Researching the Effects of the Presence and Absence of Ionizing Radiation - The REPAIR Project in SNOLAB

Considerable attention has been given to understanding the biological effects of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure at levels slightly above background. However, relatively few studies have been performed to examine the inverse, where natural background radiation is removed. The limited available data suggest that organisms exposed to sub-background radiation environments undergo reduced growth and an impaired capacity to repair genetic damage. SNOLAB, located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, is a unique facility for examining the effects of sub-background radiation exposure. Originally constructed for astroparticle physics research, the SNOLAB is virtually devoid of cosmic radiation.  We have established a biological research program within SNOLAB: Researching the Effects of the Presence and Absence of Ionizing Radiation (REPAIR project).   This seminar will present our current results from the REPAIR project and our on-going low dose radiation research programs.