2024-02-13 08:16:44
After the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine, on April 26, 1986, the surrounding exclusion zone (CEZ) was abandoned by almost all of its inhabitants. The same did not happen for the wild animals, which over time managed to occupy territory previously intended for human activities. Wolf populations (Dog lupus) in the Chernobyl region, in fact, have increased over the last 30 years and today it seems that these animals have developed a significant resistance to radiation and, therefore, to cancer risk. This is according to a study led by evolutionary biologist Cara Love of Princeton University.
The search results
Presenting the surprising research results was Dear Love, an expert in evolutionary biology and ecotoxicology from Princeton University, USA. Since 2014, the team led by the scientist has carried out numerous analyzes on blood samples taken from wolves that live in the Exclusion Zone (CEZ), that is to say this area of approximately 2,600 km² established following the disaster in the area most affected by radiation, and where, even today, public access is subject to limitations. Not only. To complete their studies, they traveled there were wolves monitored by the use of radio collars.
Research has shown that specimens of gray wolves that inhabit the CEZ are exposed to 11.28 millirem (or 0.1128 mSv) of radiation every day and throughout their life. This is a very significant amount, corresponding to approximately six times the legal limit established for people who work in environments where there is a risk of radiation.
Genetic mutations protect wolves from cancer
Following the results, researchers analyzed the DNA of wolves living in Chernobyl in depth (through a process called sequencing) and identified a few specific regions of the genome that appear to be responsible for resistance to radiation and make wolves more resilient. respect to an increased risk of cancer.
Beyond that, researchers noted that Chernobyl wolves exhibit weakened immune systems, similar to what cancer patients may experience following radiation therapy. The same discoveries have been made on wild dogs that live in the Chernoby region, so much so that a study published in 2023 declared them genetically different from all other dogs.
This research, presented by the Cara Love team in January 2024, might have possible implications also on human health and consequences in the study of cancer prevention and risk.
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