Chernobyl, 'mutant' wolves more resistant to cancer:the study

According to a study conducted by Princeton University, wolves living in the Chernobyl exclusion zone appear to have developed resistance to radiation

ROME – 38 years after Chernobyl disaster, what was hell for thousands of people has turned into wildlife paradise, a nature reserve devoid of humans, but contaminated by radiation since April 26, 1986. Where man is no longer welcome, nature has taken over.Since Chernobyl and Pripyat have been abandoned, an increase in the population of wolves, wild horses, beavers and other animals.However, radiation has had an impact on species that populate theto the so-called exclusion zone, such as the increase of genetic mutations on some animals, including wolves.

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THE WOLVES OF CHERNOBYL

According to a study conducted byPrinceton University, the wolves that inhabit the Chernobyl exclusion zone appear to have developed resistance to radiation.In particular, they would have a impaired immune system, similar to that of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.Even more significantly, specific parts of the genome of what appear to be 'mutant' wolves have been identified resistant to the increased risk of cancer.

However, due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, the study was stopped. If the research can move forward, it could help identify protective mutations that can increase the chances of cancer survival.

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