What's RIF that?

A new study hints that LNT may need some refinement.

And maybe not.


We've hypothesized for decades that DNA repair mechanisms are more effective at low doses than at high doses. 

That's why the LNT dose model uses a Dose and Dose Rate Effectiveness Factor (DDREF).

We essentially modify the curvature of the dose response line (the risk ) to be less than that if one simply did linearly extrapolate from unfractionated, high dose data.

So, the study doesn't really change anything in terms of overall thinking, though it might lead to some fine tuning.  But to take that step will require some data with real and more diverse cells (the study used immortal, breast cells) and validation of the mathematical modeling.