Research in the Department of Radiobiology at the Institute for Environmental Sciences (IES) has focused mainly on the biological effects of long-term low dose-rate radiation exposure on mice since its establishment 30 y ago. The IES has exposed thousands of mice of various strains, to gamma-rays, mostly chronically, at low dose-rates of 0.05, 1, 20 or 100 mGy/d, at medium dose-rates of 200 or 400 mGy/d or at acute high dose-rates of 0.7-0.9 Gy/min. The dose-rate 0.05 mGy/d is comparable with the dose limit for radiation workers of 100 mSv/5 y. The results will be presented based on the parameters examined at various endpoints such as life span, neoplasm (cancer incidence), chromosome aberrations frequencies, alterations in mRNA levels, tumour transplantability and developmental abnormalities after in utero exposures. The results from research collaborations with universities and institutions both domestic (within Japan) and international will be presented. Lastly, an outline of experiments (e.g. juvenile exposure, low dose tritium exposures) and projects (e.g. radiobiology archives) currently in progress and future research perspectives will be described.
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