Radiobiology

Radiobiology (or radiation biology) is the interdisciplinary field of science that studies the biological effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation of the whole electromagnetic spectrum, including radioactivity (alpha, beta and gamma), x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, microwaves, radio wave, low-frequency radiation (such as used in alternate electric transmission, ultrasound thermal radiation (heat), and related modalities.

Areas of interest

The interactions between electromagnetic fields (EMF) and organisms can be studied at several levels:

• radiation chemistry
• molecular and cell biology
• molecular genetics
• cell death and apoptosis
• dose modifying agents
• protection and repair mechanisms
• tissue responses to radiation
• high and low-level electromagnetic radiation and health
• specific absorption rates of organisms
• radiation poisoning
• radiation oncology (radiation therapy in cancer)

See also

• Radiosensitivity
• Radiology
• Nuclear medicine
• Radioactivity in biology
• Radiophobia
• Cell survival curve

References and further reading

• Eric Hall, Radiobiology for the Radiobiologist. 2006. Lippincott