Radiation Biophysics

This newly revised and updated edition of Radiation Biophysics provides an in-depth description of the physics and chemistry of radiation and its effects on biological systems. Coverage begins with fundamental concepts of the physics of radiation and radioactivity, then progresses through the chemistry and biology of the interaction of radiation with living systems. The Second Edition of this highly praised text includes major revisions which reflect the rapid advances in the field. New material covers recent developments in the fields of carcinogenesis, DNA repair, molecular genetics, and the molecular biology of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The book also includes extensive discussion of the practical impact of radiation on everyday life. Covers the fundamentals of radiation physics in a manner that is understandable to students and professionals with a limited physics background Includes problem sets and exercises to aid both teachers and students Discusses radioactivity, internally deposited radionuclides, and dosimetry Analyzes the risks for occupational and non-occupational workers exposed to radiation sources

The book is concerned with features analysis of radiation damage to living matter at different levels of its organisation, beginning from the molecular level. The general theory of the mechanisms of biological action of radiation based on four logically connected principles of radiation biology is presented for the first time. The book contains abundant material on primary and secondary processes of the response of living systems to radiation, the mechanisms of direct and indirect action of radiation through radiolysis of water and lipids; a detailed consideration of the theory of targets (DNA and biological membranes) and the problems of high- and low-dose irradiation in the context of present-day. The systemic response of the cell to irradiation (oxidative stress, endogenous background radioresistance, damage and repair of biological membranes and DNA, systemic protection against radiation) is approximated. Presentation of these important problems is preceded by an up-to-date evaluation of some aspects regarding dosimetry of ionising radiation.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), is the most common cause of inherited mental impairment. This impairment can range from learning disabilities to more severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities (sometimes referred to as mental retardation). FXS is the most common known cause of autism or 'autistic-like' behaviour. Symptoms also can include characteristic physical and behavioural features and delays in speech and language development. This new book presents the latest research in this field.

What is biophysics? As with all subjects which straddle traditional boundaries between fields, it eludes a precise definition. Furthermore, it is impossible to do biophysics without having a certain foundation of knowledge in biology, physics, physical chemistry, chemistry and biochemistry. One approach to a biophysics textbook would be to refer the student to the literature of these neighboring fields, and to leave the selection of the appropriate supplementary material up to the student. The editors of this volume are of the opinion that it is more useful and less time-consuming to present a selection of the supplementary knowledge, in concentrated form, together with the subject matter specific to biophysics. The reader will thus find in this book introductions to such subjects as the structure and function of the cell, the chemical structure of biogenic macromolecules, and even theoretical chemistry. What, indeed, is biophysics? Must we consider it to include physiology, electromedicine, radiation medicine, etc. ? The field has evolved continuously in recent years. Molecular understanding oflife processes has come more and more to the fore. Just as the field of molecular physics has developed to describe structures and processes in the realm of non-living systems, there has been a corresponding development of molecular biophysics.

This textbook describes the study of radiation, covering the basic concepts and their advanced applications, and highlights the handling of radioisotopes and radiation measurements using various instruments. The book also focuses on the effects and up-to-date applications of radiation on biological systems and their use in diagnosing and treating various diseases. Chapters provide an easy understanding of the subject matter with the help of self-explanatory, well-illustrated figures and easy-to-grasp language. “Tools and Techniques in Radiation Biophysics” is designed for undergraduate and post-graduate studying radiation Biophysics as one of the major courses in medical physics, nuclear medicine, biophysics, and other applied sciences. The multi-disciplinary approach of this book facilitates learning and a deep understanding of the concepts and helps the readers develop an interest in the subject so that they can pursue their careers efficiently in this field. Researchers and lecturers will value this book to enhance their knowledge and clarify queries.

The fundamental understanding of the production of biological effects by ionizing radiation may well be one of the most important scientific objectives of mankind; such understanding could lead to the effective and safe utilization of the nuclear energy option. In addition, this knowledge will be of immense value in such diverse fields as radiation therapy and diagnosis and in the space program. To achieve the above stated objective, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors embarked upon a fundamental interdisciplinary research program some 35 years ago. A critical component of this program is the Radiological and Chemical Physics Program (RCPP). When the RCPP was established, there was very little basic knowledge in the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology that could be directly applied to understanding the effects of radiation on biological systems. Progress of the RCPP program in its first 15 years was documented in the proceedings of a conference held at Airlie, Virginia, in 1972. At this conference, it was clear that considerable progr:ess had been made in research on the physical and chemical processes in well-characterized systems that could be used to understand biological effects. During this period of time, most physical knowledge was obtained for the gas phase because the technology and instru mentation had not progressed to the point that measurements could be made in liquids more characteristic of biological materials.