rem

Unit of radiation dose equivalent.

Some types of radiation do more damage than others for the same absorbed dose; the equivalent dose in rems is equal to the dose in rads multiplied by the relative biological effectiveness. One rem is approximately equivalent to the biological effect produced by one roentgen of X-ray or gamma-ray radiation. Humans can absorb up to 25 rems without immediate ill effects; 100 rems may produce radiation sickness; and more than 800 rems causes death.

REM

US rock group. Their songs are characterized by melodic bass lines, driving guitar, and inspiring lyrics. The album Out of Time (1991) included the worldwide hit single ‘Losing My Religion’, and further successes include Automatic For The People (1992) and Monster (1994). New Adventures in Hi-Fi followed in 1996 to disappointing commercial success. The drummer, Bill Berry, left the band in 1997 and the three remaining members released the album Up in 1998.

The band formed in 1980 in Georgia, USA, and consists of vocalist Michael Stipe (1960– ), guitarist Peter Buck (1956– ), bass guitarist Mike Mills (1958– ), and up to 1997, drummer Bill Berry (1958– ). Other albums include Murmur (1983), Reckoning (1984), Fables of the Reconstruction (1985), and Green (1988).