Stable isotopes in the life sciences

6 Bll., 456 S. graph. Darst. Softcover.

FOREWORD
Stable isotopes have been successfully used as tracers in the most varied fields of pure science and technology. The freedom from radiation problems makes the preparation and handling of such isotopes and compounds labelled with them attractive in many tracer applications where the use of even very small amounts of radioactivity is not considered acceptable (e.g. diagnostic studies in pregnant women and children). This, together with the fact that for some elements of interest (e.g. nitrogen and oxygen) there is no suitable radioisotope of sufficiently Jong half-life for tracer applications, has led to the expanding use of separated stable isotopes in organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and in the life sciences generally. Moreover, in certain cases, more information can be obtained by the use of a stable isotope than by the use of a corresponding radioisotope. The decreasing cost and increasing availability of separated stable isotopes, especially of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, together with new developments in instrumentation and techniques for sample processing and measurement, assure their applications on an increasing scale in studies of both living and non-living systems.
The Technical Committee Meeting on Modern Trends in the Biological Applications of Stable Isotopes, jointly organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, successfully brought together experts in preparation, synthesis, analysis and applications of stable isotopes in the life sciences for discussions to define the current state of these fields, their future developments and the possibilities of international cooperation. The meeting took place in Leipzig, from 14 to 18 February 1977, at the invitation of the Government of the German Democratic Republic.
Thirty-eight papers were presented and 69 persons from 17 countries and two international organizations attended. In addition to the normal sessions, two panels were organized: an Open Panel (for all participants) for discussions of modern trends and important unsolved problems, and a Closed Panel (for specially invited participants) intended for concluding discussions on the prospects for stable isotopes and possibilities for international co-operation.
The present volume contains the texts of the papers presented at the meeting as well as the summary report of the Panel discussions. lt is hoped that the book will serve as a guide to scientists and administrators interested in the development of the production and utilization of stable isotopes.
 

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