Low Dose Radiation Research Program
This is the spatially-resolved electron gun developed at the
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Using this equipment,
it is possible to expose cells to electrons with a range of
different energies and study direct and indirect biological
effects as a function of energy and dose.
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.
