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PART VII
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Genetics Research
1, Radiation, by acting upon germ cells, can bring about
alteration of the genes, upon which inheritance depends,
Precise
estimation of the genetic effects of increased radiation on human
populations is not possible on the basis of present
information” Although recent studies have disclosed tnat
certain earlier conclusions were based on experience of too
limited scope, their results have also pointed to areas in
which new or more accurate information is needed and to methods
by which such information may be gained,
The concerted
attention of geneticists and biologists on these problexs during
the past two years has served to increase agreement on wna
needs to be done and to heighten the interest of competent
scientists in undertaking the work,
2. Certain conclusions relative to the genetic effects of
radiation are accepted with little or no divergence of orinion:
~
a, Mutations occur spontaneously,
very low rates,
or naturally, at
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bp, Mutations not identifiably different frem these
occurring naturally can also te induced by verious
chemical and physical agents,
including rediation,
c, Tne frequency of radiation-induced mutations
is roughly proportional to the cumulative expscsure
of the germ cells to radiation, and is relatively
independent of the duration and intensity. |
e
TV/ Discussions estimating tne possibpie genetic efrects of weapon
™
tests are to be found in the hearing of April 15,
1955, vcefore
the Joint Committee on Atcmic Energy and in the staterent of
May 12, 1955, by members of the Advisory Committee on Blology
and Medicine, quoted in Commissioner Libby's speech cf
June 3, 1955.
7
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