclear safety and nuclear security?

Visitors to the Plant Breeding stand will learn how tiny doses of radiation can accelerate natural processes, enabling the development of disease-resistant, faster-growing crop varieties that contribute to improved food security.

Nuclear safety and security are essential for protecting people and the environment, but they achieve this goal in different ways. Nuclear safety helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of radiation exposure, while nuclear security aims to prevent theft, smuggling, and sabotage. Using interactive exhibits at the visitor center, you can test your knowledge and learn how the IAEA helps countries strengthen nuclear safety and security.

You can also visit Incident and Emergency Center— the IAEA's global focal point for emergency preparedness and response, operating 24 hours a day to provide advice and assistance to Member States in the unlikely event of a nuclear or radiological incident.

5. Breeding strong agricultural crops to improve food security

Visitors to the Plant Breeding stand will learn how tiny doses of radiation can accelerate natural processes, enabling the development of disease-resistant, faster-growing crop varieties that contribute to improved food security.

Can science help protect and improve staple crops? Nuclear techniques can accelerate the natural process of plant breeding, enabling the development of varieties that are resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. At the visitor center, you'll learn how these techniques are helping farmers adapt to climate change and how IAEA research is improving food security in many countries.

Plan your visit

The IAEA Visitor Center welcomes organized groups, offering free tours on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Tours last up to two hours and can be tailored to specific interests.

The center is open to everyone and designed with the needs of students and teachers in mind: teachers can request additional STEM materials to connect the center experience with the classroom. Organizational matters are simple and can be resolved upon registration. Free parking is available on site. Transportation assistance is available if needed.

For more information, visit website IAEA Visitor Centre and follow our social media channels, including the visitor center's Instagram account, where news and interesting facts are regularly published.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.