A black fungus feeds on radiation in Chernobyl. In the radioactive ruins of Chernobyl’s Reactor 4, scientists found an extraordinary black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in one of Earth’s most toxic environments. Rather than merely enduring radiation, this fungus seems to harness it through radiosynthesis—a process akin to photosynthesis but driven by gamma radiation, converting it into chemical energy. It’s among the rare organisms capable of this feat. Even more remarkable, when tested on the International Space Station, the fungus flourished, forming a biofilm that blocked up to 84% of cosmic radiation, hinting at its potential as a living radiation shield for astronauts. With radiation posing a major hurdle for deep-space missions to Mars and beyond, this self-regenerating biological layer could revolutionize spacecraft design by replacing heavy, bulky shielding. On Earth, researchers are exploring its use in bioremediation to detoxify radioactive sites too hazardous for humans, potentially transforming nuclear disaster recovery. As one scientist put it, “It’s like nature crafted a biological radiation shield.” From Chernobyl’s ruins to space, this humble fungus could help humanity thrive in the universe’s harshest environments.

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