28 years ago, a catastrophic nuclear disaster occurred in Ukraine. One of the reactors at the Chernobyl nuclear plant exploded, releasing dangerous amounts of radiation into the atmosphere and causing Chernobyl and the cities surrounding it to be evacuated. Today, Chernobyl has no human inhabitants, only visitors, yet is home to many species. Biologist Timothy Mousseau has been researching animal adaptions to high radioactivity at Chernobyl since 1999.
Exposure to radiation can lead to tumors, genetic mutations, cataracts, and shortened life expectancy.
Mousseau has studied various species around Chernobyl, including spiders, bats, mice, butterflies, and several types of birds. He has found that the species around Chernobyl have higher frequencies of tumors and physical abnormalities, such as deformed beaks in birds, and a decline in insect populations.
His most recent findings have found that some bird species seem to have adapted to their radioactive environment. They have done so by making higher levels of protective antioxidants, which leads to less genetic damage from radiation. Dr. Mousseau says it appears to be 'unnatural selection'. Studying the effectives of radiation on animals and insects in their natural habitat can help us better understand radiation's impact on humans.
How does natural selection and survival of the fittest tie into this? What do you think is the worst consequence from Chernobyl?
NOS Themes
- Role of motivation and curiosity
- Science is based on evidence
- Importance of repeatability
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/06/science/nature-adapts-to-chernobyl.html?ref=science&_r=0
I wonder if it would be at all possible to isolate these antioxidants in the birds that prevents radiation poisoning and cancer rate, and be able to find an analogous antioxidant for humans, which would better prepare people who may be going into high-radiation environments, such as astronauts.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article! I am very curious to see the further evolution of these animals affected by the radiation. Will they eventually evolve enough so that they form an entirely new species of radiation resistant birds?
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting an interesting adaption. Like sam mentioned, is it possible for us to find a way to use these findings? Is it possible that we could use it for our own benefit when working with environments with high levels of radiation?
ReplyDelete