Energetics and Mechanisms in Radiation Biology

Ed. by Glyn O. Phillips. Cloth, $22.50. Pp. 528, with figures. New York, Academic Press, 1968. In Wales in 1967, thirty-six biologists, chemists, and physicists engaged in radiation research gathered to discuss the basic mechanisms of radiation biology. Each of the participants discussed not only his own work but also reviewed a wide range of scientific literature related to his topic. This book presents the proceedings and is extremely well illustrated with graphs, diagrams, and pictures. The data are well tabulated; formulas and mathematical treatment have been clearly presented. Each chapter is profusely documented by references. There is a convenient author and subject index. An interesting section discussing the chemical and physical processes of radiation effects in simple molecules is followed by an account of irradiated frozen aqueous systems. The information on the solvated electron, both in ice and in the aqueous state, has been reviewed. Principles, technics, and design of experiments in pulse radiolysis to identify various short-lived free radicals and excited species are presented in a well organized chapter. Charge transfer in organic systems is discussed as well as the chemistry of the electron. Radiation effects on organic compounds including carbohydrates and cellulose as well as energy transfer in aeromatic liquids have been reviewed. The fluorescence and luminescence in biology are interestingly described as is the energy transfer in bioluminescence. A discussion on the effects of radiation on sulfur-containing compounds is followed by one on the radiation effects on connective tissue, blood vessels, the heart, and the eye. Recovery and repair of micro-organisms from ionizing radiation are given in detail, as well as the methods of repair of DNA structural defects due to ultraviolet light exposure. X-ray-induced breaks in phage DNA are also discussed. In addition, there is an interesting discussion of radiation chemistry of solids and polymer materials. This book is an excellent reference for those interested in basic radiation biology. The complete text has comprehensively presented our current knowledge in fundamental radiation biology and should be useful to the physicist, the chemist, the radiobiologist, and the physician interested in a detailed treatment of this subject material.