Have Chernobyl's Mutant Wolves Developed Resistance To Cancer? Study Suggests
After the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, humans left due to radiation, with a 1,000 square mile zone sealed off; however, wolves continued roaming there, seemingly unharmed despite exposure to radiation.
The wolves residing within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) have exhibited altered immune systems and acquired the ability to combat cancer, as revealed by a recent study.
AP
These findings suggest that these distinct animals could hold the key to aiding humans in battling this deadly disease.
Chernobyl wolves unaffected by chronic radiation
Following the 1986 nuclear reactor explosion at the Chernobyl power plant, which released cancer-causing radiation into the environment, humans evacuated the area. To prevent access, a 1,000 square mile (2,590 square kilometres) zone was cordoned off.
Research presented at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology's Annual Meeting showed that despite chronic exposure to radiation, the wolves appeared unaffected and continued to roam freely.
Unsplash
IFL Science reported that the wolves within the CEZ endured daily radiation doses exceeding 11.28 millirem¡ªmore than six times the legal safety limit for humans.
According to a Sky News report, the study was conducted by Cara Love, an evolutionary biologist and ecotoxicologist from Princeton University's Shane Campbell-Staton lab. It spanned nine years of observation of the wolves within the CEZ.
How research was conducted on Chernobyl wolves
In 2014, Love and her team outfitted wolves in the CEZ with GPS radio collars with radiation dosimeters. Blood samples were also collected to study their responses to cancer-causing radiation.
Utilising these collars, the research team precisely tracked the wolves' movements and assessed their radiation exposure levels.
Reuters
Additionally, the research team observed notable variations in the immune systems of the wolves in Chernobyl compared to those residing in other areas. It was discovered that the wolves' genomes had developed resistance to cancer.
Love emphasised that they identified specific regions in the wolves' genome that exhibited this resilience to heightened cancer risk. Similar effects were also noticed in dogs who lived in the CEZ.
Unsplash
Way forward in Cara Love's research
Most studies have found mutations that increase cancer risk, like BRCA gene for breast cancer. However, Love's research aims to identify mutations that help people survive cancer.
Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 and the ongoing war in the region, Love and her team haven't been able to return to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
She said, ¡°Our priority is for people and collaborators there to be as safe as possible,¡± while presenting findings in Seattle, Washington, in January.
Moving forward, researchers plan to investigate how similar gene mutations in humans could enhance cancer survival rates.
(With inputs from IANS)
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Kumar Debvrat is a copyeditor at Indiatimes, combining trending topics in India with unique human-interest stories. He has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, enjoying both cricket and comic book movies.
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