Larsen and his colleagues used a similar idea in previous work looking at the relationship between a plant and a fungus.

ENGADGET: Microbial music: Using sound to represent data from the deep blue sea

The strike underscored the tense relationship between the plant and locals, many of whom are poor and feel they don't benefit from the natural wealth of their region.

WSJ: Algeria Probes Possible Role of Local Workers in Attacks

"It is a very big challenge because, before the accident, there was a very close relationship between the nuclear regulator and the plant operators, " said Judge.

CNN: The woman powering Japan's nuclear hopes post-Fukushima