Certain types
of fungi
are known
to be attracted
to radiation,
and can actually
break down
and neutralize
radiation
in certain
environments.
The radioactive,
and abandoned,
Chernobyl Nuclear
Power Plant
has acted as
a real-life
laboratory.
A team of
researchers
searched the
Chernobyl area
with robots
in 1991.
They noticed
black-spotted
fungi growing
on the walls
of one of the
nuclear reactors.
The fungi
appeared to be
breaking down
radioactive graphite
from the core itself.
The fungi
seemed to
be growing
TOWARDS
the source
of the radiation,
as if being
attracted to it.
In 2007,
the University
of Saskatchewan
found that
different types
of fungi
are attracted
to radiation.
A team
led by Professor
Ekaterina Dadachova ,
observed some types
of fungi growing
more rapidly,
when exposed
to radiation.
The three species
tested were:
(1)
Cladosporium
sphaerospermum,
(2)
Cryptococcus
neoformans and
(3)
Wangiella dermatitidis.
They all
grew faster
when exposed
to radiation.
These species
all had large
amounts
of the
pigment
melanin.
Scientists
believe
the melanin
allows them to
absorb radiation,
and convert it into
chemical energy
for growth.
A follow-up study
is in progress.
Eight fungi species,
collected from
the Chernobyl area,
were sent to the
International Space
Station (ISS) in 2016.
The study
has not yet
been published.
Fungi samples
are exposed
to between
40 and 80 times
more radiation,
than they
would be here
on Earth.
Experts hope
the knowledge
they gain
can be used
to produce drugs,
that protect
astronauts
from radiation,
on long-term
missions.
Perhaps
the study
could lead to
fungi-based
cancer
treatments
too ?