BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE "ss a 1att Rongelap Ecological Studies The first phase of a long-term ecological survey of Rongelap Atoll was carried out during February and March. Theobject of the initial study was to determine the types of soll on the atoll, their approximate distribution, their chemical and physical properties, their relation to plant distribution, and the distribution of radioactive materials in sofls, plants, and ground water. Field work consisted of reconnaissance surveys of Rongelap, Eniaetok, and Kabelle Islands, followed by detailed examination of soil profiles and collection of soil samples, An integral part of the Rongelap ecology study is the continuing program of monitoring the foodstuffs of the natives. This serves as a check on the radioisotopes ingested by the natives and also provides information required for food chain studies. Thirteen field rats collected on Rongelap Island during this trip were assayed for strontium £0 content af bone. The values obtained ranged from 268 to 926 strontium units, with an average value of 443. One pig bone was obtained, which gave an assay of 480 strontium units. A second field trip is planned for September 1958. (End of section.) TREATMENT OF RADIATION DAMAGE (UNCLASSIFIED) Studies continued at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on the treatmentof radiation injury by bone marrow transplants. In an experiment conducted on bone marrow cells in suspension the cells were protected from a dose of 800 roentgens of X irradiation by removing most of the oxygen in the cell suspension just before irradiation. Protection was Judged by the ability of the irradiated marrow cells to promote recovery in mice exposed to a lethal” dose of radiation. Various chemical compounds were administered to mice in an effort to suppress the - reaction which prevents the successful transplant of foreign bone marrow. None of these compounds provedto be effective, nor did diets deficient in specific vitamins have any effect on this reaction. RADIOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE PLAN Procedures coordinating the capabilities of the AEC and the Department of Defense for handling 211 types of radiation incidents were established during the quarter. As reported in the Program Siatus Report for December 31, 1957, the AEC had certain capabilities for handling both onsite and offsite incidents, and joint AEC-Department of Defense procedures were alrezdy in existence for handling incidents involving nuclear weapons. The new radiological assistance plan applies to both weapon and nonweapon incidents arising in onsite contractoz operations, offsite contractor or licensee establishments, or in other places as reported Dy either military or civil authorities. The plan provides for rapid response toa request for assistance at the scene of an incident by a team from the responsible AEC regional office, with assistance from the AEC-DOD Coordination Center at Sandia Ease, New Mexico, if requested. The +EC issued a press release on June 10 describing the services available in the evert of a radiztion incident. Each AEC regional office sent letters describing the radiciogical 2ssistance clan to contractors, licensees, and state and local government officials in the geograpl:cal area under its jurisdiction. +