Abstract

This is the story of radioactive carbon and the incalculable knowledge that has resulted from its discovery. Radioactive carbon is used routinely to elucidate biochemical pathways, date archaeological artefacts and to follow the currents of the atmosphere and oceans. The story takes us into the murky world of quantum theory and touches even upon the search for extraterrestrial life.
Explores the application of radioactivity as a tool in scientific research. Components of radioactivity; Sources of carbon-14; Impact of the discovery of carbon-14 on the advancement of metabolism and biochemistry; Description of the complex metabolism of carbon-14 tecnazene; Detection of the levels of radioactivity in biological samples.