Inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, scientists have discovered a black fungus capable of feeding on deadly gamma radiation.
Scientists believe this mechanism could be used to make biomimicking substances that both block radiation from penetrating and turn it into a renewable energy source. (x)
How it works:
Melanin and Radiation: The fungus contains melanin, a pigment also found in human skin, which appears to capture ionizing radiation and convert it into chemical energy—a process scientifically termed "radiosynthesis," somewhat analogous to photosynthesis in plants but using radiation instead of sunlight.
Radiotrophic Behavior: This extraordinary capability, known as "radiotrophic" behavior, allows the fungus to use radiation as an energy source to grow and sustain itself, even in high-radiation environments like the remnants of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Implications:
Bioremediation: These radiation-consuming fungi could potentially be used in cleaning up radioactive waste sites, offering a biological approach to absorbing and potentially neutralizing harmful radiation.
Space Exploration: Their remarkable ability to survive in extreme radiation environments makes them a fascinating subject for astrobiology. They could provide critical insights into the potential for life on radiation-exposed planets or help develop innovative strategies to protect astronauts from cosmic radiation during long-duration space missions.
Medicine and Research: The intricate mechanisms by which these fungi process and potentially harness radiation could inspire groundbreaking advances in radioprotective medicines, materials science, and our understanding of biological radiation resistance.
p.s. It's not just fungus. The overall family of extremophiles that live on or despite radiation includes both fungi and bacteria, and different species have different mechanisms for absorbing or tolerating radiation. (x)
