Species in Chernobyl disaster zone is mutating to feed on radiation

"A strange black fungus called Cladosporium sphaerospermum, found growing on abandoned reactor walls, hasn't just learned to survive the deadly fallout, but several strains now grow faster when radiation is present and even move towards it. Recent studies of the fungus at Chernobyl noted that only a small fraction of the dark fungi, nine of the 47 strains tested, displayed this 'radiation-hunting' behavior."

"These strains were found to turn gamma rays, the most powerful and dangerous kind of radiation from nuclear explosions, into chemical energy, just like normal plants convert the sun's light during photosynthesis. C. sphaerospermum is believed to get its radiation-eating superpower from melanin, the pigment that gives humans their skin color, although researchers have said this is still just a theory they've dubbed radiosynthesis."

"Now, scientists at NASA are exploring how to create 'fungal bricks' using the mold, which would serve as lightweight building materials that could protect moon or Mars bases from cosmic radiation far better than heavy lead shields. On the International Space Station (ISS), this fungus grew 21 times faster when exposed to space radiation and blocked a large amount of it from penetrating other surfaces, making it a serious candidate for defending future astronauts."

Cladosporium sphaerospermum can thrive on high-radiation surfaces and several strains grow faster and migrate toward radiation. Only a minority of tested strains display this radiotropic behavior. Certain strains appear to convert gamma rays into chemical energy through a process termed radiosynthesis, possibly mediated by melanin. The fungus trapped and neutralized radioactive particles and significantly attenuated radiation in experiments. On the ISS the fungus grew many times faster under space radiation and reduced penetration of radiation through materials. NASA is investigating fungal-based lightweight shielding, including 'fungal bricks,' for lunar and Martian habitats.

Read at Mail Online