The incorporation of uracil-C(14) into macromolecules in Escherichia coli cells is decreased by doses of ionizing radiation when the cells are in very dilute suspension. The decrease results from an action of irradiated medium on the cells, and a similar reaction is observed during the incorporation of thymine (indication of DNA synthesis) and of proline and valine (indicative of protein synthesis). Irradiated medium reduces the formation of beta-galactosidase but does not cause the degradation of DNA.
In the first three chapters, the authors set out clearly the historical and the mathematical approaches to the action of radiation on biological systems. The next three deal with the processes of energy absorption, target theory and the direct and indirect action of radiation. The following two chapters are concerned with two widely-investigated topics, the influence of temperature and of oxygen on biological radiation effects. Having dealt with this background, the authors continue with a consideration of the action of radiation on proteins and nucleic acids, giving adequate biochemical and biological background, and leading up to nucleic acids and viruses. The last two chapters discuss the action of radiation on bacteria and some attempts at a systematic approach to the radiation response of more complex biological systems. The literature referred to throughout the chapters gives a very good cross-section of review articles and original research papers, so that a student can inform himself on any aspect discussed in the book more deeply.The book is topical, in that it demonstrates the quantitative approach of the physical scientist to the molecular events in biological systems subjected to ionizing radiations. As was stated in the original German edition, this monograph is the outcome of many discussions around a course taught to graduate students over the past 10 years by the group of scientists who came to work with K. G. Zimrner. As a result, each chapter, as well as the whole monograph, is a model of didactic writing leading up to present-day research projects and their results. The book is not only instructive and clear, but also stimulating in showing up areas of research worth pursuing further.I should like to quote a sentence from Zimmer's preface to the English edition, which illustrates the conviction of many a scientist and which could be a timely contribution to the present world-wide discussion about science policy:" Whatever practical purpose one may have in mind (such as improvements in radiation therapy or reducing risks by accidental exposure), careful studies of the underlying basic mechanisms are the fastest and safest, in fact, the only way leading to useful results." M. EBERT Neutron Fluence Measurements. IAEC Technical Reports Series No. 107. (Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency, 1970.) [Pp. iii+184. Illus.] Price $5.00, £2 ls. 8d. FoR studies of the biological or chemical effects of neutrons, a knowledge of the neutron fluence is essential. Unfortunately it is not easy to determine and, being highly dependent upon the spectrum, it is difficult to compare the effects of two equal fluences unless the spectra concerned are also known. Realising this, the Agency arranged panel discussions, the outcome of whose work is this volume and a companion on' Determination of absorbed dose in reactors ' to be published soon. The present work deals separately with thermal, intermediate and fast neutrons and, though other methods of detection and measurement are discussed, the method which receive...
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