I didn't get the impression that the article was implying that DNA damage and other stochastic effects are prevented, but that maybe the initial effects of radi

I didn't get the impression that the article was implying that DNA damage and other stochastic effects are prevented, but that maybe the initial effects of radiation poisoning are avoided, and that (maybe because of this) cells are more able to repair themselves. That said, I can't disagree with your last point - it's probably at least a little embellished.