Chernobyl Dogs Show Genetic Adaptation to Radiation

A recent study reveals that stray dogs in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) have developed significant genetic adaptations enabling them to survive in a highly radioactive environment. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 116 dogs and found two distinct populations with nearly 400 genomic regions showing differences from other dogs, indicating low interpopulation migration. The research suggests that these dogs possess genetic mutations linked to radiation resilience, with 52 genes associated with their adaptation to environmental stressors. This adaptation is not limited to dogs; other wildlife in the area, such as wolves, have also shown similar resistance to radiation. The Chernobyl disaster of 1986, which led to the evacuation of residents and abandonment of pets, has resulted in these canine populations thriving in a toxic landscape. Understanding these genetic changes may offer insights into environmental health applicable to humans exposed to hazardous conditions.