Fungi discovered in Chernobyl: a surprising example of life’s adaptability

Chernobyl radiotrophic fungi, such as Cladosporium sphaerospermum, could protect astronauts from cosmic radiation, thanks to their ability to convert radiation into energy

Those found in Chernobyl, like Cladosporium sphaerospermum, have become the very embodiment of how life can find its way to adapt even into the most unimaginable and illogical extremities. While most life-forms would avoid radioactivity by any means possible, these fungi seek out radioactivity and feed on it much like plants do sunlight.

It is just because of this very unique ability that these fungi have caught the attention of scientists: instead of being destroyed by radiation, they turn it into a resource for survival. Where most life would vanish, they find a way to thrive. It’s as if they remind us that nature never stops surprising us, and that adaptation is an extraordinarily powerful force.

The role of melanin

The secret to this incredible ability lies in melanin, a substance we are very familiar with because it protects our skin from the sun. But in these fungi, melanin does so much more: it converts gamma radiation into chemical energy, thus making it possible for the fungi to “feed” on what would be deadly to others. In one word, it is as if these fungi have developed a sort of “nuclear photosynthesis.”

And here is where the story gets even more interesting: NASA and other space agencies have begun studying these fungi for use in space missions. Why? Because in space, one of the biggest enemies is radiation. Yet, these fungi do offer hope. In experiments conducted on the International Space Station, they were able to cut radiation levels by about 2%. This may seem a small figure, but it’s a start toward something so much larger: the thought of regenerating biological shields of fungi that protect against cosmic radiation.

Just think of Mars: growing these types of fungi in space bases would generate a radiation shield that grows right there, thickens by itself, and therefore does not need to be replaced or repaired. Moreover, they would be a doable solution but once again proof of how life adapts wonderfully.

Source: bioRxiv