Radiation Techniques in Health and Environment

Radiation science has become a cornerstone of modern medicine, offering powerful tools for both diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-ray, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and gamma camera systems utilize radiation to provide high-resolution visualization of internal structures. Therapeutic applications have evolved from conventional radiotherapy to highly sophisticated techniques including Photon Beam Radiotherapy using LINAC, Gamma Knife, and CyberKnife systems. Advanced modalities such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) allow for precise delivery of high-dose radiation to tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Emerging techniques such as FLASH radiotherapy, which delivers radiation at very high speeds, and carbon ion therapy, which is effective against resistant tumors, are bringing major improvements to cancer treatment. Cherenkov radiation is being explored for its role in treatment visualization and dosimetry, while Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT) uses tumor-specific radioactive agents to deliver internal radiation precisely to cancer cells. Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) modifies treatment plans during therapy to account for tumor or patient changes. These developments are shaping the future of oncology, with an emphasis on precision, safety, and therapeutic efficiency. Beyond medicine, radiation is also applied in environmental protection. It is used for purifying wastewater through radiolysis, sterilizing hazardous solid waste, facilitating the breakdown of plastics, and detecting pollutants using nuclear analytical methods. These applications highlight the broader utility of radiation in supporting both health and environmental sustainability.