What is Free Radical Biology?

Free radical biology is the study of the interaction of free radicals within biological material. Free radicals are atoms or molecules with at least one unpaired electron. Free radical biology is closely related to radiation biology since 70-80% of the effect of radiation on cells is due to the production of free radicals. The study of free radicals has become of extreme interest because of the role of free radicals in a large number of diseases and pathological states. As examples, cancer, aging, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and Lou Gehrig's disease all have a free radical component to their mechanism of debilitation. The use of free radical modulators in the prevention and treatment of these diseases is under close investigation at this time including clinical trials.

Research in free radical biology is an interdisciplinary field of study. Research ranges from studies of the fundamental chemistry of free radical reactions, to antioxidant enzymes (their biophysics, biochemistry, biology and molecular biology), to free radical pathology, to even epidemiological studies. It is a broad area of research with many opportunities.

Oxygen Society/International Society for Free Radical Research The International Society for Free Radical Research was launched in 1982 to provide a forum for interdisciplinary discussion on free radical processes. Because it is now realized that free radicals are involved in many health issues there are literally thousands of scientists worldwide involved in free radical research. These scientist have formed a union, The International Society for Free Radical Research (ISFRR), to aid in the dissemination of information on free radicals.

The Oxygen Society is the constituent member of ISFRR for the Americas having over 1000 members. The Oxygen Society sponsors annual meetings and the scientific journal, Free Radical Biology and Medicine. More details on the Society, the Journal, and the annual meeting can be found on the Oxygen Society Home Page.