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PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona State University-led research team has secured a $40.8 million federal grant to develop a radiation-measuring device that could be used in the event of a nuclear accident.

The researchers plan to develop a device that emergency medical workers can use to quickly gauge who needs timely medical treatment because of harmful radiation exposure.

An ASU Biodesign Institute scientist who will manage the research project says the device could be used to treat large crowds exposed to radiation during a dirty-bomb attack or other nuclear incident. No such device now exists that can quickly measure radiation exposure among large groups of people.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority issued the five-year contract to the ASU-led team, which includes more than a half-dozen universities, research institutes and private companies.