Chernobyl is a scary, seemingly sinister place, where trees don't decay and plants glow. A newly published study, however, shows that not all living things are necessarily doomed in this radioactive wasteland. Some birds in the exclusion zone are actually adapting to the harsh environment.
The birds aren't just adapting, though. Based on years of data collection, there's evidence that some of the birds are actually benefiting from prolonged exposure to radiation. "Previous studies of wildlife at Chernobyl showed that chronic radiation exposure depleted antioxidants and increased oxidative damage," said lead lead author Dr. Ismael Galván. "We found the opposite—that antioxidant levels increased and oxidative stress decreased with increasing background radiation." In other words, radiation exposure is helping the birds adapt.
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." -Dr. Suess
Ethics
