The March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Disaster left much of the surrounding Japanese countryside in danger of radiation leaks. Japanese scientists now have evidence that the disaster has caused mutations in the local Pale Blue Grass Butterfly. Mutations vary but most are stunted wings, irregular eyes, disfigured antennas and different colors patterns. Before, most scientists believed insects were very resistant to radiation. Scientist also discovered the mutations are being passed through generations. The breeding of affected butterflies in a lab caused new mutations to be formed in the offspring. Now knowing this, Scientist wonder if any other animals or insects may have been affected biologically or genetically. I believe this very important for scientists to study the effects of the radiation of not just butterflies but all local wildlife. Discovering the effects of radiation on animals can help us to also understand more about the effects to humans and what we can do to “cure” it.
I agree, if this effected butterflies it had to effect the rest of the wildlife. If the scientist were able to fix the insect and wildlife populations it would be possible to do the same with the human population. Discovering a way to prevent or cure radiation would be a very remarkable event in our lifetime.
ReplyDeleteWell obviously there's no other course other than these butterflies turning into Mothera, but it would be useful to figure out how to stop these mutations and apply it to humans.
ReplyDeleteYeah Baily has a goood point. The scientist need to check other animals and insects to see if it has happened to them as well. I also bet that it has affected humans in some type of way too. Which when you think about it, it's very creepy. I wish humans could take something that strengthens the internal systems against radiation. We could survive through alot more and take harder impacts.
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