In 1991, 5 years after the Chernobyl disaster, black fungi were found sprouting over the remains of the abandoned reactor walls.
After studying these fungi, scientists discovered that they grow towards radiation as if they were attracted to it, because they contain pigments that allow them to absorb harmful rays and convert them into energy.
These fungi work in the same way that plants convert carbon dioxide into Oxygen And glucose in the photosynthesis process.
Exposure to cosmic rays poses a great danger to astronauts who leave the protective atmosphere of the Earth, and can be protected with shields of steel and other materials, but these materials must be shipped from Earth, which is difficult and expensive.
A researcher at Stanford University and co-author of the study, Nils Afrish said"New Scientist": "What makes fungi a great solution is that you only need a few grams to start", In reference to its rapid growth and reproduction.
Afrish pointed out that the fungi reproduce self, and"Even with a strong solar glow, you’ll be able to grow again in a few days".
The results of the study have not been published yet, leaving the scientific community waiting for the conclusion that could revolutionize human protection from radiation.
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Researchers said that these fungi can absorb Nuclear radiation As well as harmful cosmic rays, which makes them eligible to protect humans from this deadly radiation, which may open the way for exploration of more secrets The spaceOr even set up future Mars colonies, according to the prestigious British science journal, New Scientist.
In 1991, 5 years after the Chernobyl disaster, black fungi were found sprouting over the remains of the abandoned reactor walls.
After studying these fungi, scientists discovered that they grow towards radiation as if they were attracted to it, because they contain pigments that allow them to absorb harmful rays and convert them into energy.
These fungi work in the same way that plants convert carbon dioxide into Oxygen And glucose in the photosynthesis process.
Exposure to cosmic rays poses a great danger to astronauts who leave the protective atmosphere of the Earth, and can be protected with shields of steel and other materials, but these materials must be shipped from Earth, which is difficult and expensive.
“What makes fungi a great solution, is that you only need a few grams to start,” said Nils Afrish, a researcher at Stanford University and co-author of the study, for New Scientist, referring to their rapid growth and reproduction.
Afrish noted that the fungi reproduce themselves, and “even with a strong solar flare, you will be able to grow again in a few days.”
The results of the study have not been published yet, leaving the scientific community waiting for the conclusion that could revolutionize human protection from radiation.
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