In 1978, physicist Anatoli Bugorski experienced a surreal accident. While checking a malfunctioning detector in a powerful particle accelerator in the Soviet Union, a proton beam struck him in the head. What’s astonishing is that Bugorski survived.
On that fateful summer day, something went terribly wrong at the Institute of High Energy Physics in Protvino. The U-70 synchrotron, a 1.5-kilometer-long particle accelerator, had multiple safety features fail. Bugorski, then 36, leaned in too close, leading to a shocking mishap.
Recently, researchers attempted to trace the path of the proton beam through his brain. They faced a major challenge: the lack of medical records. Their main reference was a single, blurry photo that showed the trajectory of the beam through Bugorski’s swollen head.
When they created a 3D model, they discovered that the image was misleading. It appeared to be a side view, but in reality, it showed a slightly turned face. This twist helped them map the damage. The beam mainly affected Bugorski’s temporal lobe, near the occipital lobe, likely explaining why he began experiencing seizures afterward.
The beam also intersected with the inner ear, which matched Bugorski’s later loss of hearing on that side. He also had numbness on the left side of his face, possibly from damage to a nerve or bone. Amazingly, he left work that day, only seeking medical help the next morning.
Experts note the incredible odds of survival given the radiation dose Bugorski received—between 200,000 and 300,000 rads, far exceeding the lethal limit for humans. After a year and a half, Bugorski returned to his job, later earning a PhD and continuing his work until the age of 77.
Bugorski’s case is a striking reminder of human resilience in the face of extreme danger. His story has sparked discussions on social media about workplace safety and the limits of our understanding of radiation exposure. You can read more about this incredible story in detail at OrtogOnlineMag.
Today, as technology and science advance, the need for strict safety protocols in research environments remains critical. Bugorski’s experience highlights the potential risks faced by scientists, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
