Dr. Tintori is studying nematode worms from Chernobyl, Ukraine, to investigate the biological effects of continuous radiation exposure. While ionizing radiation is known to cause cancer, little is known about the levels that increase health risks or how animals adapt to high radiation environments. Dr. Tintori is comparing worms from Chernobyl, the area with the highest known levels of background radiation on the planet, to similar animals that have not been exposed. This research may shed light on specific challenges presented by radiation and possible biomolecular defenses.