Heavy-oxygen water, also known as oxygen-18 enriched water, is primarily used in scientific research and medical applications. In research, it serves as a tracer in studies involving metabolic pathways, allowing scientists to track the movement and transformation of oxygen atoms in biological and chemical processes. This is particularly useful in understanding photosynthesis, respiration, and water cycle dynamics in environmental studies. In medical fields, it is employed in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to produce radioactive tracers like fluorine-18, which are critical for diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as cancer. Additionally, it plays a role in the development of pharmaceuticals, where it helps in studying drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Its unique properties make it an invaluable tool in advancing both scientific knowledge and medical technologies.