From: Low-dose radiation, scientific scrutiny, and requirements for demonstrating effects
Analyses | Expectations | Findings |
---|---|---|
Color patterns specific for radiation | If radiation is a unique environmental stressor, we should expect specific effects of radiation | Color patterns were specific for radiation, and differed from those caused by temperature and crosses between siblings |
Temporal variation predating the accident | If radiation is the causative agent for abnormalities, there should be fewer abnormalities from Fukushima before the accident | Lower frequency of abnormalities at Fukushima before than after the accident |
Heritability of minor morphological abnormalities | If the abnormalities are caused by germline mutations, we should expect these to be transferred to the next generation | Offspring resembled their parents with respect to abnormalities in random crosses |
Mutation accumulation | If mutations accumulate over time, there should be an increase in the frequency of abnormalities from first over second to third generation | Increase in frequency of abnormalities across generations |
Positive controls | Controls reared in the laboratory, but not exposed to radiation should resemble animals from control areas with respect to abnormalities | Similar frequency of abnormalities in positive controls and animals from uncontaminated areas |