The International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) has acquired a multi-purpose gamma irradiation technology machine that will assist with reducing diseases, and improving the agricultural and medical industry in Jamaica. The machine, though purchased, will not arrive in Jamaica until 2023.

Johann Antoine (Research Scientist, ICENS) noted, "We are going to use that for the sterile insect technique to raise male insects that are pests and then to sterilise in an effort to lower the population of these pests. So, let's say its mosquitoes, which is our first focus, you are lowering the population of mosquitoes so there will be less dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya". He further added, " The irradiator will create beneficial traits in crops such as drought resistance and disease resistance. So there is a direct relationship with agriculture and we are doing that in connection with the Scientific Research Council [SRC] so that we can offer better crops —crops that will have to face that climate change adaptation that we will have to face so that Jamaica can remain food secure,"

The multi-purpose tool will also be used to sterilise skin grafts for burn victims and crop mutation.

Photo caption: Research scientist at International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences Johann Antoine says the multi-purpose gamma irradiation technology will help to improve the agricultural and medical industry in Jamaica.

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