The article "Tesla’s Gloves Shine" was published on November 24, 2024, in the print edition of “Politika” and later in digital format on December 2, 2024.

The extensive glove collection of Nikola Tesla, the greatest scientist of all time, represents a significant part of his legacy, as evidenced by the pieces displayed in the Nikola Tesla Museum. Given their importance, these gloves underwent sterilization in 2016 using “Vin Cobalt 60” at the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, followed by conservation to preserve their authenticity. Gamma radiation was used to eradicate all microbes with minimal negative impact on the material. The gloves were decontaminated, protected from further degradation, and are now safely stored in the depot of the Nikola Tesla Museum.

The article highlights the vital role of the Radiation Unit at the Vinča Institute, which employs irradiation technology to sterilize various items, including 15th-century shoes, wine corks, and medical consumables. The process involves placing objects in a radiation chamber and exposing them to a specific dose of gamma radiation, effectively eliminating microorganisms without damaging the items. This method is particularly valuable for delicate or fragile objects that cannot be cleaned with chemicals.

The article also sheds light on the challenges faced by the Institute, such as difficulties in procuring cobalt, whose global market price has doubled in recent years. Despite these obstacles, the Institute plays a critical role in preserving Serbia's cultural heritage.

The lack of public awareness regarding the role of radiation in heritage preservation, as carried out by the Radiation Unit of the Vinča Institute, was addressed by the journalists of “Politika.” You can read their excellent article on this topic at the following link:
https://magazin.politika.rs/scc/clanak/573362/nauka/zasijale-tesline-rukavice