Raman spectroscopic study of electron-beam irradiated cold-smoked salmon
Abstract Raman spectroscopy studies have been carried out to determine the effect of electron-beam irradiation on cold-smoked salmon. Vacuum packed samples were electron-beam irradiated at doses between 0 and 8 kGy. The irradiation at 8 kGy originated modifications on the protein secondary structure with a decrease (p
Are philosophers of science limited to conducting autopsies on dead scientific theories, or might they also help resolve contemporary methodological disputes in science? This essay (1) gives an overview of thought experiments, especially in mathematics; (2) outlines three major positions on the current dose-response controversy for ionizing radiation; and (3) sketches an original mathematical thought experiment that might help resolve the low-dose radiation conflict. This thought experiment relies on the assumptions that radiation "hits'' are Poisson distributed and that background conditions cause many more radiation-induced cancers than human activities. The essay closes by responding to several key objections to the position defended here.