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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
09/20/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/21/2024 06:45
TTUHSC to Partner with Abilene Company to Establish Molten Salt Reactor
- Daily Dose
- 2024
- September
- / TTUHSC to Partner with Abilene Company to Establish Molten Salt Reactor
TTUHSC to Partner with Abilene Company to Establish Molten Salt Reactor
- By Mark Hendricks
- September 20, 2024
- Research
Sanjay K. Srivastava, Ph.D.
Natura Resources, LLC, a leading advanced nuclear energy company based in Abilene that focuses on bringing safe and reliable nuclear energy to the world, has entered into a new partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and Texas Tech University's Texas Produced Water Consortium to explore the establishment of a first-of-its-kind dispatchable commercial molten salt reactor.
The partnership with Natura, known as "Fortifying the Future," will improve the potential for additional sources of reliable, dispatchable energy paired with produced water treatment facilities to supply two new forms of critical resources (water and electricity) for the state of Texas.
Lance McMahon, Ph.D., senior vice president for TTUHSC's Office of Research and Innovation, said the partnership also seeks to develop innovative health applications for the radioisotopes generated from the molten salt reactor, including diagnostic and treatment approaches for cancer and other diseases.
"This is a powerhouse public-private partnership, and TTUHSC is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Natura and Abilene Christian University," McMahon said.
Sanjay K. Srivastava, Ph.D., who chairs the Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology at the TTUHSC's Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy in Abilene, said the radioisotopes generated from the molten salt reactor at Abilene Christian University (ACU) represent a groundbreaking opportunity to advance both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.
"These radioisotopes hold immense potential for developing innovative, highly targeted cancer therapies, as well as improving early detection through advanced imaging techniques," Srivastava said. "With TTUHSC in Abilene located within a mile of ACU and equipped with superior research infrastructure, this proximity presents a natural and synergistic partnership for pioneering collaborative research."
As a TTUHSC cancer researcher in Abilene, Srivastava said he is thrilled to be part of this historic endeavor, which unites the ACU's molten salt reactor with TTUHSC's cutting-edge capabilities and strong foundation in cancer research.
"This partnership, along with Natura's involvement, has the potential to propel the development of next-generation radioisotope-based treatments and diagnostics, leading to significant breakthroughs in personalized cancer care," Srivastava explained. "The outcomes of this collaboration could not only elevate the West Texas region as a hub for scientific innovation but also improve the lives of cancer patients globally through the creation of novel, effective treatment modalities."