Fukushima radiation spawned mutant butterflies

Updated

Researchers in Japan say radioactive fallout from the Fukushima meltdowns has created abnormalities among the nation's butterfly species.

The researchers collected hundreds of butterflies in the weeks and months after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

They found abnormalities - including unusually small wings - in more than 10 per cent of the butterflies they surveyed.

The rate of abnormalities then rose to more than 33 per cent with the second generation, with some butterflies dying before reaching adulthood.

In an article published in the British journal Nature, the scientists conclude that nuclear fallout caused the mutations.

They have called for further research to be conducted on other animal species.

Topics: academic-research, nuclear-accident, nuclear-issues, animals, japan

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