What does the field of 'radiobiology' study?

Radiobiology is a specialized field that focuses on understanding how ionizing radiation interacts with living organisms, encompassing a wide range of biological responses to radiation exposure. This includes studying the molecular, cellular, and systemic effects that radiation has on biological tissues and processes, as well as the potential for radiation to cause damage at the DNA level, leading to mutations, cancer, or other health effects. Additionally, radiobiology explores the mechanisms by which organisms repair radiation-induced damage and the role of radiation in various biological phenomena, such as aging and apoptosis. This knowledge is crucial in fields like medical radiation therapy, radiation safety, and environmental health, where the effects of radiation on living systems are a primary concern.