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Low Dose Radiation Research Program

Photograph of radio-labeled T lymphocytes extracted from the spleen. The cells were stained with CMRA and DAPI and injected into mice where they localized in the spleen. The cells were located and evidence of In vivo induction of bystander effects studied using cell proliferation and apoptosis as endpoints. No bystander effects were detected. From Blyth et al. Radiation Research 173, 125-137 (2010). Photo courtesy of Radiation Research. Enlarge Image

About the program. The DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program funds basic research to determine the responses induced by radiation exposures at doses of 10 centigray (cGy) and below. The gray is the SI unit of absorbed radiation dose caused by ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays). One cGy is 10-2 Gy. Program research will provide a scientific underpinning for future radiation protection standards.

Since the Low Dose Program's beginning in 1999, the research focus has been study of cellular and molecular responses to doses of X-ray or gamma radiation that are at or near current workplace exposure limits.

Where research is done. Projects are funded through universities and through DOE National Laboratories. The focus is on determining the mechanistic basis for the interaction of low doses of radiation with biological systems.

These mechanistic studies are focused on DNA damage and repair, endogenous vs. radiation-induced oxidative damage, adaptive responses, bystander effects, genomic instability and genetic susceptibility. The research is conducted from the molecular to the organism level.

This site provides detailed information about

  • The individual projects funded
  • Abstracts of past research
  • Publications that have resulted to date from this research
  • Past and future directions of the Low Dose Program.

Modeling emphasis. To ensure that the data are carefully and appropriately evaluated, the Program is also funding projects on mathematical modeling to help identify research needs and integrate the basic data into useful models of radiation cancer risks.

Applications. Data from the Low Dose Program will support molecular and genetic epidemiology, generate biologically based risk models, and help define the role of individual genetic susceptibility in radiation-induced cancer risk. Such research will help ensure that the radiation protection standards are adequate and appropriate.