8. What else can nuclear energy be used for?

Nuclear energy also has useful applications in water desalination, medical imaging, cancer treatment, scientific research, and space exploration.

Nuclear technologies are so common, that you’re probably familiar with several of them. A few examples:

- Smoke detectors: Most household smoke detectors have a small amount of americium-241.
- Medical imaging: Diagnostic radioisotopes, typically technetium-99m, when paired with imaging devices like CT or MRI scans, provide comprehensive views of a body or bodily system to aid in diagnosis.
- Space exploration: For deep space missions, radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs) are used to power spacecraft, like the Mars Curiosity rover.
- Food preservation: To help make food last longer, prevent foodborne illnesses, and sterilize food for immunocompromised patients, food will be exposed to gamma rays without noticeably affecting taste, texture or appearance of the food.
- Equipment sterilization: Every year, around 12 million m3 of medical devices are sterilized using radiation at more than 160 gamma irradiation plants around the world. This includes medical equipment like syringes, surgical gloves, gowns, and surgical dressings.