TITLE: Radiation Hormesis: Fact or Fiction

AUTHOR: Lauren M. Gasbarro

SCHOOL: Plymouth North High School

SCHOOL ADDRESS: 41 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360

The objective of this project is to study radiation properties and its interaction with matter and the environment, particularly with living cells. The "bad" effects of radiation at high doses to living cells are repeatedly documented since the nuclear bomb development days of the 1940's. Effects of low level radiation exposure are not quite as clear. Traditional theory assumes a linear (straight-line) dose versus harm response; that is, any amount of radiation is harmful. The focus of my research and resultant experimentation is to attempt validation of radiation hormesis theory. Radiation hormesis is defined as an effect where toxic radiation acts like a stimulant (beneficial) in small doses but is an inhibitor (harmful) in large doses. The doses versus harm response curve would be U-shaped to support this theory. The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory's gamma irradiation resources were utilized under a Department of Energy grant for Reactor Sharing. Vegetable seeds were chosen for the experiment.

Vegetable seeds were divided into several groups and irradiated with gamma radiation doses varying between zero rad (control groups) and 5000 rad (50 Gy). The seeds were then planted and frequently observed for sprouting, total growth, overall appearance (health), etc. Data is then tabulated and plotted to determine stimulus versus doses response of target seeds.

The conclusion is incomplete. Although signs of possible enhancement to irradiated seeds were present; the control group response exhibited lack of scientific control in the first two germination experiments. Statistically, response was poor. A third attempt is now in progress under improved conditions after additional research into the ways of a green thumb. COME SEE THE RESULTS.