Radiobiology studies the effects of radiation on living cells, including non-ionizing radiation such as visible light and radio waves. Researchers require advanced degrees in biology and physics and can apply their research in medical and natural settings, including the development of therapeutic uses for radiation and radiation shielding technology. Many universities offer radiobiology degrees with different areas of interest.
Radiobiology is a branch of biophysics focused on the study of the effects of radiation on living cells. While many people think of nuclear radiation when they hear the term “radiation,” this isn’t entirely accurate, as radiation is simply energy given off by something, such as heat radiating from a heater in cold winter months. Radiobiologists certainly study nuclear radiation, but they also examine radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light.
There are a number of subjects of study in radiobiology. Some researchers are interested in harmful ionizing radiation, looking at how it affects living living cells and at what doses it becomes dangerous. Others are interested in how visible light interacts with cells, as seen for example in plant cells that use light in photosynthesis, and researchers are also interested in non-ionizing radiation such as radio waves that are passing through your body right here. moment.
Work in this field usually requires an advanced degree, because researchers must be knowledgeable in biology and physics to conduct radiobiology research. They can also apply their research in many different ways. Some researchers are interested in the medical applications of radiobiology, the development of therapeutic uses for radiation which may include the development of surgical lasers, medical imaging equipment, and the use of radioactive isotopes in the treatment of cancer, where the harmful properties of radiation ionizers are harnessed for good.
Other researchers are interested in Earth’s natural sources of radiation and the ways in which living organisms have adapted to use or avoid various sources of radiation. Research may also include studies of nuclear accidents and the damage they cause to living organisms, as well as research to determine the uptake rates of different types of living cells. Radiobiology is also involved in the development of radiation shielding technology designed to protect living cells, such as the lead aprons worn by X-ray technicians.
This field is extremely diverse and there is a lot of interesting material to study. A number of universities offer radiobiology degrees to their students, with different areas of interest. Students interested in this field may want to spend time visiting different programs to get a sense of the type of research they do. Many schools are happy to offer tours to students of all ages interested in radiobiology.
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