Chernobyl Fungus Seems to Have Evolved the Ability to Harness Radiation

13 hours ago

A black fungus called Cladosporium sphaerospermum thrives in the highly radioactive Chernobyl exclusion zone, possibly using melanin to harness ionizing radiation through a process similar to photosynthesis, termed 'radiosynthesis'.
Scientists discovered the fungus in the late 1990s inside Chernobyl's reactor shelter, where it dominated samples and showed high radiation levels, with experiments revealing it grows better under ionizing radiation without harm.
Research, including a 2008 study, proposed that melanin in the fungus might convert radiation into energy like chlorophyll does with light, while also acting as a protective shield, supported by a 2022 space experiment on the ISS showing reduced radiation penetration through fungal samples.
Despite intriguing observations, radiosynthesis remains unproven, as scientists haven't demonstrated carbon fixation, metabolic gain, or a defined energy-harvesting pathway from ionizing radiation, with other melanized fungi showing varied responses to radiation.
The fungus's ability to survive and potentially proliferate in extreme conditions highlights life's adaptability, though it's unclear if this is an adaptation for 'feeding' on radiation or a stress response, emphasizing ongoing scientific mystery.

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