These Dogs Are Really “Hot” (Apr, 1956)
Source: Mechanix Illustrated ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Apr, 1956
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Tags: nuclear
Undoubtedly someone will accuse me of wanting to nuke dogs now.
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These Dogs Are Really “Hot”
Radioactive beagles are pointing the way to better safety devices for workers in atomic energy plants.
A PACK of 300 sad-eyed, floppy eared beagles are serving as canine guinea pigs in an unusual University of Utah project designed to investigate the hazards of industrial radioactivity. Financed by the Atomic Energy Commission and directed by Dr. John Bowers, the studies will show what happens to bone and tissue when radioactive substances are injected into the dogs. Beagles were chosen for the experiments because they are anatomically close to human beings, have a sound genetic pattern, ideal disposition and are easy to handle in the research laboratory.
Radioisotopes used in the injections are radium, plutonium, mesothorium and radiothorium. These materials have a particular affinity for bone structure. Lodging in the bones, the radioactive particles continue to emit rays which affect the marrow—part of the “blood factory” of the body—and eventually are expected to produce tumors.
ANIMAL TESTING IS SO CRUEL AND YOU ARE A TERRIBLE MONSTER FOR CONDONING SUCH A THING
Comment by fluffy — December 26, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
Um, who, exactly, is “condoning” this testing here? Reprinting the article only gives us an insight into what was going on in science half a century ago. No one has said anything in support of it or suggesting that it was a good thing.
Comment by Eli — December 26, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
I would also add that our understanding back then of the effects of nuclear radiation was still in its infancy, and that many tests and experiments were also done on humans, few of which would never get approval now. At the time this article was written, we were doing above-ground nuclear testing of weapons and routinely exposed soldiers to the blasts without knowing of the risks involved.
One of the interesting aspects of reading these old articles is that we see the foibles, failings, absurdity and foolishness of what appeared to be good decisions and ideas back then. Ignorance of risks isn’t the same thing as malice or heartlessness.
Comment by Eli — December 26, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Make that, “… few of which would EVER get approval now…”
Comment by Eli — December 26, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
I was simply responding to the intro text, thus proving that everything gets miscontrued out of context.
Comment by fluffy — December 26, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
it’s okay fluffy- WE old time MMers know that you really like seeing animals being cruelly tormented and wear the fur of baby harp seals.
Comment by StanFlouride — December 26, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
Damn straight.
Comment by fluffy — December 26, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
Was there a followup article about the attack on Salt Lake City by some 60 foot tall beagles?
Comment by Neil Russell — December 26, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
What, exactly, is wrong with wanting to nuke dogs?
Comment by Warren — December 26, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
And today… ALL THOSE TEST DOGS ARE DEAD!!!
This proves atomic energy is unsafe!
Comment by jayessell — December 26, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Attack of the 50-foot Beagle…wasn’t that a Tubes song?
Comment by Charlene — December 26, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
“After an overdose of gamma radiation, whenever Rover gets angry or upset, he turns into THE INCREDIBLE HOUND!!”
Comment by John M. Hanna — December 27, 2008 @ 12:58 am
Speed of lightning, roar of thunder,
Fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog! Underdog!
Comment by jayessell — December 27, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
At least they don’t use cats
Comment by Bob — December 28, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
I have no problem with animal testing, its just that dogs are so damn trusting. No way could I kill something that was so happy to see me every morning.
They should have used cats.
Comment by Eamon — December 29, 2008 @ 1:21 am
There *WERE* attacks by 50-foot-tall beagles in the aftermath of this testing. All evidence of such attacks were covered up by the same people who moved those alien bodies from Area 51 to Ohio military bases. D0000000m on you!
Comment by RagManX — December 31, 2008 @ 4:30 pm