Key historical study findings questioned in debate over threshold versus linear non-threshold for cancer risk assessment

This paper demonstrates that the dissertation research of Ray-Chaudhuri (1939, 1944) that was used by Hermann Muller to support his radiation induced gene mutation hypothesis and linear non-threshold (LNT) dose response model during his Nobel Prize Lecture is uninterpretable with respect to these issues. The research failed to include essential research design information, resulting in reporting flaws that have never been previously identified. These observations are historically important because this dissertation was used to blunt powerful criticism of Muller's gene mutation research and strongly promoted his advocacy of the LNT model in radiation risk assessment.

Automated summary

This paper demonstrates that the dissertation research of Ray-Chaudhuri that was used by Hermann Muller to support his radiation induced gene mutation hypothesis and LNT dose response model is uninterpretable due to the lack of essential research design information. These findings are historically significant as they challenge Muller's gene mutation research and promotion of the LNT model in radiation risk assessment.