The 53-year-old Chalk River nuclear reactor, managed by the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), received the green light to restart operations after being shut down for more than a year. In May 2009, inspections uncovered a heavy-water leak and corrosion at the base of the reactor vessel. AECL president and CEO Hugh McDiarmid informed a hearing last week that he is confident the reactor is ready to resume safe operation following months of complicated repairs and testing. Following the hearing, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced that it was authorizing AECL to reload fuel into the National Research Universal reactor. That means the reactor could begin making medical isotopes again by the end of this month. (CBC)