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How Terahertz Waves Tear Apart DNA
KentuckyFC writes "Great things are expected of terahertz waves, the radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and the infrared. Terahertz waves pass through non-conducting materials such as clothes, paper, wood and brick and so cameras sensitive to them can peer inside envelopes, into living rooms and 'frisk' people at distance. That's not to mention the great potential they have in medical imaging. Because terahertz photons are not energetic enough to break chemical bonds or ionize electrons, it's easy to dismiss fears over their health effects. And yet the evidence is mixed: some studies have reported significant genetic damage while others, although similar, have reported none. Now a team led by Los Alamos National Labs thinks it knows why. They say that although the forces that terahertz waves exert on double-stranded DNA are tiny, in certain circumstances resonant effects can unzip the DNA strands, tearing them apart. This creates bubbles in the strands that can significantly interfere with processes such as gene expression and DNA replication. With terahertz scanners already appearing in airports and hospitals, the question that now urgently needs answering is what level of exposure is safe."
Who cares if we turn into an entire country of genetically deformed freaks, at least we'll be a country of SAFE and FREE genetically deformed freaks, right? Just as envisioned by our Founding Fathers. God Bless America.
that besides my geiger muller counter, my gas spectroscopy meter, and my decibel meter, I have to carry a terahertz microwave detector with me all the time?
If Pandora's box is destined to be opened, *I* want to be the one to open it.
You would deprive us of hundreds, if not thousands, of leaked nude photos of famous celebs just to save a little DNA?!?!? Are you insane, man????
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
That's odd. I get just one result, from someone named "visualight" on Slashdot!
So now I just skip any of the scanners and opt for a pat down. It slows down security, it appears to make them uncomfortable, and if I'm lucky it'll be someone attractive patting me down.
http://www.metrolyrics.com/security-joan-lyrics-fagen-donald.html
chuckle...snort!
"break chemical bonds or ionize electrons"
Don't know about breaking apart DNA, but I'm pretty sure they can't ionize electrons.
That slashdotter must be very dense indeed.
So We Use Terahertz"
i'm sorry, but for the sake of just beautifully rhyming government supported advertising jingles, we just can't stop using these waves
intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
Actually, that's what the article opens with: there are conflicting experimental reports (none involving extra heads or hair falling out, mind you) it seeks to clarify. Worth reading IMO.
No kidding!!! What do you say at this point?
I meant the actual research article.
No kidding!!! What do you say at this point?
But that's radiation from a natural source. Natural photons are much safer that artificial photons.
I read TFA and all I got was this lousy cookie
The parent was modded "insightful" because of its biting sarcasm.
Experience teaches only the teachable. -AH