Superheavy Element 114 Confirmed Sep 25, 2009
The former, 286114, decayed in about a tenth of a second by emitting an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons, a helium nucleus) thus becoming a daughter nucleus of element 112 which subsequently spontaneously fissioned into smaller nuclei. The latter, 287114, decayed in about half a second by emitting an alpha particle to form 112, which also then emitted an alpha particle to form daughter element 110, before spontaneously fissioning into smaller nuclei. (Science Daily)
Algeta Signs $800 Million (EUR560m) Global Agreement With Bayer for Development and Commercialization of Alpharadin for Bone Metastases Sep 3, 2009
Algeta is developing a new generation of targeted cancer therapeutics (alpha-pharmaceuticals) that harness the unique characteristics of alpha particle emitters and are potent, well-tolerated and convenient to use ... These include methods to enhance the potency of therapeutic antibodies and other tumor-targeting molecules by linking them to the alpha particle emitter thorium-227. (PR Newswire)
Meteorite on Mars at least 3 billion years old Aug 17, 2009
So the team used the alpha particle mass spectrometer on the rover's robotic arm to analyze the surface. The meteorite is densely metallic, the scientist said - about 93 percent iron and 7 percent nickel - and must weigh somewhere between 880 and 1,900 pounds. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Martian Meteorite Yields Clues About Planet Aug 11, 2009
Gellert is the lead scientist for the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer, an instrument on the arm used for identifying key elements in an object. "We already investigated several spots that showed elemental variations on the surface. This might tell us if and how the metal was altered since it landed on Mars.". (Science Daily)
> read more Aug 8, 2009
After getting the once-over from Opportunity's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer, the rock turns out to be an iron-nickel meteorite. About 2 feet across, a meteorite dubbed Block Island lies on the surface of Mars. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Possible Meteorite On Mars Imaged By Opportunity Rover Aug 7, 2009
Scientists will be testing the rock with the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer to get composition measurements and to confirm if indeed it is a meteorite. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Opportunity rover finds meteorite on Mars Aug 4, 2009
Over the weekend, scientists used the rover's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer to get composition measurements and to confirm it was a meteorite. "It's pretty clear now that it is," Yen told SPACE.com. (MSNBC -- Technology)
NASA's Mars Rover Spirit Faces Circuitous Route Mar 10, 2009
Sure enough, Spirit's alpha particle X-ray spectrometer found Stapledon to be rich in silica, too. "Now we have found silica on a second side of Home Plate, expanding the size of the environment we know was affected by hot springs or steam vents," Ruff said. (Science Daily)
