Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Fozzie on 26/04/2012 10:32:22

Title: Could WIMPs trigger cancer?
Post by: Fozzie on 26/04/2012 10:32:22

Having read this article today http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/04/120424-dark-matter-collisions-humans-wimps-physics-space-science/ it got me thinking.

The medical profession don't seem to have come up with a definitive answer as to exactly what causes cells to suddenly become cancerous, so would it just be possible that some cancers could be started by this interaction, or by some other high energy particles coming from space?

Title: Re: Could WIMPs trigger cancer?
Post by: yor_on on 26/04/2012 11:12:32

Sounds very theoretical that calculation. But sure, all sorts of radiation is bad in too high a dosage, as I think.

Title: Re: Could WIMPs trigger cancer?
Post by: JP on 26/04/2012 14:33:36

They might contribute a tiny bit, but we do know that particles cause cancer by damaging the cells so that the cells reproduce uncontrollably.  To damage cells, the particles have to interact with them.  Therefore, weakly interacting particles (the WI_P in WIMPS) aren't going to be a big culprit here.  Photons, electrons and protons are major causes of radiation/particle-induced cancer because they interact strongly with matter.

Title: Re: Could WIMPs trigger cancer?
Post by: Pmb on 26/04/2012 23:56:03

Quote from: Fozzie on 26/04/2012 10:32:22

Having read this article today http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/04/120424-dark-matter-collisions-humans-wimps-physics-space-science/ it got me thinking.

The medical profession don't seem to have come up with a definitive answer as to exactly what causes cells to suddenly become cancerous,...

How do you know that the medical profession have looked very hard or not for a cause?