Radiation Biology Readings and References

Bibliographies | Links

Readings

Biological Countermeasures in Space Radiation Health
Description: This paper, published by ASGSB, provides a detailed discussion of various potential countermeasures to space radiation. (Posted on 11/03)

Blinding Flashes
Description: Five to ten years after exposure to space radiation, many astronauts' vision becomes clouded by cataracts. This article discusses how radiation affects vision and how research into this reaction may shed light on treatment for cataracts suffered by elderly people. (Posted on 04/05)

Can People Go to Mars?
Description: With an eye toward manned Mars missions, Can People Go to Mars? discusses the risk to humans posed by exposure to radiation in space. (Posted on 05/04)

Fundamental Space Radiobiology
Description: This article, published by ASGSB, includes an in-depth discussion of the properties of space radiation, radiation measurement, and biological effects of radiation. (Posted on 11/03)

Mysterious Cancer
Description: Astronauts are exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation which damages DNA and increases the risk of cancer. This article discusses research into the mechanisms by which cosmic radiation exposure causes cancer and ways to reduce the risk. (Posted on 10/05)

Overview of NASA's Space Radiation Research Program
Description: This paper, published by ASGSB, focuses on NASA's plans for future research in space radiation, and includes brief discussions of space radiation limits, uncertainties in the prediction of space radiation, and descriptions of possible countermeasures. (Posted on 11/03)

Proton and Heavy Ion Accelerator Facilities for Space Radiation Research
Description: This paper, published by ASGSB, covers particle accelerators in the U.S. and their different capabilities for space radiation research, as well as some of the pertinent experiments performed using them. (Posted on 11/03)

Radiation and the International Space Station: Recommendations to Reduce Risk
Descripion: This document addresses the risks posed by solar radiation to astronauts onboard the International Space Station, in particular during extra vehicular activity. It also recommends steps to predict, assess, and reduce these risks. (Posted on 07/04)

Radiation Dosimetry and Biophysical Models of Space Radiation Effects
Descripion: This article, published by ASGSB, covers the measurement of radiation and includes a more in-depth discussion of understanding and predicting its biological effects. (Posted on 11/03)

Sickening Solar Flares
Description: NASA researchers discuss the effects a massive solar flare would have on an astronaut walking on the surface of the moon. Includes a discussion on the effects of ionizing radiation on humans in varying dosages. (Posted on 04/05)

Space Radiation Health: A Brief Primer
Description: This overview article, published by ASGSB, introduces the kinds of ionizing radiations present in space, their biological effects, and types of potential countermeasures. (Posted on 11/03)

Understanding Space Radiation
Description: What is space radiation, how is it measured, and what are its affects? This NASA Fact Sheet provides a brief introduction. (Posted on 10/04)

Bibliographies

Radiation Biology Bibliography
Description: This document contains a list of readings in the area of space radiation biology. (Posted on 10/00)

Links

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Cosmic and Heliospheric Learning Center
This site provides a general resource on cosmic radiation.

Radiation and Long-term Space Flight
This site, hosted by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, offers an overview of ionizing radiation, its effects on humans, and related NASA activities.