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Mini Particle Accelerators Make Cancer Treatment Safer for Everyone
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Mini Particle Accelerators Make Cancer Treatment Safer for Everyone

Sophia Chen
Wired, 2017
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening
  • Overview

Recommendation

Science writer Sophia Chen provides a straightforward explanation of how radiation therapy machines work and why the new linear accelerators (linacs) are safer and better than the old type that uses radioactive material. She shares some disturbing stories about radiation accidents that happened when old machines ended up in the junkyard, explains why developing nations need new machines adapted for their environments and identifies who is helping to achieve that goal. getAbstract recommends Chen’s analysis to anyone with an interest in health care in developing nations.

Take-Aways

  • In United States hospitals, linear accelerator (linac) machines have almost entirely replaced the older machines, which used radioactive materials to treat cancer patients.
  • Many developing nations haven’t made the change because the new machines require specialized training, maintenance and a reliable power supply.
  • Discarded isotopic machines pose a threat to public health, both from accidents and terrorism.

About the Author

Sophia Chen is a science writer and “lapsed physicist.” She writes for Wired, New Scientist, and other publications.

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