Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Nematodes thriving in Chernobyl’s radioactive zone show no genome damage, defying expectations and revealing surprising resilience to extreme ionizing radiation exposure.
Led by Sophia Tintori of NYU, the study found nematodes in the CEZ are uniquely adaptable, offering clues into how organisms tolerate mutagenic environments without harm.
Credit: Matthew Rockman
Genome sequencing of CEZ nematodes revealed no large-scale chromosomal rearrangements compared to strains from the Philippines, Germany, and the United States.
Despite high ambient radiation, the mutation rates of nematodes showed no correlation to their exposure, challenging assumptions about radiation’s genetic impacts.
Tests on descendants from 20 strains revealed varying levels of DNA damage tolerance, but these differences were not tied to radiation levels in their native environments.
The study hints at potential breakthroughs in understanding why some humans are more susceptible to carcinogens, opening doors for personalized cancer research.
Nematodes, with their short life cycles and simple genomes, serve as ideal models for studying DNA repair, toxin responses, and biological development under stress.
Researchers collected nematodes from soil, fruit, and leaves, carefully monitoring radiation levels and wearing protective suits to guard against hazardous CEZ conditions.
The findings offer critical insights into DNA repair mechanisms, potentially aiding advancements in human medicine to combat cancers and radiation-related diseases.