Bikini Atoll: An Ecological Miracle Amidst Atomic Scars
2025-03-15
Nearly 60 years after 23 nuclear detonations scarred Bikini Atoll, it appears as an idyllic Pacific paradise once again. However, Stanford professor Stephen Palumbi's research reveals a surprising ecological recovery near Bravo Crater, the site of the most powerful US bomb ever detonated. Flourishing coral reefs and fish populations exist despite the devastation. Palumbi's team will sequence the genomes of corals and coconut crabs to study genetic mutations and adaptation to radiation, with potential applications in cancer research. This research highlights the ocean's resilience while serving as a stark reminder of the past and the importance of preventing similar disasters.