The Good Gamma Rays

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Lauren Kelley 
Waves Blog 
11/7/18 
The Good Gamma Rays 

As we studied waves this chapter, we learned of many types ranging from harmless long radio waves to the deadly gamma rays. Also, while I was working on my electromagnetic project I researched and found out just how dangerous they are! The rays can cause DNA damage, cancer and radiation sickness. So, this got me thinking; are there any positive uses of gamma rays? 
Although quite ironic, gamma rays are used to treat cancer as well as cause it. The rays can destroy the cells through a technology called the gamma ray knife. The knife uses concentrated gamma ray beans. When someone chooses the treatment, it is called a surgery even though that is not close to what is happening. The reason it is called a surgery is because the outcomes are similar. The surgery is effective because it causes the blood vessels to gradually close off, killing the cancer cells. The knife is most effective in treating tumors, blood vessel malformations and nerve conditions.  
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Gamma rays can also be used in jewelry. This method is called gemstone irradiation. The gamma ray beams are used to transform white topaz to blue topaz and inspect for imperfections that cannot be seen with the human eye.  This use of gamma rays is completely safe. People have been using gamma rays for topaz for over thirty years now. Topaz is the most famous example, but in fact there are plenty other gemstones that gamma rays are used on. For example, Diamonds, Pearls, Quartz and Tourmaline all use the irradiation treatment. After treatment, long periods of time are needed for the radiation to wear off, before it is safe for people to have. The average time ranges from twelve to twenty-four months.  
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Lastly, gamma rays can also be in used PET scans and bone scans to detect malignancies, which are the tendencies of a medical condition that becomes progressively worse. A PET scan is the most effective way to search the body for diseases and cancer which in result saves lives. The gamma rays here are what the body makes in response to the image being taken of their body. The gamma rays help the machine create a picture with high spatial resolution.  
I have confidence that the next steps would be using gamma rays to help more people in many ways. Already, gamma rays are saving lives through their medical technologies when they are used in the right ways. Gamma rays are powerful, and they can revolutionize the medical field if they are used without causing harm.   




Works cited:  
https://www.reference.com/science/benefits-gamma-rays-beaa671d07c42d99  
https://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/treatments/gamma-knife-radiosurgery/  
https://www.jtv.com/library/article/gemstone-irradiation-treatment  
https://www.gemrockauctions.com/learn/did-you-know/are-irradiated-gemstones-dangerous 
http://www.iop.org/education/teacher/resources/teaching-medical-physics/positron/page_56317.html   

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