The Chernobyl exclusion zone may be off-limits to humans, but ever since the Unit Four reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded nearly 40 years ago, other forms of life have not only moved in but survived, adapted, and appeared to thrive.

“That fungus is called Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and some scientists think its dark pigment – melanin – may allow it to harness ionizing radiation through a process similar to the way plants harness light for photosynthesis. This proposed mechanism is even referred to as radiosynthesis.”

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/39553283 https://libretechni.ca/post/483480

  • frongt@lemmy.zipEnglish
    11·
    2 days ago

    If it’s absorbing the energy, then it’s not passing through. That’s shielding.

    But like light shining through a plant’s leaves, it probably doesn’t absorb anywhere near all the energy, so probably not useful as actual shielding material.

    • village604@adultswim.fanEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      But, like any shielding, the thickness matters. And if this stuff could also convert CO2 to oxygen, having a bunch would be a good thing.