RERF to initiate genome analysis of second-generation A-bomb survivors in August
Feb. 22, 2024
by Fumiyasu Miyano, Staff Writer
On February 21, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), a binational scientific organization located in Hiroshima’s Minami Ward, announced its plans for analysis of the genome (entirety of genetic information) of second-generation A-bomb survivors as early as August of this year. RERF has already initiated preliminary work for the analysis study. RERF’s aim with the announced study is to identify genetic effects of radiation exposure in A-bomb survivor parents on the health of their children. The research organization plans to publish a paper based on the outcome of the study at the earliest in 2028.
RERF announced a projected timeline for its analysis study at a meeting of its Hiroshima Local Liaison Council, a body designed to obtain local community input into the organization’s research and operations that had gathered at RERF’s facilities. In the middle of the month, RERF began a preliminary study of four families to ascertain methods to be used in the study. A full-scale study, which will begin after the preliminary study concludes in August, is to continue through December 2027. RERF also indicated that once the results are analyzed, the organization would publish a paper in 2028 or perhaps 2029.
According to RERF, the genome analysis will be conducted on around 1,500 people from about 500 families, including A-bomb survivors and their children in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The organization said it will divide the participants into a group with parents exposed to high radiation doses and another group with parents exposed to low doses to compare gene mutations and other factors and investigate whether radiation exposure caused genetic effects.
In April, RERF will hold public forums in both cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in an effort to introduce the genome analysis study. In a press conference held after conclusion of the meeting, RERF Chair Kenji Kamiya said, “We have made consistent preparations for the study. We will make a final decision on the timing for initiation of the study after thoroughly providing information to the public and obtaining feedback.”
(Originally published on February 22, 2024)
On February 21, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), a binational scientific organization located in Hiroshima’s Minami Ward, announced its plans for analysis of the genome (entirety of genetic information) of second-generation A-bomb survivors as early as August of this year. RERF has already initiated preliminary work for the analysis study. RERF’s aim with the announced study is to identify genetic effects of radiation exposure in A-bomb survivor parents on the health of their children. The research organization plans to publish a paper based on the outcome of the study at the earliest in 2028.
RERF announced a projected timeline for its analysis study at a meeting of its Hiroshima Local Liaison Council, a body designed to obtain local community input into the organization’s research and operations that had gathered at RERF’s facilities. In the middle of the month, RERF began a preliminary study of four families to ascertain methods to be used in the study. A full-scale study, which will begin after the preliminary study concludes in August, is to continue through December 2027. RERF also indicated that once the results are analyzed, the organization would publish a paper in 2028 or perhaps 2029.
According to RERF, the genome analysis will be conducted on around 1,500 people from about 500 families, including A-bomb survivors and their children in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The organization said it will divide the participants into a group with parents exposed to high radiation doses and another group with parents exposed to low doses to compare gene mutations and other factors and investigate whether radiation exposure caused genetic effects.
In April, RERF will hold public forums in both cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in an effort to introduce the genome analysis study. In a press conference held after conclusion of the meeting, RERF Chair Kenji Kamiya said, “We have made consistent preparations for the study. We will make a final decision on the timing for initiation of the study after thoroughly providing information to the public and obtaining feedback.”
(Originally published on February 22, 2024)
