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Brazilian guidelines for high school and several studies conducted in different countries have shown the importance of working in physics education the interrelations between the subject radiations and aspects of medicine/health. Thus, in order to understand how the literature of physics/science education area has addressed such relationships, we review papers published in 24 national and international journals, in two Brazilian conference proceedings (EPEFs and SNEFs) and in dissertations and theses produced in Brazilian graduate programs. We found 31 studies, four in EPEFs, fourteen in SNEFs, four in the journal Physics Education, one in the journal International Journal of Science Education, one in the journal Research in Science & Technological Education, one in the journal The Physics Teacher, one in the Brazilian journal Ensaio: Pesquisa em Educação em Ciências and five master's dissertations produced in the following universities: UFRGS, UFRJ, Unicamp and USP. In addition to synthesize each of the selected works, we systematize their contributions in three categories: I) Justifications for the teaching of radiations and specially to relate them to aspects of medicine/health; II) Considerations about didactic resources to address the issue; and III) Considerations about the results obtained from the application of educational proposals. We conclude that although the reviewed literature offers interesting contributions, there is still lack of empirical research on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of nanotechnology in medical practice has made possible great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases, with the subsequent increase in life expectancy. However, scanty knowledge on the science and its potentialities brings about an underexploited factor. The use of nanotechnological tools for the improvement of test images, drugs and biosensors seems to be one of the bases of modern medicine. Nanotechnology should transcend its futuristic stigma and be incorporated as part of the process in the evolution of basic and applied science, subsidizing all areas, medicine included. Studies on the understanding of nanotechnology bases and its applicability are instruments for the dissemination of the science, triggering a better positioning for researchers, students and health professionals with regard to future changes in medical practices. Current paper presents information on the scientific bases of nanotechnology by discussing its main applications in medicine. Results will be of use for a better understanding of potentialities in nanotechnology and will contribute towards health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]