In recent years, scientists have been exploring ways to make space travel safer and more sustainable.
One surprising discovery comes from an unlikely place: the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
The fungi found growing on the destroyed reactor may hold the key to future space missions and colonization of other planets.
Their ability to survive and even thrive in radioactive environments could help protect astronauts from the dangers of radiation during space travel, writes WP.
Back in 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded, leaving behind a highly radioactive and dangerous environment.
For years, the site seemed completely uninhabitable. But in 1991, scientists found that certain fungi were growing on the reactor.
These fungi, including Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Wangiella dermatitidis, were able to adapt to extreme conditions, including radiation.
The most interesting aspect of these fungi is how they use radiation to grow. Fungi are known for their ability to absorb radiation, and studies have shown that they use melanin, a pigment also found in human skin, to convert this radiation into chemical energy.
This process, similar to photosynthesis in plants, helps the fungi thrive in environments that would be deadly to most forms of life.
This discovery has important implications for space exploration. Scientists believe that fungi like Cladosporium sphaerospermum could be used to protect astronauts from radiation while traveling in space.
In fact, experiments have already been conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to test the fungi’s ability to adapt to microgravity and block radiation.
The results showed that these fungi were able to reduce radiation by two percent, making them a promising option for future space missions.
Beyond radiation protection, fungi could also be used for other purposes in space. Researchers are exploring how they might be used to produce medicines to protect astronauts from long-term space travel effects.
Fungi could also provide a sustainable food source for astronauts on deep space missions. Their versatility makes them a valuable resource for space exploration.
In conclusion, the fungi discovered at Chernobyl may not only help us understand life’s resilience in extreme conditions but could also play a crucial role in the future of space travel.
