Dec 16, 2024, 5:37 PM
Dec 16, 2024, 5:37 PM

Fungus thrives in Chernobyl radiation and challenges beliefs about life

Highlights
  • Scientists found that C. sphaerospermum can adapt to use radiation for energy, similar to how plants use sunlight.
  • The fungus’s ability to thrive in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone demonstrates its resilience to extreme environmental conditions.
  • Research on this fungus may lead to advancements in radiation protection for human space missions and cleanup of radioactive sites.
Story

In Ukraine, scientists have discovered a fungus named C. sphaerospermum thriving in the radioactive environment of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ). This organism has shown remarkable adaptability, utilizing radiation as an energy source, much like photosynthesis in plants. The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, marking one of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents in history. The fungus was studied in an effort to explore its potential applications, such as protecting astronauts on long-term missions in space where radiation is a significant threat. Current research indicates that this fungus performs a process called radiosynthesis, absorbing gamma radiation and converting it to usable energy through melanin, making it radiotrophic. Researchers believe this trait can be harnessed in various fields, including materials science and agriculture. In addition, C. sphaerospermum demonstrates resilience to extreme conditions like low temperatures, high salinity, and acidic environments, which underscores its potential usefulness in bioremediation. Utilization of radiotrophic fungi presents a promising solution to safely decontaminate radioactive areas, reducing the risks associated with traditional cleanup methods.

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