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341

Chernobyl Fungus Appears to Have Evolved an Incredible Ability (www.sciencealert.com)

submitted 1 day ago by A_A@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world

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"That fungus is called Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and some scientists think its dark pigment – melanin – may allow it to harness ionizing radiation through a process similar to the way plants harness light for photosynthesis. This proposed mechanism is even referred to as radiosynthesis."

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/39553283 https://libretechni.ca/post/483480

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[–] a4ng3l@lemmy.world 22 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

It eats the radiation, not its source though. The emitter would have to be removed. Maybe it could be used in shielding ? Like in space where background radiation seems to be a problem.

[–] _stranger_@lemmy.world 1 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

It needs carbon to grow, so it would be a CO2 scrubber AND a source of food assuming it's edible. 🤔🤔🤔

[–] a4ng3l@lemmy.world 4 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

I would not be eating something with a radioactive-based diet in space… that’s like 2 steps away from opening the gates of hell of something like that xD

[–] _stranger_@lemmy.world 3 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

bonus: you won't need eyes?

[–] a4ng3l@lemmy.world 2 points 7 hours ago

Damn that was a rough one