This work may assist efforts in analysis of microscopic particles that may contain evidence of undeclared nuclear activities by locating such particles.

Up to the late 1980s it was generally assumed that any undeclared nuclear activities would have to be based on the diversion of nuclear material from safeguards.

The measures boosted the IAEA's ability to detect undeclared nuclear activities, including those with no connection to the civil fuel cycle.

"The whole purpose is to look for evidence of undeclared activities."

It assumes that undeclared economic activity still needs to use resources, such as electricity, to function.

Using this technique, Mr. Zifferero said, "we are confident that we can detect any undeclared nuclear activity that is taking place."

Full access "increases our ability to detect possible undeclared nuclear activities," said the agency's director, Mohamed ElBaradei.

In 2004 and 2005, Egypt disclosed past undeclared nuclear activities and material to the IAEA.

I was then curious enough to ask how the Member States measure such undeclared activities as prostitution, for example.

Without such a protocol in force, it would be hard for the IAEA to assure itself that there was no undeclared nuclear activity in Iran.