  We describe results of modeling the effects on Earth-like planets of
long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) within a few kiloparsecs. A primary
effect is generation of nitrogen oxide compounds which deplete ozone. Ozone
depletion leads to an increase in solar UVB radiation at the surface, enhancing
DNA damage, particularly in marine microorganisms such as phytoplankton. In
addition, we expect increased atmospheric opacity due to buildup of nitrogen
dioxide produced by the burst and enhanced precipitation of nitric acid. We
review here previous work on this subject and discuss recent developments,
including further discussion of our estimates of the rates of impacting GRBs
and the possible role of short-duration bursts.
