In recent decades, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been applied in many medical fields, opening the possibility of finding novel solutions for managing very complex and multifactorial problems, such as those commonly encountered in radiotherapy (RT). We conducted a PubMed and Scopus search to identify the AI application field in RT limited to the last four years. In total, 1824 original papers were identified, and 921 were analyzed by considering the phase of the RT workflow according to the applied AI approaches. AI permits the processing of large quantities of information, data, and images stored in RT oncology information systems, a process that is not manageable for individuals or groups. AI allows the iterative application of complex tasks in large datasets (e.g., delineating normal tissues or finding optimal planning solutions) and might support the entire community working in the various sectors of RT, as summarized in this overview. AI-based tools are now on the roadmap for RT and have been applied to the entire workflow, mainly for segmentation, the generation of synthetic images, and outcome prediction. Several concerns were raised, including the need for harmonization while overcoming ethical, legal, and skill barriers.

Space radiobiology is an interdisciplinary science that examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation on humans involved in aerospace missions. The dose-effect models are one of the relevant topics of space radiobiology. Their knowledge is crucial for optimizing radioprotection strategies (e.g., spaceship and lunar space station-shielding and lunar/Mars village design), the risk assessment of the health hazard related to human space exploration, and reducing damages induced to astronauts from galactic cosmic radiation. Dose-effect relationships describe the observed damages to normal tissues or cancer induction during and after space flights. They are developed for the various dose ranges and radiation qualities characterizing the actual and the forecast space missions [International Space Station (ISS) and solar system exploration]. Based on a Pubmed search including 53 papers reporting the collected dose-effect relationships after space missions or in ground simulations, 7 significant dose-effect relationships (e.g., eye flashes, cataract, central nervous systems, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chromosomal aberrations, and biomarkers) have been identified. For each considered effect, the absorbed dose thresholds and the uncertainties/limitations of the developed relationships are summarized and discussed. The current knowledge on this topic can benefit from further in vitro and in vivo radiobiological studies, an accurate characterization of the quality of space radiation, and the numerous experimental dose-effects data derived from the experience in the clinical use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic or treatments with doses similar to those foreseen for the future space missions. The growing number of pooled studies could improve the prediction ability of dose-effect relationships for space exposure and reduce their uncertainty level. Novel research in the field is of paramount importance to reduce damages to astronauts from cosmic radiation before Beyond Low Earth Orbit exploration in the next future. The study aims at providing an overview of the published dose-effect relationships and illustrates novel perspectives to inspire future research.

This paper summarizes the three-year achievements of the AMS INFN Roma Sapienza research group, with a focus on their active engagement in astroparticle experiments and the exploration of the synergistic connection between astroparticle experiments and space radiobiology. Collaborating with institutions like the Medical Physics division of the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, they have made substantial contributions to space radiobiology projects, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The group's research has produced significant findings on various fronts, including the assessment of carcinogenic risks from galactic cosmic rays, with a particular emphasis on bystander effects. Additionally, the paper underscores the complementary role of astroparticle experiments in enhancing the assessment of biological risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure. Finally, the paper showcases examples of research conducted through collaboration with scientists and researchers worldwide. These illustrations offer valuable insights and highlight the interdisciplinary nature of this dynamic field.

This paper outlines an outreach exposition named “So far , So close” featuring a replica of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Payload Operation Control Room to elucidate the continuous supervision and regulation of space mission payloads by Earth's various control rooms. The exposition's value is magnified by cutting-edge AMS collaboration software, granting access to AMS telemetry data. This innovation, born during the pandemic, allowed remote engagement in the experiment's daily operations due to physical access limitations to the CERN site, housing the AMS POCC. The replica POCC, complemented by posters and videos, serves as an effective tool for conveying the importance of fundamental research in space radiation and cosmic rays. The paper further describes the inaugural exposition held in May 2023 in Bologna in collaboration with the Moon Village Association Italian branch and the Marco Peroni studio. The event featured "Far yet so close: Cosmic Ray Measurements in Space with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (ams02.space)" and "Ground Control Operations of Space Missions" exhibitions, shedding light on cosmic ray shielding in lunar exploration. The collaboration activities involved the AMS INFN Roma Sapienza research group and Marco Peroni Ingegneria studio. Held at the "Living in Space" Permanent Exhibition within the Marco Peroni Ingegneria Studio, the event effectively bridges the knowledge gap, making science comprehensible and visually engaging. It enriches diverse audiences with insights into space exploration and radiation protection, promoting scientific literacy and fostering curiosity and participation among non-scientific audiences.