Can Cockroaches Really Survive Nuclear Radiation? | Mythbusters

In this clip the Mythbusters test if Cockroaches, Fruit flies and Flower beetles can survive high levels of radiation. See which one passes the test.

[Vesper]

It's all fun and games until they created RadRoach

[dangjoeltang]

Radiation affects complex organisms more severely than simpler organisms. The radiation causes changes on an atomic level, which in humans who have very complex and precise cellular interactions, causes those cells to behave differently or fail.
An analogy i can think of is like throwing a bolt into a machine with many moving parts vs one with very few.

[dreadednaught]

Of course they would why do you think they call them radroaches

[grampton]

So Keemstar will definitely survive even after the fallout.

[aikslf]

"This myth is busted."
-"Just like our chances of reproducing."

[jeremiahtimothy]

if cockroaches can survive the radiation then whats in raid

[Exekutioncro]

The simpler the organism the lesser the chance it gets damaged by radiation

[violalivido]

surviving without having offspring is just waiting for the death before the extinction.
So the true question is: can they reproduce? and if they can, is the offspring fertile?

[jensdavidsen]

Writing this comment from PNNL (on a business trip) - just took a tour of the lab where this was performed. Used to watch this program all the time and don't remember this episode. Very cool!

[davidhenderson]

I know a cockroach can survive a microwave oven. I tested that before.

[thanosdidnothingwrong]

Myth Busters you didn’t choose the right kind of cockroach, there are different kinds, the ones here in the U.S aren’t as Bulky, but they are seemingly impossible to kill, like not as in their hard to damage, but like if you injure them mortally they just drag on with whatever is left. It’s disgusting, I’m talking like half a head, hollow gaping wound, three legs missing, and still crawling fast to get somewhere... terrifying.

[lilsnek]

Why not Throw a cockroach near the elephant's foot

[hoid]

"These insects were bred for death by science"
Just like us!

[wingman-cok]

No animals were harmed during the filming

[jameson]

I came here looking for the bleeding hearts crying over the inhumane treatment of cockroaches and fruit flies.

[pizzapanda]

Everybody gangsta till we all killed by mutant zombie cockroaches

[camiloacevedo]

I think this wasn't enough, they just tried one type of cockroaches....mythbusters 2.0 (?)

[TML_Gameplay]

Next myth: will leaving roaches in radiation for a prolong time create radroaches

[mustakrakishthebakedtroll]

We wouldn't necessarily die

Theres a 50% chance we turn into a Ghoul

[taski]

Apparently flour beetles can survive in very dry environments. I wonder if that has anything to do with it