Fungi that turn lethal radiation into biological energy
In short: In the ruins of the Chernobyl disaster, scientists discovered a biological anomaly: fungi that don't just survive radiation, they thrive on it. This documentary explores how these organisms are rewriting the rules of life and influencing future space exploration.
Following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, researchers identified melanized fungi within the toxic Red Forest and Reactor No. 4. These organisms utilize a process called radiosynthesis, where they use melanin to convert harmful nuclear radiation into usable biological energy.
This discovery is significant because it expands the known boundaries of life on Earth. Furthermore, it is currently reshaping NASA’s vision for protecting habitats in deep space, where radiation remains a primary hurdle for human survival.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Scientists Are Studying This Fungus: The Chernobyl Fungus | Fungi Documentary
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