Re-evaluation of lethal radiation dose in Drosophila melanogaster using 350KeV electrons

The original goal of this research is to measure radiation dosages from 350KeV electron beam based on response to radiation of Drosophila melanogaster. 

As published earlier, LD50 is greater than 452Gy for all development stages. In this research, we look throughout from pupae stage into adulthood considering development rates with dose-dependent differences. Fruit flies were irradiated at the most sensitive time: the egg stage. Effective LD50 including long term effects is significantly reduced. For the maximum pupae population recorded at 173hr, LD50 was noted around 48Gy, while for the complete adult population at 310hr, LD50 was about 15Gy. The outcomes showed that if observed long enough, fruit fly eggs will not die right away after radiation, they will develop to the pupa, late pupa or adult formation phase and die at various stages. The concept of LD50 must be modified based on the observed stage of development.

The global aim is to identify optimal radiation effect conditions on fruit flies for the development of the next generation which may lead to the creation of a radiation-resistant biological system that can be applied to living organisms as well as be transferable to HeLa cells and other non-biological systems.