CHERNOBYL has transformed wild dogs into radiation hounds who can survive the deadly nuclear fallout, scientists have revealed.
Two stray canine populations have managed to adapt to the uninhabitable conditions in Ukraine for nearly 40 years, transforming man’s best friend into a mutant mongrel.
The study used 500 dogs living around Chernobyl, Ukraine, who have managed to live in the harsh landscape through miraculous generational adaptation.
It is believed that understanding how they survived will help scientists learn more about the health risks involved with radiation.
Experts found there were two main groups of dogs – one living around the power plant and another within Chernobyl city.
Researchers identified 52 genes that could be associated with exposure to the contamination of the nuclear power plant.
All 61 of the nuclear power plant dogs and 52 out of 55 of the Chernobyl city dogs were identified as being at least 10 per cent German Shepherd, according to the study.
Head researcher Dr. Norman J. Kleiman said: “In addition to classifying the population dynamics within these dogs at both locations, we took the first steps towards understanding how chronic exposure to multiple environmental hazards may have impacted these populations.
“Understanding the genetic and health impacts of these chronic exposures in the dogs will strengthen our broader understanding of how these types of environmental hazards can impact humans and how best to mitigate health risks.”
Dr. Matthew Breen from NC State, “The overarching question here is: does an environmental disaster of this magnitude have a genetic impact on life in the region?
“Think of these regions as markers, or signposts, on a highway. They identify areas within the genome where we should look more closely at nearby genes.”
Some of the markers point to genes associated with genetic repair, specifically with genetic repair after exposures similar to those experienced by the dogs in Chernobyl.
The research paper reads: “In this foundational study we determined that while the two local populations of dogs are separated by only 16km, they have very low rates of interpopulation migration.
“We also detected genetic evidence that suggests that these population may have adapted to exposures faced over many generations.”
“None of the sampled dogs in either the Nuclear Power Plant or Chernobyl City populations were determined to be purebred, with both populations averaging 25 breed matches per dog.”
What happened at Chernobyl?
Wildlife has thrived in the absence of hunting, farming, and urban development, turning Chernobyl into an accidental refuge for nature.
In the first few days, radiation levels were so high that plants turned brown and died, and forests close to the reactor were devastated.
This makes it even more incredible that these dog populations managed to not only survive, but learn to live in the barren landscape.
It is believed that dogs were left behind in the disaster by their owners, but they managed to bounce back and stun scientists.
Many of the dogs have formed packs to protect themselves and for companionship.
Some of the dogs have even bonded with the few human scientists who are still over there.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/tech/13056895/dogs-living-chernobyl-ukraine-nuclear-explosion/