MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, GEOMAGNETIC LATITUDES, AND COSMIC RAYS

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · Transactions of the American Neurological Association (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4143667

Barlow, J S

Available statistics on multiple sclerosis were examined from the standpoint of geomagnetic latitude. When morbidity and mortality for multiple sclerosis was plotted against geomagnetic latitude, good agreement was observed. Thus relatively high prevalence ratios (e.g., 40-80 per 100,000 population) can be predicted for locations of geomagnetic latitude approximately 48 deg or greater, whereas relatively low prevalence ratios (e.g., 4-8 per 100,000 population) are predicted for locations of geomagnetic latitudes of approximates 38 deg or less. Subsequently, other factors that are dependent upon geomagnetic latitude (auroras and cosmic ray intensity) in turn were examined. Auroras did not appear to be a promising lead. It was concluded that the ionization produced by cosmic rays is not itself a direct cause of the disease due to the fact that it not especially prevalent in those areas of a high background radiation level from terrestrial sources. It is conceivable that geomagnetic latitude and cosmic rays act through intermediary factors, such as through specific types of radioactivity induced by cosmic rays (C/sup 14/ or S/sup 35/). (BBB)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-18-005111
• OSTI ID: 4143667
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Neurological Association (U.S.), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Neurological Association (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 85; ISSN TANAA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AURORAE
BACKGROUND
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CARBON 14
COSMIC RADIATION
DISEASES
DISTRIBUTION
EARTH
GEOPHYSICS
IONIZATION
MAGNETISM
POPULATIONS
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOACTIVITY
SCLEROSIS
STATISTICS
SULFUR 35
SURVIVAL TIME