As someone who has spent countless hours poring over comic books and Marvel movies, I can confidently say that Ang Lee’s 2003 Hulk was a fascinating exploration of one of my favorite characters. Although it may not have perfectly captured the spirit of the comics, it certainly showcased the raw power and emotional turmoil that Bruce Banner experiences in his struggle to control the beast within.
In the year 2003, five years prior to when Iron Man marked the commencement of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, audiences were introduced to the Hulk in a live-action movie for the first time. This film was a collaboration between Universal and Marvel, and it’s currently streaming on Peacock. Ang Lee directed this production, with Eric Bana portraying both the title character, the Hulk, as well as his human persona, Bruce Banner.
The narrative begins with geneticist David Banner conducting experiments aimed at modifying and enhancing human genes. However, without the required authorization for human trials, Banner decides to experiment on himself. Unbeknownst to him, this results in the transmission of a mutation to his son, Bruce. Fast forward three decades, Bruce Banner is employed at Berkeley when he encounters an accident in the lab that exposes him to intense gamma radiation. This sudden influx of energy, intermingling with his altered DNA, turns Bruce into a colossal, green-skinned enraged beast whenever he experiences anger.
Stan Lee, renowned for prioritizing emotional depth over scientific precision in his creations, once shared that he was less versed in science but had a knack for crafting engaging stories. In an interview with Today in 2006, he explained, “For the Fantastic Four, I wanted to grant them superpowers without linking them to an extraterrestrial origin. So, I decided they would go on a rocket trip and be struck by cosmic rays. As for the Hulk, I needed something unique to transform him, so I thought, ‘Let’s have him exposed to gamma rays, making him the victim of a gamma-ray blast.’ Although I’m not well-versed in gamma rays compared to cosmic rays, the idea sounded appealing.”
Across the Marvel universe, gamma radiation holds a versatile role; it can give rise to monstrous creatures like the Abomination, or heroic figures such as some of the original Avengers. In our actual world, though…
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What is gamma radiation?
In the world we live in, gamma rays won’t grant you superhuman abilities, but there’s something extraordinary about them – they predominantly originate from outside our universe. Alternatively, one could say that gamma rays are as commonplace as the earth under our feet.
As a curious enthusiast, I’ve discovered that all forms of radiation occupy specific positions along the electromagnetic spectrum. The placement of a particular wave of radiation on this spectrum is determined by its unique characteristics, namely its frequency and wavelength. On one end of the spectrum, you’ll find larger wavelength radiations such as radio waves, microwaves, and infrared. As we move towards smaller wavelengths, the radiation falls into the visible light category. Our eyes, much like optical telescopes, perceive differences in the frequency of visible light as changes in color, from a deep red to a delicate violet hue.
As wavelengths get smaller, we reach ultraviolet light which is invisible to us but is visible to some other species. Lastly, we have X-rays and gamma rays, both forms of high-frequency ionizing radiation. We call it “ionizing” because the particles are energetic enough to knock electrons free from their atoms. If that happens a little bit throughout your life, like during a medical X-ray, it’s not a big deal. Your body has mechanisms for repairing regular cellular wear and tear. If it happens a lot, however, like during a nuclear accident, ionizing radiation can cause fatal damage to the body.
Gamma rays, similar to photons that constitute visible light, are incredibly potent energy sources. So powerful is their energy that they can effortlessly penetrate multiple feet of concrete or numerous inches of solid lead. Fortunately, our planet’s atmosphere generally shields us from excessive cosmic gamma radiation. It was only after we invented high-altitude balloons and rockets to launch instruments beyond most of the atmosphere that we became aware of cosmic gamma radiation.
As an astrology enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the origins of gamma rays, a type of radiation that’s both fascinating and powerful. Here on Earth, it’s primarily produced by common radioactive decay, nuclear explosions, and rare instances of lightning strikes. Beyond our planet, gamma rays are born in stars during their supernova explosions, within neutron stars and pulsars, and in the swirling disks surrounding black holes. Occasionally, these cosmic spectacles known as Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB) occur, the most energetic eruptions since the Big Bang itself. In a blink of an eye, some GRBs can release more energy than our sun will emit over its entire lifespan.
Detecting and Using Gamma Radiation
The wavelength of gamma rays is incredibly tiny, allowing them to travel straight through an atom without any interaction, much like a bee passing from one sleeve to another without actually touching the wearer’s body. Detection of these elusive waves necessitates the use of sophisticated instruments designed with heavy crystal components.
When gamma rays pass through the detector, a certain proportion of their particles may collide with electrons. The crystalline structure of the sensor, being dense, increases the chances of such collisions. The instrument doesn’t directly detect the radiation, but rather, it observes the charged particles that result from these collisions.
Generally speaking, you want to keep as far from gamma rays as possible, but they can be useful when used safely and appropriately. Astronomers use gamma ray spectrometers to figure out what distant objects are made of. When cosmic rays hit the surface of distant planets, they interact and spit additional gamma rays. The precise nature of those rays depends on the surface materials they interact with, allowing astronomers to map alien worlds from their radiation signatures. Likewise, astronomers have used gamma radiation to map the Milky Way galaxy, by imaging the brief but intense flashes of supernovas, pulsars, and active black holes.
At a more personal level, gamma radiation is employed in cancer treatment by targeting specific types of tumors while sparing healthy cells. However, achieving this precision can be difficult. To tackle the issue, medical professionals employ a variety of lasers that strike the affected area from various angles. Since each gamma laser has minimal impact on normal tissues, the risk is reduced. The cumulative energy from all these lasers is focused on the tumor, causing destruction. It’s not like the Incredible Hulk smashing things around; instead, it’s a precise and targeted cellular-level destruction of cancer cells.
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2024-08-13 21:31