Hazards of the Deep: Killing the Dragons - Neurobiological Consequences of Space Radiation Exposures (401st Brookhaven Lecture)
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). NASA Space Radiation Lab.
Since astronauts hope to spend more time n space, they will receive more exposure to ionizing radiation, a stream of particles that, when pass through a body, has enough energy to damage the components of living cells and tissues. Ionizing radiation may cause changes in cells' ability to carry out repair, reproduction, and cross-talk with other cells. This may lead to mutations, which, in turn, may result in tumors, cancer, genetic defects in offspring, neurodegeneration. A 34 million dollar facility at BNL's NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL), built in a cooperative effort by NASA and DOE is one of the few places in the world that can simulate the harsh space radiation environment. At this facility, scientists from some several institutions in the U.S. and abroad will learn about the possible risks to human beings exposed to space radiation. Although the spacecraft itself somewhat reduces radiation exposure, it does not completely shield astronauts from galactic cosmic rays, which are highly energetic heavy ions, or from solar particles, which are primarily energetic protons. Within the NSRL target room, Lab researchers and other NASA-sponsored scientists irradiate a variety of biological specimens, tissues, and cells to study the effects that ion beams have on cells and animals.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 990093
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-83180-2005-CP; TRN: US1104054
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Brookhaven Lecture Series 1960 - Present, Upton, NY (United States), 15 Feb 2005
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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