Science is Fun Fridays!
Cryptococcus neoformans, radiotrophic fungi found on the walls of Chernobyl's reactor.
Scientists have known about this fungus since 2007 - it decomposes radioactive material such as the hot graphite in the remains of the reactor. Very dark melanin pigment absorbs radiation and processes it harmlessly for energy. Scientists hope to mimic this process for radiation/sun blocking as well as for a renewable energy source.
Outside the exclusion zone, the fungi has less melanin, suggesting it adapted to the radiation. Other studies have shown that the fungi grows faster with the radiation, and they point their spores towards the source - they love it.
NASA has been researching this and have been growing the fungus on board the International Space Station. The ambient radiation there is high compared to Earth's surface, and understanding how we could use the fungus has great potential for future space travel.
Radiation Reference:
On average, we are exposed to 3 millisieverts of radiation per year. Doses of 50-200 mSv can lead to chromosomal damage and serious radiation sickness occurs at about 2,000 mSv. Astronauts are exposed to approximately 50-2,000 mSv in six months time. Soon after the nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl, levels were as high as 8,000-16,000 mSv. The area will remain highly radioactive for up to 20,000 years.
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