Robert J. Baker

Baker is Horn Professor of Biology at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. He has worked on the genetics of the mammalian fauna of the Chernobyl region since 1994. His research interests include the genetics of speciation and diversification of bats, and ecotoxicology.

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Articles by Robert J. Baker

Opinion
14 April 2011
Nuclear Energy

Wildlife and Chernobyl: The scientific evidence for minimal impacts

Robert J. BakerJeffrey K. Wickliffe

The ongoing Fukushima disaster will inevitably provoke a new examination of the biological effects of radiation from nuclear accidents, and it has already had a major influence on nuclear power initiatives worldwide. At present, the extent and levels of radioactive contamination around the reactor and in the affected Japanese prefectures is unknown, so any predictions of the effects on human and ecological populations would rely on mere speculation. However, our experience with the native fauna exposed to the Chernobyl environment may provide some insights.

1 January 2006
Review

Surprise Ending

Robert J. Baker
Wormwood Forest: A Natural History of Chernobyl, by Mary Mycio, Joseph Henry Press, 259 pages, 2005, $27.95.