Radiation Damaged DNA Test

2000/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika

Researchers at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in the United States have invented a test to measure and identify the effects of radiation on DNA chains. The new test is based on the enzyme that cuts DNA at affected points, i.e. DNA or cells radiating, adding enzymes, collecting parts and measuring damage. The researchers considered that the double helix of DNA chains was broken by radiation effect, but they suspected that oxidations could also occur. But there was no means to measure it. Using the test, they have been able to verify that oxidations have occurred in 80% of the affected DNA parts. Therefore, oxidation processes are more important than expected. The test also serves to observe how easily the cell resolves damage or whether all the cells in the body respond equally to radiation. The new technique can help to understand the radiation risk astronauts receive in space and improve cancer therapies.