Radiation exposure and tissue elemental fingerprints
Project-003
This project looks at how internal radioactive material leaves tiny elemental fingerprints in organs and cells so doctors can better spot past exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map where radioactive particles end up in tissues using high-resolution X-ray fluorescence microscopy and other imaging tools. They will link those elemental maps to biological signs such as DNA damage, micro-RNA changes, and immune cell infiltration at nano- to meso-scales. The work uses animal models and tissue samples to find consistent molecular and histological biomarkers of exposure. The goal is to create measurable tissue signatures that could help identify and understand past internal radiation exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known or suspected internal radioactive contamination—such as survivors of radiation accidents or patients exposed during certain medical procedures—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without any history of radioactive exposure or whose exposure was only external and not internal are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve detection and diagnosis of past internal radiation exposure and guide medical response after contamination events.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found radiation-related biomarkers and used tissue imaging, but combining elemental X-ray mapping with molecular markers across multiple scales is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woloschak, Gayle E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Woloschak, Gayle E.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.