Astronomy
Radioactivity is a natural part [local] of the environment. All of the chemical elements found in our universe were created in stars like our sun [local]. Long lived isotopes exist in oceans and the atmosphere as well as in rocks and geological formations. When making decisions about nuclear usage, it is important to assess the natural background and how that may change.

Biology
Radiocarbon dating [local] is a wonderful tool for determining the age [local] of very old objects. Yet researchers must be conscious of potential sources of error in the process and make certain corrections [local]. The radiocarbon dating process has been applied to many high profile archeological findings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls [local] and the Mammoths on Wrangel Island [local].

The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand 3,000 times as much radiation as humans!

Geology
In addition to comparing the energy output differences for nuclear and coal combustion, we also need to examine the radiation danger presented by each. Coal combustion [local] releases a large number of radioisotopes into the air. The average American might find it surprising to learn that coal combustion possesses a much larger radiation threat to the population than does nuclear power production.