Monthly Status Report, Uay 1951 - 6 = Blology and -ledicine Aneel Visits to ‘SO Sesearch Projects A visit wag made to lound Laboratory where vr. avis 3. Anthony has recently been appointed virector of the biological program, including radiation protection (hcalth physics), waste disposal ana biolo~ical research, fNadilation protection is adequately provided through a s:stem of closed cells and dry—boxes in which chemical precessing and fabrication is carried out. ‘Scrupulous care ot corridors, use of clothing change rooms between “hot" and "cold" areas, personnel monitoring and a regular bioassay schedule serve to keep personnel exposure to a minimin difficult processing areas. Continuous monitoring and chemical engineering studics are improving the waste disposal record. The biology laboratorics are being rearranged to permit work on a new program to study the effects of actinium on living organisms ~ looking toward possible large-scale use of this element in AEC operations, Visits ware made to the biophysics and biology laboratorius of ANL in connection with attendance at the bio-medical Laboratory Directors! Meeting which was held there on Hay 28-29. In connection with the saue meeting, the AbCe-supported project at the University of Chicago Instisute of Biophysics and Jadiobiolocy was inspected. These facilities arc being used by Dr. 8. i. Zirkle to study the effects of 2emillion-volt protons on individual structures in living cells by means of his "micro-beam" technique. “hen perfected, this technique promises to solve nany qu:stions as so call sensitivity and relative biolocical offectivencss of various radiations. Miscellaneous Confcrsences The 2lophysics Branchwas recresented in a number of conrerences and discussions: Several discussions have been held with representatives of the Uivision or military Application and ths rederal Civil Jefensa Agency rerpariing the role that the AGG will undertake in the propoged Civil Yefense Atomic Bomb test. As intersdepartmental committee, including a member of this Dranch, will further study this role, togetier with ths necessary plans for radiolorical safety. A discussion with Captain Tinant of Joint Task Force 131 indicated that a residual group of about 30 radiolosical monitors msy be available for use in projected continental tests. Use of this group would greatly lessen the demand on sbC installations to furnish temporary assistance at these tests. GPO OFFICE 16—55741-1 | eee enn _SURNAME| etcee [ence eee eee eee ne nn a DATE Pb DOS ARCHIVES