Tour to the MIT reactor

Today Orit and I visited the MIT nuclear reactor. Apparently MIT runs a small research reactor since the mid 50’s. One of the researcher even won a Nobel Price in 1994. The tour was very interesting. Unfortunately no photos were allowed. There are some interesting stories:
1. Cure for brain tumor – there is a material that certain tumor cells get attached to. That material can be projected with nuclear energy till dissolving the tumor cell. The interesting thing is that early tests on patients showed that this projection generated a chain reaction that killed many tumor cells that were not projected!
2. Diamonds – there is a certain type (I am not sure but I think Topaz) that is very expensive when it is in a purplish color. Finding it at transparent white is less expensive. Apparently projecting the cheap diamond with nuclear energy turns it purple for the next ten years. The MIT reactor refused to do it for De Biers company but there are reactors that agree to do so. Think of the reaction when your expensive Topaz turns white!
3. The reactor was completely built by students and professors during the 50’s.
4. The reactor is looking for financing thus it engages in different activities like treating silicon rods, purifying fly ashes!!!!!! Etc.