The Onion, named for its partial resemblance to a common onion bulb, has drawn the attention of scientists studying the Zone's flora and fauna. Structural analysis of the artifact reveals that a significant portion of it consists of living cells with characteristics of four biological kingdoms simultaneously. Professor Salanchak, who is studying the issue, warns that such an anomalous combination of properties could pose a potential threat to all existing species of living organisms. He also notes that the only factor keeping this "new kingdom" in check is the rapid death of such cells outside the Zone.