Alternatives to Radioisotopes

[Erick Lindstrom <avrel@gemini.oscs.montana.edu>]

Greetings Radsafers:

I'm looking for some references that focus on alternatives/substitutes to
the usage of radioisotopes in life science type research (biomedical,
molecular biology, plant sciences, etc.).  There are a number of products
available (e.g., dyes, fluorescent stains, "AuroProbe" (Gold), etc.).  In
particular, I'm having difficulty in finding literature that discusses how
their use minimizes some of safety and waste disposal issues that
traditional radiotracer techniques pose.

Have any of you folks come across any published material that discusses the
pros and cons of the radioactive vs. non-radioactive methods (hopefully
with some detailed info addressing the safety and waste management
problems). I'd certainly appreciate any leads!

Best regards,

-Erick Lindstrom


 Erick Lindstrom
 Radiation Safety Officer
 Montana State University
 309 Montana Hall
 Bozeman, MT  59717-2440
 Phone: (406) 994-2108
 Fax:	(406) 994-4792
 avrel@gemini.oscs.montana.edu

 "Strange as it may seem, no amount of learning can cure stupidity, and 
 formal education positively fortifies it."  - Stephen Vizinczey