Stearns,a biochemist,was named principal investigator of Northern Arizona University study tied to improving health among Native American communities. The project was funded by a joint grant to the Flagstaff,Ariz., university and the Arizona Cancer by the National Cancer Institute.
Q. As a chemistry professor,why did you study depleted uranium?
To encourage Native American students to go into cancer research.We found that the Navajo Nation is interested in exposure to radiation in mining.It is banned on the reservation,but they are planning to open the mines at Four Corners.(Ariz)
Q. What did you and your students study?
In my study how materials are toxic.We focus on the science. We looked at uranium as a heavy metal and how it can damage DNA independent of its radioactivity.Depleted uranium is less radioactivity.but you are only looking at a small difference. We exposed cells grown in the lab to depleted uranium.It would be the form ciculating through the body.
Q. What di you find?
We looked at the types of damage.We found strand breaks and that the uranium bonded to DNA-and that is something new.
Q.What does it mean in relationship to health?
We found mutations in the cell that can lead to cancer.Usually its also affects birth defects,but we did not study that.
Q.What is the value of this discovery?
Our work allows us to raise questions.If there is evidence that (depleted uranium)affects DNA ,we definitely need to look at this.
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