Organisms in Chernobyl Have Mutated to Feed on Radiation
The Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which occurred on April 26, 1986, remains the most catastrophic nuclear event in history, resulting in a 30-kilometer exclusion zone around the site due to persistent high radiation levels. Within this desolate area, scientists have discovered a remarkable organism: a black fungus known as Cladosporium sphaerospermum. This fungus has been observed thriving on the walls of Reactor No. 4, extending its threads towards radioactive materials, suggesting a unique adaptation to its environment.
Research conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has revealed that Cladosporium sphaerospermum and two other fungi can increase their biomass significantly in radiation levels that are 500 times higher than normal. Initially, scientists believed these fungi were growing towards carbon sources, but further studies indicated they actually grow towards sources of beta and gamma ionizing radiation.
Unlike other organisms that merely survive in radioactive environments, these fungi appear to thrive because of radiation, utilizing it as an energy source. This process, termed radiosynthesis, is facilitated by melanin, a pigment found in both the fungi and human skin. Melanin captures ionizing radiation and converts it into chemical energy, akin to how chlorophyll in plants converts sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
The implications of this discovery are profound. Researchers are exploring the potential of these radioactive fungi as a natural method to contain and reduce radiation levels in contaminated areas. Additionally, their unique properties may have applications in space exploration, where radiation poses significant challenges for long-term missions. Cladosporium sphaerospermum has already been sent to the International Space Station for experiments aimed at determining whether its radiation tolerance can protect astronauts from cosmic radiation, with initial results showing promise.
