Non Peer-reviewed Articles
These are articles which the CHRC has written specifically for the British nuclear test veteran community for publication in the magazines Campaign (2016-2017) and Exposure (since 2018). Their purpose to inform the nuclear community about the work of the CHRC and to educate about the science which underpins our research.
A lay summary of: “Is that a coincidence?”: Exploring health perceptions and the causal attributions of physical health conditions in British nuclear test veterans.
Published in Exposure Magazine, August 2022
Here we present a lay summary of the recently published paper by Collett, G., Martin, W., Young, W. R., & Anderson, R. M. This summary outlines the key research question, how the researchers went about addressing this and, the key findings of the work.
A lay summary of: Mortality and cancer incidence 1952–2017 in United Kingdom participants in the United Kingdom’s atmospheric nuclear weapon tests and experimental programmes.
Published in Exposure Magazine, April 2022
Here we present a lay summary of the 4th epidemiological update recently published by Gillies and Haylock. This summary outlines the key research question, how the researchers went about addressing this and, the key findings of the work.
A lay summary of: Lack of transgenerational effects of ionizing radiation exposure from the Chernobyl accident.
Published in Exposure Magazine, November 2021
Here we present a lay summary of a recently published study by Yeager and co-authors. The summary outlines the key research questions, how the researchers went about addressing those questions and, the key findings of the work.
Ionising Radiation and Cancer Part 2
Published in Exposure Magazine, April 2021
This is the second part of a two-part article. This article discusses the findings of researchers who have investigated the occurrence of radiation-induced cancers in defined groups of people using a science called radiation epidemiology.
Ionising Radiation and Cancer Part 1
Published in Exposure Magazine, December 2020
In this article we discuss cancer as a health effect which may arise as a consequence of exposure to ionising radiation.
Ionising Radiation and Tissue Effects Part 2
Published in Exposure Magazine, Summer 2020
This is the second part of a two-part article. This article discusses examples of late tissue effects, i.e. effects which can take place several years after exposure such as cardiovascular disease and cataracts.
Ionising Radiation and Tissue Effects Part 1
Published in Exposure Magazine, April 2020
In this article, we discuss the non-cancer health effects of radiation on exposed individuals. The article explains how ionising radiation can cause damage to cells that can lead to cellular death and how this in-turn can produce damage in tissues and organs known as ‘tissue effects’.
Radiation Exposed Populations
Published in Exposure Magazine, August 2019
In this article we introduce research from scientists from around the world who are studying groups of people known to be exposed to radiation. The article includes medically-exposed populations, survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and those affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.
Assessment of Risks from Combined Exposures to Radiation and Chemicals
Published in Exposure Magazine, April 2019
Here we summarise the CHRC project that is examining the effects of combined exposures to radiation and chemicals. The article explains the work being carried out in order to help us gain an understanding of the possible risks of such combined exposure on health.
Investigating the DNA of British Nuclear Test Veterans and their Families
Published in Exposure Magazine, December 2018
A major component of the research programme that is currently underway at CHRC is the genetic and cytogenetic assessment of nuclear test veterans and their families. This article provides information on the rationale and process for undertaking this study.
Techniques to study de novo mutations
Published in Exposure Magazine, August 2018
We describe here the scientific detail behind the new DNA technologies that we are using as part of the ‘Genetic and Cytogenetic study’. The techniques and processes described can be used to identify the potential for newly arising mutations in the descendants of exposed populations.
Exposure Worry, Ageing, and Cognitive Functioning
Published in Exposure Magazine, August 2018
This article outlines the CHRC project that is examining factors associated with cognitive functioning. The article talks about the nature of ‘exposure worry’ and the possible association with cognitive impairment in old age, specifically in veterans who have witnessed historical nuclear weapons tests.
Why can’t I volunteer for the genetic study?
Published in Exposure Magazine, April 2018
At the start of the ‘Genetic and Cytogenetic’ study the CHRC was approached by many veterans wishing to take part. This article was written in response to explain the reasons why individuals are are unable to pro-actively volunteer.
Genome Biology: Techniques to study chromosome aberrations
Published in Campaign Magazine, Spring 2017
This article provides background knowledge relevant to the ‘Genetic and Cytogenetic’ study. It describes the various techniques used to study chromosomal aberrations including an overview of the technique known as fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).
Genome Biology: Chromosomes and their structural rearrangement
Published in Campaign Magazine, Summer 2016
This article describes the structural rearrangement of chromosomes and the possibility of incorrect repair when damage occurs as a result of radiation exposure.