Chernobyl dogs reveal genetic surprises 🐕

A recent study, published in PLOS ONE, examined dogs living near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and those in the city, located just 10 miles (16 kilometers) away. Researchers wanted to understand whether radiation had caused genetic mutations in these dogs over generations.


The findings were surprising. Contrary to what one might expect, the results show that radiation is not the cause of the genetic differences observed between these two groups of dogs. Scientists analyzed their DNA in detail, looking for mutations related to the repair of radiation-induced damage, but they found nothing significant.

So, why are these dogs genetically different? Researchers believe that other factors, such as selective pressure, could play a role. For example, the dogs that survived the disaster may have passed on genetic traits that help them better adapt to this challenging environment.

In addition to this study, another piece of research showed that ticks and the diseases they transmit differ between the dogs near the power plant and those in the city. This second study, published in Parasites and Vectors, suggests that the environments of the two groups of dogs are not the same.

These studies highlight the importance of better understanding the effects of environmental disasters on animals and humans. This could help protect future populations in contaminated areas.

What is selective pressure?

Selective pressure is a natural "filter" that influences which genetic traits become more or less common in a population. For example, if a genetic trait helps an animal survive and reproduce, it is more likely to be passed on to future generations.

In Chernobyl, the dogs that survived may have genetic traits that help them better withstand harsh conditions, such as food scarcity or the presence of predators.

How are genetic mutations studied?

To study genetic mutations, scientists analyze the DNA of organisms. They use sequencing techniques to examine genes and identify changes in the sequence of nucleotides (the "building blocks" of DNA). In the case of the Chernobyl dogs, scientists looked for mutations that could be linked to radiation exposure, but they found no significant ones.

This research helps us understand how animals adapt to challenging environments and what risks might exist for humans living in contaminated areas.