Radioactivity: Origin and effects of a natural phenomenon, Volume I, has been recently published by Freimann Professor of Physics Michael Wiescher. 

Radioactivity is a frequently and hotly debated topic; the discussions usually revolve around the benefits and dangers of nuclear energy. The topic reaches further -- both in terms of natural occurrences and the many and the multiple applications of radioactivity.

After a summary of the history of its discovery, the first part describes its physical and biological laws. The second part deals with radioactivity as a natural phenomenon. Beginning with the question of its origin in stars long before our solar system existed,  Wiescher discusses the role of radioactivity in the formation of the planetary system and our Earth. He describes how the inner radioactivity of our planet determines its dynamics and the and might have contributed to the origin of life. He further describes the external and internal radioactivity to which humans are exposed and the possible effects on human development.

Professor Wiescher is the Director of the Institute for Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics at the University of Notre Dame, Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University, Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey, and the Heraeus Visiting Professor at the Goethe University of Frankfurt. 

(Note: the book is published by WBG Academic and is printed in German. 978-3-534-40453-7 wbg-wissenverbindet.de)