The Role of Natural Background Radiation on Neurological Development and Processes

All species on the planet are affected by their environment: temperature, atmospheric pressure, daylight hours, and so on. These conditions affect how a species react to stress, grow, reproduce, and survive. Natural background radiation (NBR) is ever-present and has been prior to the evolution of all species. In order to study the effect of NBR on important biological processes, such as brain growth and development, we must remove it from the environment to see if it induces any changes. In order to remove NBR, a deep underground laboratory, shielded from NBR exposure must be used. This research will be important to science and radiation-relevant industries as it will produce previously unknown knowledge about NBR and how it affects the brain and behaviour.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sujeenthar Tharmalingam

Student:

Christine Lalonde

Partner:

Nuclear Innovation Institute

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Other

University:

Laurentian University