Scientists have discovered that a type of black mold found at the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster can potentially shield space travelers from cosmic radiation. The fungus, which was first identified by Nelli Zhdanova in 1997, appears to be able to absorb and utilize ionizing radiation, providing protection against harmful effects.
Researcher Ekaterina Dadachova’s work has shown that melanin, a pigment found in the mold’s cell walls, plays a crucial role in this process. The energy from ionizing radiation is thought to be “transduced” by melanin, allowing the fungus to grow and thrive even in high-radiation environments.
While more research is needed to confirm this theory, the findings have sparked interest in using fungi as a potential solution for protecting space travelers from cosmic radiation. With plans to establish bases on the Moon and Mars in the coming decades, scientists are looking for lightweight and effective solutions to shield against this hazardous radiation.
The black mold, known as Cladosporium sphaerospermum, was found to grow faster in space than on Earth, and its melanized cells were able to absorb and block radiation. This discovery could lead to the development of “myco-architecture” – a type of fungal-based furniture and walls that could be grown on other planets.
As scientists continue to explore this potential solution, they hope to one day harness the power of these fungi to protect humans from the dangers of space travel.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20251125-the-mysterious-black-fungus-from-chernobyl-that-appears-to-eat-radiation