Gamma Rays
What are they?
Gamma rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy of any wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe, such as neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and regions around black holes. On Earth, gamma waves are generated by nuclear explosions, lightning, and the less dramatic activity of radioactive decay.
How They're Made
Gamma rays are given off by stars, and by some radioactive substances. They are extremely high frequency waves, and carry a large amount of energy. They pass through most materials, and are quite difficult to stop - you need lead or concrete in order to block them out.
Uses
Because Gamma rays can kill living cells, they are used to kill cancer cells without having to resort to difficult surgery.This is called radiotherapy, and works because healthy cells can repair themselves fairly well when damaged by gamma rays - but cancer cells can't. Getting the dose right is very important! There's also targeted radiotherapy, where a radioactive substance is used to kill cancer cells - but it's a substance that'll be taken up by a specific part of the body, so the rest of the body only gets a low dose. An example would be using radioactive iodine to treat cancer in the thyroid gland. Radioactivity is particularly damaging to rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.
Dangers
Gamma rays cause cell damage and can cause a variety of cancers. They cause mutations in growing tissues, so unborn babies are especially vulnerable.
Future Possibilities
If gamma rays can cure cancers, maybe in the future they can cure other diseases and illnesses.
Gamma rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy of any wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe, such as neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and regions around black holes. On Earth, gamma waves are generated by nuclear explosions, lightning, and the less dramatic activity of radioactive decay.
How They're Made
Gamma rays are given off by stars, and by some radioactive substances. They are extremely high frequency waves, and carry a large amount of energy. They pass through most materials, and are quite difficult to stop - you need lead or concrete in order to block them out.
Uses
Because Gamma rays can kill living cells, they are used to kill cancer cells without having to resort to difficult surgery.This is called radiotherapy, and works because healthy cells can repair themselves fairly well when damaged by gamma rays - but cancer cells can't. Getting the dose right is very important! There's also targeted radiotherapy, where a radioactive substance is used to kill cancer cells - but it's a substance that'll be taken up by a specific part of the body, so the rest of the body only gets a low dose. An example would be using radioactive iodine to treat cancer in the thyroid gland. Radioactivity is particularly damaging to rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.
Dangers
Gamma rays cause cell damage and can cause a variety of cancers. They cause mutations in growing tissues, so unborn babies are especially vulnerable.
Future Possibilities
If gamma rays can cure cancers, maybe in the future they can cure other diseases and illnesses.