Can cockroaches survive a nuclear attack ? Mythbusters have arranged to irradiate cockroaches, with the help of scientists at the Hanford 318 building irradiator, near Richland Washington. The episode is supposed to air in about 4 months. Hope they don't mutate too much, or learn Martial arts.

I am beginning to hate Men In Black. All I can see is the barn scene with the cockroaches having a major part. I can also see the white cockroaches in a covered "pit" shown to me years ago. Bet they survive.

-It depends on the wavelengths and levels of ionizing radation they are exposed to. Ionizing radiation quickly destroys cells and when your body can't produce new, healthy ones fast enough, you are on your way to the dirt nap. As far as mutations go, those are more apt to be caused by long periods of low level radiation. Enough to cause cell deformation but not death. They have just found slime that was growing and alive in a reactor fuel pit, so chances are high the cockroaches could adapt, depending on the above.

i will immediately go read again Kafka metamorphosis and get prepared ....