An overview of an invisible force

In the decades since its discovery, radioactivity has transformed in the minds of the public from an inscrutable force to a potentially fatal health risk. But radioactivity is also an important scientific tool, and is the theme of a new book by ICTP consultant and former assistant director Claudio Tuniz, who broadly outlines its uses from paleontology to power generation to public health.

The book, Radioactivity: A Very Short Introduction, is part of a series of more than 300 books on academic subjects published by Oxford University Press. It was released 20 July, and explores the scientific uses for radioactivity as well as the public's complicated relationship with it. "Now there is fear," said Tuniz, "But in the old days they thought it was magic." Tuniz is an expert on radioactive dating, a process that uses modern physics tools such as particle accelerators to measure the age of fossils, artifacts and other materials.

In addition to tracking the history of fossils and other ancient objects, radioactivity is used to locate massive sources of groundwater, and to speed up the genetic mutation of food for agriculture. It has even been explored as a possible solution to the malaria epidemic -- female mosquitoes can only breed once in their lifetimes, so if many male mosquitoes are rendered sterile by radioactivity and then released into the wild, numerous female mosquitoes would lose their only chance to reproduce.

In spite of its useful contributions to medicine and history, radioactivity remains a major source of anxiety for many. While it is dangerous at high doses, the fact is that we are constantly showered by radioactivity at levels that aren't dangerous. "The fear of radioactivity is very strong, because you can't see, smell or hide from it," said Tuniz. Even his book, he said, is slightly radioactive. But Tuniz hopes that the new publication will contribute to a better understanding of the many benefits of this interesting physical phenomenon.