Chernobyl fungi may fuel breakthrough in space safety
Unusual fungi found in the damaged nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl power plant may prove useful in space. Research on the species Cladosporium sphaerospermum could contribute to the success of future space journeys or the protection of colonies on other planets.
Researchers analyzed samples of three Chernobyl fungi that have adapted to extremely harsh conditions. It was found that Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Wangiella dermatitidis grow faster in the presence of radiation.
The unique fungus was discovered in the Chernobyl nuclear reactor as early as 1991. It was challenging to understand why any life existed at the nuclear disaster site, and it took scientists many years to discover how they managed to survive in such extreme conditions. The reactor that failed in April 1986 and subsequently exploded appears to be one of the least hospitable places on Earth. However, scientists have discovered fungi that use radiation to grow.
Fungi absorb radiation, which they use for growth
These fungi also contain large amounts of melanin, a pigment found in human skin. Melanin is known for its ability to absorb light, but studies have shown that in fungi, it has an additional function. Specifically, it absorbs radiation and converts it into chemical energy that supports growth. This function of melanin in fungi can resemble the process of photosynthesis, in which plant chlorophyll uses light to generate energy.
The future of space missions
Scientists speculate that these fungi species could help protect astronauts from radiation in space. Organic shields, grown from living organisms, could facilitate space travel. Although we have technology enabling radiation protection, it is extremely difficult and costly to apply outside Earth.
Researchers claim that this fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, can function as a self-renewing and self-replicating shield against radiation in space. In an experiment, Cladosporium sphaerospermum was placed on the International Space Station (ISS) for a month to study its effectiveness in blocking radiation. The experiment showed that fungi can adapt to microgravity and thrive due to the presence of radiation in space. The results also showed that these fungi could achieve a 2% reduction in radiation.
Medications for astronauts from fungi
There are also plans to potentially use fungi to produce medications for astronauts to protect against the effects of long-term space missions. The use of fungi as a potential food source during distant space expeditions is also being considered. This demonstrates how versatile these organisms can be in future journeys beyond Earth.
