Chernobyl has Transformed Wild Dogs into Radiation Hounds Who Can Survive Deadly Nuclear Fallout, Scientists Reveal
For nearly 40 years, two stray canine populations have adapted to the uninhabitable conditions in Ukraine, transforming man’s best friend into a mutant mongrel. The study, which analyzed the genetic makeup of 500 dogs living around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, has identified 52 genes associated with exposure to contamination.
Researchers found that all 61 dogs living near the power plant and 52 out of 55 dogs in Chernobyl city are at least 10 per cent German Shepherd. The study aimed to understand how these dogs have survived in the harsh environment and how their adaptations could help scientists learn more about the health risks involved with radiation.
The research, which involved classifying the population dynamics within the dogs, has taken the first steps in understanding how chronic exposure to environmental hazards may have impacted these populations. The study’s authors believe that by understanding the genetic and health impacts of these chronic exposures, it will strengthen our broader understanding of how environmental hazards can impact humans and how best to mitigate health risks.
The study has also identified genes associated with genetic repair, specifically with genetic repair after exposures similar to those experienced by the dogs in Chernobyl. Some of the markers point to genes associated with genetic repair, suggesting that these areas of the genome should be studied further.
In addition to their genetic makeup, the dogs have also formed packs for companionship and protection, with some even bonding with human scientists. The study marks the first time scientists have delved into the genetic makeup of stray dogs living near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The increased attention on the abandoned dogs has led to agencies offering their help, including vaccines and adoption programs.
The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in 1986, was a catastrophic event that released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere, affecting numerous countries in Europe. The incident led to a large-scale evacuation and the establishment of an 18-mile radius known as the “Exclusion Zone,” which has since become a wildlife reserve. The study of these radiation-resistant dogs could provide valuable insights into the impact of environmental disasters on human health and how to mitigate such risks.
