Hiroshima University researchers unveil a $70 smartphone radiation detector as Japan cautiously revives nuclear power.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a low-cost, portable radiation dosimetry system that turns a smartphone into an on-site radiation detector, for immediate dose assessments after nuclear or radiological incidents.
The innovation arrives at a time when Japan is cautiously re-embracing nuclear power to meet rising energy demands and climate targets.The system, detailed in the journal Radiation Measurements, combines a small piece of radiochromic film with a foldable, battery-powered scanner and a smartphone camera. It is designed to provide prompt, individual-based dose assessments in mass-casualty scenarios, where traditional laboratory-based methods may be too slow, expensive, or inaccessible.“Prompt, individual-based dose assessment is essential to protect people from the negative consequences of radiation exposure after large-scale nuclear or radiological incidents,” the study notes. Corresponding author Hiroshi Yasuda, a professor at Hiroshima University’s Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, emphasized the practical focus of the work. “To protect people in the event of a severe radiological or nuclear accident, voluntary on-site dose assessments and prompt decisions regarding medical actions must be performed immediately. Simplicity, universality, and cost-effectiveness are critical factors for these emergency measures.”A smartphone-based radiation detector techAt the core of the system is Gafchromic EBT4 film, which changes color instantly when exposed to radiation. The color shift is visible to the naked eye, but the system goes further by allowing users to quantify radiation doses by scanning the film and capturing its image with a smartphone. Mobile image-processing applications are then used to analyze the change.The researchers showed that relatively high radiation doses, up to 10 Gray, could be measured using this approach. For context, a 10 Gray dose to the skin is high enough to cause permanent hair loss. In tests conducted with various smartphone models, including Samsung and iPhone devices, the team found that the cyan color channel in digital images delivered the most consistent and reliable dose-response data.While professional desktop scanners remain more precise, the smartphone-based setup offers a practical trade-off between accuracy and accessibility. The full system costs less than USD $70, making it far cheaper than conventional dosimetry equipment and portable enough to be deployed in disaster-stricken areas.“Our goal was to design a system that works even under the worst-case accident scenarios, such as after a natural disaster where infrastructure might be damaged,” Yasuda said, as per the university website. The team is now working to standardize protocols and ensure that the system remains reliable under diverse environmental conditions.The study was co-authored by doctoral student Hassna Bantan and Professor Yasuda. The open access publication costs were supported by Hiroshima University.Reassurance in a shifting energy strategy The low-cost radiation detector emerges as Japan appears to make a major shift in its energy policy. As a resource-poor island nation, Japan has grown wary of dependence on volatile global gas and coal markets. At the same time, massive new data centers and semiconductor factories are increasing demand for stable, around-the-clock “baseload” power that solar and wind alone cannot reliably provide.Japan also has a legally binding target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, a goal that is difficult to meet without nuclear energy. Under the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the government has abandoned its earlier commitment to reducing reliance on nuclear power. Instead, the 7th Basic Energy Plan, adopted in early 2025, sets a target for nuclear energy to supply roughly 20 percent of Japan’s electricity by 2040, up from about nine percent in 2024.That policy shift took a concrete step forward on January 21, 2026, when TEPCO began the process of restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, the world’s largest nuclear power station. It marked the first time since 2011 that TEPCO, the operator of the Fukushima plant, has been allowed to restart a reactor.Public trust in nuclear power remains fragile because of past disasters and scandals. In this scenario, technologies that improve transparency, preparedness, and on-the-ground safety monitoring could help rebuild confidence. While Hiroshima University’s portable system is not a substitute for large-scale monitoring infrastructure, its immediacy, affordability, and accessibility make it readily available. It signals a growing recognition that individual-level preparedness tools may matter more as Japan cautiously returns to nuclear energy.
Climate Goals Disaster Preparedness Dosimetry Emergency Response Energy Policy Hiroshima University Japan Nuclear Nuclear Power Nuclear Safety Portable Technology Public Safety Radiation Radiation Detection Radiation Film Radiation Monitoring Science Innovation Smartphones
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
University of Utah launches tool to track Great Salt Lake dust exposureGreat Salt Lake dust is bad for our health, but that's not the only problem it causes — researchers say it also accelerates snowmelt by weeks.
Read more »
Daughter of top Iranian official ousted from Emory University following massive public outrageToday's Video Headlines 01/25/26
Read more »
Tianjin University-2026 Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) - Tianjin (CN) job with Tianjin UniversityProgram Introduction The Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program（Overseas）aims to attract and encourage outstanding young scholars from overseas (including non-Chinese foreign nationals) who have demonstrated strong achievements in natural sciences or engineering.
Read more »
Ohio State University cancels in-person Columbus classes for Monday, Tuesday due to snowOhio State has canceled classes for Monday and Tuesday in Columbus due to a massive amount of snow blanketing the area.
Read more »
Japan’s Kihara says will take appropriate action on forex according to Japan-US joint statementJapan Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara said on Monday that he will take appropriate action on foreign exchange according to the Japan-US joint statement. However, he declined to comment regarding reported rate checks.
Read more »
Samsung Crashes the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite to an All-Time Low While Apple Barely Discounts iPadsSave $70 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite with 128GB of storage for a limited time at Amazon.
Read more »