Download: ESS Scandinavia Booklet "Neutrons & Health" (PDF, 10 Mb)

Number of pages: 30

Summary: The ESS-Scandinavia team is bringing together the energies and expertise of the scientific community to propose a preliminary programme that will take the project forward. In particular, ESS-Scandinavia is reviewing several aspects of neutron research, such as those related to human health, in order to highlight the impact of neutrons and the challenges that should be met. New neutron methods developed at the ESS will be required to tackle challenges set by the quest for a higher quality of life and better health in a clean environment. They are needed to elucidate more complex biological structures and processes - perhaps eventually in living cells in real time.

Experiments carried out over biological timescales will lead to an increased understanding of cellular processes such as membrane-fusion and molecular recognition. Fast and routine studies of biomaterials, foods, pharmaceuticals, and systems relevant to environmental health will also be possible with the ESS. This first booklet in a series is intended to show that neutron facilities are valuable and efficient tools for research and development work in all the fields related to human health. The following selected examples and highlights illustrate the value and elegance of neutron scattering methods in various aspects covering biomolecular physics studies, structural biology, as well as materials of medical, nutritional and environmental importance.