Qiagen to help assess effects of radiation at Fukushima

Qiagen is to take part in a new scientific expedition that will assess the effects of radiation caused by the recent incident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan.

In a study led by the University of South Carolina, the company will be providing researchers with unique molecular technologies to evaluate the impact of the nuclear disaster on the DNA and RNA of local animals and plants.

It is designed to provide data that will broaden understanding on the effects incidents of this kind can have on ecosystems in the long term, with development to be monitored from this first generation onwards.

This will build on previous data collated from similar expeditions to Chernobyl and can inform future debates on the impact of nuclear incidents.

Dr Joachim Schorr, senior vice-president for research and development at Qiagen, added that it "showcases the importance of molecular technologies in environmental studies and will also aid the development of reliable methods for the rapid assessment of radiation-induced changes to the DNA".

This week, Qiagen also announced that the directors of life science firm Cellestis have voted in favour of its amended proposal to acquire the company.