Fitness loss and germline mutations in barn swallows breeding in Chernobyl

Article Abstract:

The nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986 is said to have increased the incidence of infant leukaemia, thyroid cancer and congenital malformations among the local human population. However, reports of increased mutation rates in the local vole population claiming to affect their viability have had a controversial reception. A new study of barn swallows breeding in Chernobyl gives evidence of an increased germline mutation rate, resulting in partial albinism and impairing the birds' fitness. It is evident that barn swallows are unlikely to be the only victims of radiation.

Causes of, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Genetic aspects, Radiation, Radiation (Physics), Swallows, Nuclear explosions

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Chernobyl's legacy to science

Article Abstract:

A vast amount of knowledge is available to health physicists, geneticists, and medical researchers regarding the effects of radiation exposure as a result of the Chernobyl accident. Geneticists are using advanced techniques to understand the mechanism of interaction between radiation and living organisms. The accident provides a model for geneticists to study the genetic alterations due to radiation.

Health aspects, Nuclear radiation

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Chernobyl's legacy in food and water

Article Abstract:

New data shows that radiocaesium from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power accident has persisted in freshwater fish and vegetation in Cumbria, UK, and that restrictions on some foodstuffs may need to be retained for a further 10-15 years, over 100 times longer than previously estimated.

Fish as food, Fish (Food product), Cesium, Isotopes, Contamination

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