Life Sciences Historical / Anniversary Reviews DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100804 The history of the development and use of neutron activation analysis in medical and biological research in the USSR and Russia The year 2026 marks two significant anniversaries in the history of nuclear and analytical science: 100 years since the development of the tracer method, which laid the foundation for nuclear medicine, and 90 years since the discovery of neutron activation analysis (NAA), both associated with the pioneering work of György de Hevesy. To commemorate these milestones, this review examines the development and application of NAA in clinical and experimental medicine in the Soviet Union and Russia. Particular attention is given to the research centers that employed NAA, the biological materials and medical problems investigated, and the major scientific advances achieved. The review traces the development of more than 20 research nuclear reactors in the USSR and the establishment of specialized research units that applied NAA to biomedical problems. The studies are presented chronologically, covering investigations of chemical elements in biological fluids, tissues, organs, cells, and biomolecules under normal and pathological conditions, as well as applications involving stable isotope tracers, drug and contrast-agent pharmacokinetics, nanoparticles, and unique in vivo measurements. The review demonstrates that NAA provided important advantages, including multi-element analysis, high sensitivity, and the possibility of investigating trace elements in biological systems without extensive sample preparation. These capabilities contributed to advances in fundamental biomedical research and to the development of new diagnostic approaches. The historical record highlights the substantial contribution of Soviet and Russian scientists to the application of NAA in medicine and provides a basis for assessing its continuing scientific significance. V. Zaichick, M. Frontasyeva, I. Zinicovscaia 29.09.2026
Life Sciences 70th anniversary of JINR DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200805 Comparative chromosome analysis of human and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) using human multicolor FISH probes We established chromosome homology between human and the rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) using a powerful modern molecular cytogenetic technique: multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH). mFISH allows the classification of mammalian chromosomes based on their DNA content rather than solely on morphological features such as banding patterns. The Macaca mulatta karyotype consists of 42 chromosomes: 20 pairs of autosomes and the X and Y sex chromosomes. We confirmed a pronounced similarity between the human ( Homo sapiens , HSA) and macaque ( Macaca mulatta, MMU ) genomes: 16 out of 22 macaque chromosomes showed homology to a single human chromosome, and 13 of them have human homologs with the same numbers. Only three macaque chromosomes show hybridization signals from two human chromosomes, and a single human probe for chromosome 2 labels two pairs of acrocentric monkey chromosomes. Altogether, mFISH is expected to become an indispensable tool in comparative chromosome studies. E. Nasonova, N. Koshlan, I. Koshlan 11.09.2026
Physics 70th anniversary of JINR DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200804 Radiation-induced surface smoothing and structural relaxation in electron-irradiated ZnS and ZnSe crystals The evolution of surface morphology and structural parameters in ZnS and ZnSe crystals under highenergy electron irradiation was investigated using a phenomenological modeling approach based on experimentally obtained irradiation-dependent structural and morphological data. The analysis focused on the fluence dependence of the surface roughness parameters R a and R z , coherent-domain size, and lattice parameter in the electron fluence range of (0−2.5) · 10 17 electrons/cm 2 . It was found that the surface roughness parameters R a and R z decrease according to an exponential law, indicating the occurrence of radiation-induced surface smoothing. A phenomenological kinetic equation describing roughness relaxation as a function of electron fluence was proposed and solved analytically. The obtained model demonstrates that the smoothing rate is proportional to the excess surface roughness relative to the limiting relaxed state. In contrast, the coherent-domain size generally increases with increasing fluence, whereas the lattice parameter decreases nearly linearly, indicating radiation-induced structural relaxation, lattice compaction, and defect rearrangement processes. Comparative analysis of ZnS and ZnSe crystals revealed differences in the smoothing kinetics and structural evolution parameters, which may be associated with differences in defect mobility and irradiation-assisted relaxation processes. Correlations were observed between the fluence-dependent evolution of surface roughness and bulk structural parameters, indicating concurrent morphological and structural changes under electron irradiation. The proposed phenomenological description provides a framework for comparing these irradiation-induced responses in ZnS and ZnSe crystals. M. Yu. Tashmetov, B. N. Madaminov 11.09.2026
Mathematical and Computer Sciences DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100803 Non-integral geometry: Additional term fA as a regularizing term In the present paper, we first describe the principal basis of non-integral geometry. Non-integral geometry is a new field of generalized function (distribution) theory, where the effects breaking the symmetry of integration measure have been investigated. In turn, the non-symmetric integration measure (the non-invariant measure) leads to the complex form of the universal, dimension-independent inverse operator with the additional contributions compared to the methods of integral geometry. The additional term with the complex integration measure serves to the extension that improves the image reconstruction procedure. Then, we prove that this additional term f A in the universal inverse Radon transforms plays a role of the regularizing contribution. In particular, we show that owing to the presence of f A , the corresponding complex singularities can be eliminated in the image reconstruction process. I. V. Anikin 02.09.2026
Physics Historical / Anniversary Reviews 70th anniversary of JINR DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200803 Methodology, applications, and results of dielectric track detectors in heavy nuclei identification The results of the research partnership between the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (FLNR JINR) and the Laboratory of Fundamental Particles of the Lebedev Physical Institute (LFP LPI) are presented. The publication focuses on two areas: the search for tracks of superheavy nuclei in pallasite meteorites (OLIMPIYA experiment) and testing of various dielectric materials (glasses and micas) as detectors of heavy charged particles. S. A. Gorbunov , N. S. Konovalova , N. M. Okateva , N. G. Polukhina, T. V. Shchedrina, N. I. Starkov, E. N. Starkova, A. E. Volkov 20.08.2026
Physics Mathematical and Computer Sciences DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100802 Multivariate amplitude analysis of the cascade particle decays based on the Nearest Neighbors fitting The Nearest Neighbors estimation of likelihood is implemented for the multivariate amplitude analysis of the cascades of particle decays. In this approach Monte Carlo simulated events that are used to describe data are assigned weights dependent on the parameters of the theoretical fitting model. Each of such weighted events is considered as contributing to N-dimensional probability density function (p.d.f.) in its neighborhood in the parameter space. No analytic p.d.f. or cpu-intensive re-generation of N-dimensional p.d.f. at each fit step are required. The method allows accurate accounting for reconstruction effects, demands modest cpu resources and can be effectively multi-threaded. General setup of the fit as well as toy example of the amplitude analysis of B-meson decays are demonstrated. I. V. Yeletskikh, A. O. Vasyukov 13.08.2026
70th anniversary of JINR DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200802 Fresh look at polarized deuterons at the Nuclotron/NICA & HIAF and beyond Being a spin-1 particle, the deuteron, when polarized, offers access to a wide range of interesting tensor observables. A quest for tensor asymmetries is at the heart of the spin physics with polarized deuterons at future colliders, and calls for frequent tensor polarization flips in storage rings or in deuterium targets. Here we focus on the JEDI developed technique of the Fourier analysis of the horizontal polarization oscillations under continuous radiofrequency-driven spin flips. The generated in this way time-stamped oscillating helicity of stored particles paves the way to the nucleon/nucleus spin structure studies and to the search for the parity violation. Simultaneously, a whole set of tensor spin asymmetries, including the off-diagonal ones needed for searches for the T-violation beyond the Standard Model, will be produced. A crucial ingredient is a long polarization lifetime, and we report the first analytic treatment of decoherence of the tensor polarization under continuous radiofrequency spin flips. Our principal conclusion is that at low- and intermediate-energy accelerators the deuteron polarization lifetime could be in the ballpark of several hours, making the oscillating polarization approach viable at the Nuclotron/NICA and HIAF. We comment on a utility of the flattop spin-tensor dichroism via oscillations in the cross section of interaction of deuterons in the internal target as a monitor of the tensor polarization. Simultaneously, the dichroism effect can be used for measuring the spin precession frequences and as a comagnetometer to synchronize spin phases of colliding bunches in a collider. Corrected: 11 August 2026 (Eq. (28) was revised; typos and grammar were corrected) B. Gou, V. P. Ladygin, N. N. Nikolaev, F. Rathmann, A. J. Silenko, Yu. N. Uzikov 22.07.2026
Physics DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100801 Perturbative QCD fitting of KEDR and BESIII ℯ+ℯ- data for R(s) and αs determination The experimental data collected by KEDR and BESIII collaborations at the energies below charm quark thresholds are compared with the massless QCD expressions for the \(e^+e^-\) annihilation R-ratio truncated at different orders of perturbation theory. The fits demonstrate the dependence of the extracted \(\alpha_s(M_Z)\) values on the orders of truncation of the corresponding approximations. The next-to-leading order, next-to-next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order fits of the combined KEDR data and BESIII data , truncated at the scale of mass of \(J/\Psi\) meson, give the following results \(\alpha_s(M_Z)=0.1151_{-0.0069}^{+0.0052}\), \(\alpha_s(M_Z)=0.1190_{-0.0081}^{+0.0064}\) and \(\alpha_s(M_Z)=0.1283_{-0.0075}^{+0.0028}\). The increasing tendency of fitted \(\alpha_s(M_Z)\) value is associated with the effects of not totally controlled within asymptotic perturbation theory expansions kinematical \(\pi^2\) contributions to R-ratio coefficients due to analytical continuation from the space-like to time-like energy regions. The applications of the fixed orders of perturbation theory expansions and careful treatment of the analytical continuation effects are commented. Corrected: 28 July 2026 (changes have been made in Eqs. (12)–(14) and an expression has been added after them) A. L. Kataev, K. Yu. Todyshev 28.07.2026
Earth and Environmental Sciences DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200801 Trace element analysis in food and beverages by neutronactivation analysis: A review of fundamentals,performance, and practical utility As a high-priority issue for sustainable global development, food security requires attention to both the quantity and quality of food. Trace elements pose a complex challenge for food security in this context; they can be beneficial as essential micronutrients or harmful as toxic contaminants that compromise food safety and public health. Consequently, advanced analytical tools, particularly elemental analysis, are employed to verify food quality, authenticity, and traceability. Since its first application in 1936 neutron activation analysis has proven to be a powerful analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of a wide variety of samples. The method's widespread adoption is due to its numerous benefits, including its multi-element character, non-destructive nature, high sensitivity and precision, ultra-low detection limits, and simple sample preparation. These advantages have led to its use in critical fields such as food safety, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The paper provides an introduction to the biological role and toxicity of trace elements, discusses the fundamental principles, strengths, and limitations of neutron activation analysis, and presents an overview of NAA applications in food analysis, along with a summary of key findings. I. Zinicovscaia, D. Grozdov 13.07.2026
Physics Historical / Anniversary Reviews 70th anniversary of JINR DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200709 Pulsed fast reactors In 1960, the world’s first pulsed fast nuclear reactor (IBR) was created at JINR. The second-generation IBR-2 reactor has been in operation since 1984. An analysis of the distinctive characteristics of the IBR-type reactors is presented, the main one of which is related to the instabilities of power fluctuations. A description of the conceptual design of a third-generation NEPTUN reactor is proposed, which solves the problem of instabilities and opens up new possibilities for neutron beam research. V. L. Aksenov, А. Е. Verkhoglyadov, M. M. Podlesnyy, E. P. Shabalin 30.06.2026
Physics Mathematical and Computer Sciences DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100705 Classification of muon tracks from charmonium decays and pion tracks in the model of the SPD detector using neural networks The Machine Learning (ML) approaches were applied to particle identification in the simulation of the Spin Physics Detector (SPD) at the NICA Collider. The results of the identification of muon tracks originating from charmonia decays and pion tracks in the intermediate momenta region (1.5–2.5 GeV/c) are presented. The obtained classifier accuracy is 77% while preserving 99% of muons and rejecting 48% of pions. The efficiency of developed binary classifier is demonstrated through background suppression in J/ψ → µµ decays. A. R. Didenko, I. V. Yeletskikh, A. O. Gridin 26.06.2026
Physics DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100704 Temperature-dependent conformational changes of amyloid-β42 in DPPC bilayers The conformational behavior of the amyloid- β 42 (A β 42) peptide is strongly influenced by the physical state of its surrounding lipid environment. The effect of temperature on the A β 42 structure within dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers was investigated using circular dichroism (CD), Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The study examined two thermal phases: room temperature (RT =∼ (25±2)◦C), corresponding to the gel phase of DPPC, and (48±2)◦C, representing the fluid phase above the lipid transition temperature . The CD spectroscopy measurements indicated a clear temperature-dependent structural transition of the peptide. At RT, A β 42 exhibited a conformation enriched in β structures, while at (48±2)◦C, the spectra revealed a notable increase in α -helical content, reflecting enhanced backbone organization under fluid-phase conditions. Raman spectral analysis supported this trend by demonstrating an increased contribution of α -helical components accompanied by a reduction in β -strand features upon heating. Minor variations in lipid vibrational markers further suggested greater acyl-chain flexibility and bilayer fluidity in the high-temperature state. Furthermore, MD simulations revealed enhanced α-helical content and deeper peptide insertion within the disordered bilayer compared with the ordered gel phase. The findings from experimental and computational investigations demonstrate that membrane fluidization above the DPPC phase transition favors α-helical stabilization of A β 42, emphasizing temperature as a key parameter governing peptide–lipid conformational equilibria. The results obtained provide a fundamental framework for understanding how thermal conditions modulate amyloid-membrane interactions, which is essential for elucidating the early molecular events associated with amyloid-related pathologies. Khlood A. A. Abdeljawaad, Yersultan Arynbek , Kahramon Mamatkulov, Huy Le Duc, Grigory Arzumanyan 25.06.2026
JINR hosted meeting of Natural Science Review’s Advisory Board On 16 September 2025, the first meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB) of the Natural Science Review journal, published by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, took place at the JINR International Conference Centre in a hybrid format. 25.09.2025
Special Issue of Natural Science Review in honour of JINR's 70th anniversary will be published in 2026 In honour of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, which will be celebrated on 26 March 2026, Natural Science Review is launching the submission of articles for the journal's Special Issue. 06.03.2025
Letter from Editor-in-Chief Dear colleagues, I am honoured to welcome you to the first issue of the Natural Science Review scientific journal. The appearance of this journal is an important event in the professional life of the entire scientific community of researchers working in the fields of natural, engineering, and related sciences. 28.12.2024
