"Life After Chernobyl" Topic

Just saw this on Animal Planet. Interesting examination of the effects of environmental radiation on the plants and animals in that area.

While most animals in the area were killed in the initial explosion there has been a large influx of animals from the surrounding areas.

While many species are suffering genetic damage some are actually adapting. Some species of birds have developed the ability to produce their own antioxidants to counteract the effects of radiation.

The cooling pond at the base of the reactor is teeming with fish. Researchers have found some that have the ability to actually REPAIR damaged DNA.

One of the hidden dangers is what is called the "Red Forest". This is a area downwind from the plant were massive amounts of radioactive material was deposited. The radiation was so intense that even the micros that cause decay were killed. In the thirty years since trees killed and leaves dropped from surviving trees have not decayed and are piling up. If there is ever a forest fire deadly radioactive ash and smoke would contaminate large areas.

One of the interesting effects on animals that I've read about before is that in animals that were bred for a certain quality – for example, milk production in cows – the trait is regressing out of them with each generation.

Good to hear the creatures are able to adapt. Makes sense.

Not if there is a forest fire, but when.

Discussed recently on TMP.

TMP link

Watching this now. I have to say I'm a little disappointed. I expected more science and less reality TV "scary momments". Actually this kills it for me.

Xin

Xintao: Remember you are watching American TV, this is the only way they know how do it.