: Chernobyl frogs may have undergone a process of rapid evolution in response to radiation #IndiaNEWS The accident at reactor four of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 generated the largest release

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Chernobyl frogs may have undergone a process of rapid evolution in response to radiation #IndiaNEWS
The accident at reactor four of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 generated the largest release of radioactive material into the environment in human history. The impact of the acute exposure to high doses of radiation was severe for the environment and the human population. But more than three decades after the accident, Chernobyl has become one of the largest nature reserves in Europe. A diverse range of endangered species finds refuge there today, including bears, wolves, and lynxes.Radiation can damage the genetic material of living organisms and generate undesirable mutations. However, one of the most interesting research topics in Chernobyl is trying to detect if some species are actually adapting to live with radiation. As with other pollutants, radiation could be a very strong selective factor, favouring organisms with mechanisms that increase their survival in areas contaminated with radioactive substances. Melanin protection against radiationOur work in Chernobyl started in 2016. That year, close to the damaged nuclear reactor, we detected several Eastern tree frogs (Hyla orientalis) with an unusual black tint. The species normally has a bright green dorsal coloration, although occasional darker individuals can be found.Melanin is responsible for the dark colour of many organisms. What is less known is that this class of pigments can...Read more

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