Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
Radiator
A device for radiating heat or light.
-
Radiation treatment
The administration of high-energy x-ray photons, electrons, or nuclear emissions for the cure of cancer or palliation of symptoms.
-
Intraoperative radiation therapy
The administration of a large dose of radiation to a malignant tumor during surgery. After the tumor is debulked, the surrounding tissues are displaced, temporarily sutured, or protected by the applicator shield. The applicator then delivers a large dose of radiation directly to the affected tissues. IORT is used, e.g., to manage otherwise un-resectable tumors.…
-
Conformal radiation therapy
The application of radiation therapy to tumors that have been imaged three-dimensionally. The objective is to deliver the radiation directly to the tumor (to make the energy “conform” to the unique shape of the tumor), leaving neighboring healthy tissues unaffected by the damaging effects of radiation.
-
Radiation syndrome
Illness due to overexposure to harmful electromagnetic waves, usually x-rays or gamma rays. Mild acute illness is manifested by anorexia, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Delayed effects resulting from repeated or prolonged exposure may result in skin ulcers, alopecia, proctitis, enteritis, amenorrhea, sterility, disturbances in blood cell formation, cataract formation, premature aging, and cancer. …
-
Radiation symbol
An international symbol used to indicate radioactive sources, containers for radioactive materials, and areas where radioactive materials are stored and used. The presence of this symbol (a magenta or black propeller on a yellow background) on a sign denotes the need for caution to avoid contamination with or undue exposure to atomic radiation. The wording…
-
Radiation protection
Prophylaxis against injury from ionizing radiation. The only effective preventive measures are shielding the source and the operator, handlers, and patients; maintaining appropriate distance from the source; and limiting the time and amount of exposure. In general, the use of drugs to protect against radiation is not practical because of their toxicity. An exception is…
-
Ionizing radiation injury
Damage to cells and intracellular molecules by x-rays, gamma rays, radionuclides, or other sources of radioactive energy. In sufficient doses, radioactive energy can damage the cytoplasm and the genetic material of the cell, leading to organ dysfunction (especially in rapidly dividing tissues such as the skin and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract), mutations, inhibition…
-
Thalamic radiation
Groups of fibers connecting the thalamus with the cerebral hemispheres. These include frontal, centroparietal, occipital, and optic radiations.
-
Synchrotron radiation
Radiation released by charged particles accelerated by a synchrotron. It may be used to obtain noninvasive images of body structures (e.g., the coronary arteries) or to study the structure of proteins, tissue samples, or other objects of biological or medical interest.
Got any book recommendations?