Mutant Wolves: A Cure to Cancer?- Molly N
Mutant wolves are currently living in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion (1986). Most surprisingly, they are surviving in the 1,000 square mile zone surrounding the abandoned site, known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. These wolved are exposed to 11.28 milligrams of radiation every day, which is over six times the legal safety limit for humans.
A research team from Princeton University decided to investigate their miraculous survival, attaching GPS collars with radiation dosimeters and taking blood samples. For those, like me, who don’t take physics (sorry, Miss Rouse!), dosimeters detect the amount of radiation you have been exposed to.
They discovered that the wolves have developed an altered immune system and even identified the genome that displayed a resilience to cancer. This remarkable discovery may provide a gateway into possible methods to increase the odds of surviving cancer. Strangely, it is unlike most research which finds mutations increasing cancer risk. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have been preventing further research and exploration of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
This mutation may also be present in descendants of abandoned pets. So the question lies, could there be a new breed of dogs with superpowers?!
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