The Chernobyl exclusion zone may be off-limits to humans, but ever since the Unit Four reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded nearly 40 years ago, other forms of life have not only moved in but survived, adapted, and appeared to thrive.

“That fungus is called Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and some scientists think its dark pigment – melanin – may allow it to harness ionizing radiation through a process similar to the way plants harness light for photosynthesis. This proposed mechanism is even referred to as radiosynthesis.”

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/39553283 https://libretechni.ca/post/483480

  • a4ng3l@lemmy.worldEnglish
    27·
    1 day ago

    It eats the radiation, not its source though. The emitter would have to be removed. Maybe it could be used in shielding ? Like in space where background radiation seems to be a problem.

    • _stranger_@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      1 day ago

      It needs carbon to grow, so it would be a CO2 scrubber AND a source of food assuming it’s edible. 🤔🤔🤔

      • a4ng3l@lemmy.worldEnglish
        91·
        1 day ago

        I would not be eating something with a radioactive-based diet in space… that’s like 2 steps away from opening the gates of hell of something like that xD