Study of Chernobyl insects shows mutations

Artist Cornelia Hesse-Honegger's fascinating study of insect mutations around the Chernobyl zone. She writes: "I am still flabbergasted that biologists in Western Europe did not think it necessary to conduct any studies to find out whether the radioactive fallout from Chernobyl had any effects on nature or on human beings. In 1990 I traveled with a group to Chernobyl to collect leaf bugs and to see there for myself what was going on." What she found profoundly shocked her. The insects had "feelers the shape of sausages; their larvae had divided wings or black growths sticking out of their eyes." See the full study and illustrations. (Pictured left:Tree bug from Slavoutich, Ukraine).

Radioactive rabbit found on Handford nuclear site

A radioactive rabbit was trapped on the Hanford nuclear reservation and later disposed of as radioactive waste after ingesting cesium.  This is not the first time radioactive wildlife has been discovered at Hanford. In fact, humorous columnist, Dave Barry, wrote two memorable columns - first about radioactive ants, flies and gnats at the Hanford site and then a tongue-in-cheek "apology" after criticism in the local press.