Listen "Thriving After Meltdown"
Episode Synopsis
Timothy Mousseau explores the effects of radiation from the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear incidents on local wildlife. Host Heather Lynch and Mousseau, a professor at the University of South Carolina, discuss the current state of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the biological impacts on various species, particularly birds and feral dogs, and how these findings can inform our understanding of the risks associated with nuclear energy and radiation. Mousseau spoke at Stony Brook University in February 2025 to celebrate International Darwin Day.Learn more with:“Genomic reconstruction reveals impact of population management strategies on modern Galápagos dogs” by Timothy Mousseau, Elaine A Ostrander, et al.“Is increased mutation driving genetic diversity in dogs within the Chornobyl exclusion zone?” by Timothy Mousseau, et al.“The Evolution of Nuclear Landscapes: A Darwin Day Discussion” (SBU News)Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:00:00 Chernobyl's Legacy00:47 Welcome and Introduction of Guest01:57 Setting the Scene: Chernobyl Today02:58 Wildlife in the Exclusion Zone05:20 Impact of War and COVID on Research06:01 Debunking the Biological Paradise Myth08:34 Birds and Biodiversity in Chernobyl11:40 Nematodes and Unexpected Findings14:26 Radiation and Cancer in Wildlife15:51 The Dogs of Chernobyl26:17 Conclusion and Further ResearchTell a friend and share a link to this episode.You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.phpFor all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbuC4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.Host: Heather LynchEditor: J.D. AllenProgram manager: Jennifer Gilday
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