Chernobyl’s Genetic Footprint: Mutations Found in Workers’ Children

Researchers sequencing the genomes of Chernobyl cleanup workers and others exposed to ionizing radiation found clusters of new mutations in their children, with the strongest signal tied to paternal exposure. The findings suggest a potential transgenerational signature, but the estimated increase in genetic-disease risk is small and results come with uncertainties and validation challenges. More extensive studies, like the ongoing TRIO project, are planned to clarify the effect.