Scientists have discovered that Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a resilient black fungus found in Chernobyl, uses radiation as an energy source, showcasing life's adaptability.
The presence of C. sphaerospermum in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone highlights how life can thrive even in extreme environments, providing insights into survival mechanisms.
This fungus's unique ability to convert radiation into energy through melanin could hold potential for developing radiation protection strategies, particularly in deep space exploration.
Research shows that melanin in C. sphaerospermum allows the fungus to absorb gamma radiation and harness it for growth, illustrating a remarkable form of radiosynthesis.
Collection
[
|
...
]