Nature heals itself
In the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, scientists discovered a black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving within the highly radioactive environment of Reactor 4.
This fungus utilizes melanin to convert gamma radiation into chemical energy, a process termed radiosynthesis, enabling it to grow in areas with intense radiation exposure. This remarkable adaptation not only highlights life's resilience in extreme conditions but also presents potential applications in bioremediation of radioactive sites and development of radiation shields for space exploration.
(0: Medmyco / Wikimedia Commons)
In the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, scientists discovered a black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving within the highly radioactive environment of Reactor 4.
This fungus utilizes melanin to convert gamma radiation into chemical energy, a process termed radiosynthesis, enabling it to grow in areas with intense radiation exposure. This remarkable adaptation not only highlights life's resilience in extreme conditions but also presents potential applications in bioremediation of radioactive sites and development of radiation shields for space exploration.
(0: Medmyco / Wikimedia Commons)