co w- a o. a won ie ~ . ~~ -- ae: so —_ - grat TaeES. -29= we oO cee Se on ceatntttnge. . 2 He referred to the "isotope farm" which had been started five years ago at ANL to prepare biosynthetically the drugs that would be used, Mar labelled compounds were now available » but the interest of the drug companies and physicians had been slight, Medical research with isotopes seemed to have been so strongly oriented toward the field of pathological ailments that the possibilities for these practical diagnostic applica=tions had received little attention. However he felt physiciens would be interested if someone would develop the instruments and techniques. (Dr, Libby mentioned that ‘some degree of interest had been shown in the products of the isotope farm by Lilly, Abbott, and the American Tobacco Company, the latter for research purposes.) Dr. Libby proposed that the Commission get behind this field of isotope applications and push it. those from atomic power. The benefits might ‘be comparable to - He suggested that Dr. Manov, of the Office of Industrial Development, be ‘encouraged to catalyze interest in the field . and to get companies to make instruments available. There were various questions, particularly as to the reasons. for thirking that clinical applications would have such widespread importance As examples, Dr, Libby mentioned: the determination of blood volumes wit! tritium compounds {the results might differ, in a significant way, from those determined with sodium); the possible use ‘of labelled sugar for the diagnosis of diabetes. : DOB ARCHIVES Dr. Wigner remarked that Dr. Libby's personal enthusiasm might be th best agent for kindling interest in the medical profession. Dr. Rabi said that the Commission might consider collaborating with the National ——-- Institutes of Health in orderto° BeyetOPthe right kind of instruments.