The Biomedical and Life Sciences group at the Indiana University Integrated Science and Accelerator Technology Hall (ISAT Hall) is a collaboration-based research group striving to initiate, guide, and facilitate development in particle radiation research and studies in the effects of particle radiation on living organisms. This group investigates basic to pre-clinical applications of radiation to any of the life sciences. Research includes radiation measurement, analysis of radiation properties, interactions with living matter, radiation chemistry, dosimetry, radiation genetics, and biological structure and function analysis. The Life Sciences group also sponsors and facilitates research in Astrobiology and Extraterrestrial Exploration. In collaboration with the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute, ISAT Hall participates in clinical trials and the research and development of improved particle therapy techniques.
Radiation Biology and Biophysics
Proton Therapy Systems
Low energy proton beams, in the range of 60 to 235 MeV, are enormously useful for treating cancer. Charged particle radiation has a number of physical and biological advantages over traditional radiation therapy including finite range, increased biological effectiveness and reduced entrance dose. As part of the ongoing research and development efforts in the area of proton therapy, ISAT Hall designed and constructed the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute (MPRI). This facility is located at the ISAT Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. The Biomedical group collaborates with the MPRI in the research and development of improved particle therapy techniques
Solar Proton Radiobiological Institute
ISAT Hall, the Indiana University School of Medicine and Shot, Inc. have formed a collaboration to study the impact of solar storm radiation on astronauts in Earth orbit. Prolonged space flight causes multiple low gravity effects on human physiology including fluid loss, muscle atrophy, bone decomposition, reduced bone marrow activity, immune and hematological deficiencies, anemia, and latent virus activation. This collaboration will simulate the space environment in order to investigate the effect of low gravity physiology on radiation response mechanisms. The effectiveness of radiation protection mechanisms will also be determined.
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Life Sciences at Indiana University
Indiana University has a long and distinguished history of research in radiation biology, molecular biology, genetics, and analytical chemistry, the foundations of modern advances in the life sciences. The university also has established world-class core facilities in genomics, imaging, proteomics, protein expression, animal models, medical informatics, and bioinformatics.
