A new technique for assessing radiation damage to DNA indicates that the spatial arrangement of the damage is more important than the number of lesions in determining the severity of the damage according to a report released by Brookhaven National Laboratory (USA DOE) published in the March 19, 2008 Acids Research. The researchers were looking at the possible danger to future astronauts from highly charged radioactive particles in space. What they do not say is that these “space particles” are the same as those here on earth generated through nuclear fission. They are alpha and beta particles released by radioactive atoms. X-rays and Gamma rays are part of the electro-magnetic spectrum, like visible light. They are photons rather than particles.

The Study stated:

“Radiation can damage the DNA double-helix in a variety of ways: 1) by knocking off one or more of the DNA “bases” known by the letters A, T, G and C that form the bonds between the two strands of the double helix; 2) by oxidizing these bases; or 3) by breaking through one or more strands. All will result in the failure of the affected molecule to perform its main task, telling cells which protein to make. The result can lead to out-of-control cell growth (cancer) or death of the affected cell.

“Cells can often repair radiation damaged DNA using special enzymes to excise and patch up the damaged segments. But damage from ionizing particle radiation appears to be harder to repair than that caused by X-rays and Gamma rays because the placement of the two types of damage according to the report of their research.”

They do not mention the damage to DNA that can cause genetic and teratogenic effects.