Anthrax bioweapon secrets of Japan’s WWII Unit 731 exposed, claims China
The horrors of Nazi medical experiments during World War II are widely known, but Japan's Unit 731 in occupied China remains a lesser-explored chapter of wartime atrocities, according to researchers in China.
Researchers from the Academy of Military Medical Sciences in Beijing, China, claimed to have shed new light on these crimes, offering scientific evidence that supports historical accounts of the laboratory’s gruesome activities.
In a new study, researchers declare the presence of Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax, in soil samples collected from Unit 731’s site in northeastern China.
These findings support reports that the facility developed biological weapons by deliberately infecting prisoners with deadly diseases.
“B. anthracis is considered one of the most serious and threatening agents for conducting biowarfare or bioterrorism,” the researchers wrote.
“Records suggest Bacillus anthracis was used in biowarfare during World War II, but evidence remains limited.”
The disease caused by B. anthracis, anthrax, is deadly to both humans and animals. Symptoms include black sores, swollen neck, fever, and severe respiratory issues. Without treatment, it can escalate quickly, often proving fatal.
Tracing the source of anthrax
This isn’t the first time researchers have detected B. anthracis at the Unit 731 site. A previous study claimed to identify the bacterium in three soil samples. In the latest analysis, scientists reportedly isolated genetic material from these samples and sequenced the genome to uncover key biochemical and genetic markers.
The data linked the strain to a larger evolutionary context, strengthening evidence that it was not naturally occurring.
Additionally, the team collected 24 more samples from 12 locations near the site. These additional samples showed no traces of anthrax bacteria, reinforcing the conclusion that the contaminated samples were linked to deliberate activities at Unit 731 rather than the local environment.
“By analyzing the distribution of the positive samples, qualities of the isolated strain, and historical documents, we established a chain of evidence supporting the hypothesis that B. anthracis was misused in inhumane medical experiments and likely for developing biologic weapons during WWII,” the researchers claimed.
They also cautioned that remains of biological agents at similar World War II sites might still pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment if not properly addressed.
A dark chapter in history
Unit 731’s barbaric experiments have long been shrouded in secrecy. Japan officially acknowledged its existence only in 1984, decades after the war ended. Contributing to the mystery is the fact that Japanese forces executed all surviving victims of the laboratory before surrendering.
Further complicating historical accountability, U.S. authorities, including General Douglas MacArthur, granted immunity to Unit 731’s doctors in exchange for their research findings. This controversial decision ensured that much of what transpired at the facility would remain hidden from public scrutiny.
The researchers hope their findings will encourage the world to examine this dark chapter with greater urgency. “Our findings highlight the role of microbial forensics in tracing biologic warfare and providing insights into biothreats,” they noted.
By revealing scientific proof of these atrocities, the study highlights the dangers of biological warfare and the importance of staying alert to its lasting impacts.
The research was published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
