Radiation, a threat that has become more real after exposure from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, has a natural way to counteract its effects, claim researchers.

The research published in ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters looked at resveratrol, a natural antioxidant found in certain foods. But the researchers led by Michael Epperly discovered that it did not give protection from radiation damage, unless the cells were in a flask under lab conditions.

A substance similar to resveratrol, present in red wine, grapes and nuts, called acetyl resveratrol was found to be effective in protecting living cells from radiation damage and sickness.