Discovery of Bacillus Anthracis in Soil Samples Confirms Atrocities of Japanese Detachment 731 in China
The horrors of medical experiments in the Second World War remain one of the most gloomy episodes of history, however, the activities of the Japanese detachment 731 in the occupied territory of China are still significantly less studied. Researchers from the Academy of Medical Science in Beijing presented new data that confirm historical certificates of atrocities this unit.
According to the study, in soil samples collected in the place of the former object detachment 731 in northeastern China, traces of Bacillus anthracis – bacteria causing anthrax ulcer were discovered. This fact reinforces reports that the detachment was developed in the laboratory of biological weapons, intentionally infecting the concluded with fatal diseases.
Siberian ulcer poses a serious threat to people and animals. The disease is accompanied by black ulcers, fever, edema, and heavy respiratory problems. Without timely treatment, the disease quickly leads to death. Researchers emphasize that Bacillus Anthracis is one of the most dangerous agents used for biological warfare or terrorism.
Analysis of the soil samples from the territory of the detachment 731 revealed genetic markers indicating that the detected bacterium was of artificial origin. In addition, 24 samples of 12 other places nearby were studied, where there were no traces of a Siberian ulcer. This confirms that soil infection is associated with the activity of the laboratory, and not with the natural environment.
Scientists associate the results of the analysis with historical documents, forming the evidence base that Bacillus Anthracis was used in inhuman experiments and, probably, for the development of biological weapons. It also emphasizes that the remnants of biological agents of the time of World War II can still pose a threat to human health and the environment.
The activity of the detachment 731 for a long time remained classified. Japan officially recognized its existence only in 1984, and many victims of the laboratory were destroyed before the surrender of Japanese troops. The situation is complicated by the fact that the United States, including General Douglas MacArthur, provided immunity to the detachment doctors in exchange for their research data, which made it possible to hide many facts.
New data emphasize the importance of preserving the memory of these