An international group of researchers discovered unique changes in the DNA of dogs living in the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Lenta reports.

For 5 years, scientists collected blood samples from 302 dogs living at the Chernobyl NPP, as well as 15-45 kilometers from the epicenter of the explosion.

DNA sequences were isolated from the obtained samples, which were then compared with similar indicators from different breeds of dogs, as well as wild dogs.

This made it possible to identify two different populations of animals in Chernobyl: the first, which lives in the immediate vicinity of the reactor and in the city of Pripyat, and the second a little further away, in the city of Chornobyl.

The genome of the two groups of Chernobyl dogs differs both from pure domestic breeds and from crossbreeds or wild dogs.

The researchers were surprised to find that the genetic data of the two populations were not similar to each other, despite frequent interbreeding.

Amazing discovery in Chernobyl

Experts believe that the explanation for this lies in the regular exposure of dogs to radiation. They also note that in recent decades, the gene pool of local dogs has been regularly replenished with new material, which indicates the constant entry of new dogs into the exclusion zone.

However, the local populations are believed to be mainly descended from dogs that survived the “liquidation” teams sent by the Soviet authorities to clean up the area immediately after the nuclear accident, some of which survived thanks to the soldiers stationed here who fed them, later replaced by tourists who visit this district.

The researchers say the results of the study, published in the journal Science Advances, may help understand the effects of radiation on the structure of animal genomes.

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant has suddenly returned to the international spotlight after it was seized by Russian forces on the first day of the war launched by President Vladimir Putin last year.

An investigation published by Reuters last summer claimed that Russian armed forces were able to seize the plant less than two hours after the invasion began, following a lengthy operation by the Kremlin to infiltrate Ukrainian institutions.