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Black Fungus Blocks Radiation
A black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, has been found in the radioactive ruins of Chernobyl’s Reactor 4.
(Cladosporium sphaerospermum)
Rather than merely enduring radiation, this fungus seems to harness it through radiosynthesis—a process akin to photosynthesis but driven by gamma radiation, converting it into chemical energy. It’s among the rare organisms capable of this feat.Even more remarkable, when tested on the International Space Station, the fungus flourished, forming a biofilm that blocked up to 84% of cosmic radiation, hinting at its potential as a living radiation shield for astronauts. With radiation posing a major hurdle for deep-space missions to Mars and beyond, this self-regenerating biological layer could revolutionize spacecraft design by replacing heavy, bulky shielding.
On Earth, researchers are exploring its use in bioremediation to detoxify radioactive sites too hazardous for humans, potentially transforming nuclear disaster recovery. As one scientist put it, “It’s like nature crafted a biological radiation shield.” From Chernobyl’s ruins to space, this humble fungus could help humanity thrive in the universe’s harshest environments.
In his recent novel Hail Mary (2021), science fiction writer Andy Weir describes a unique organism that can provide a shield against radiation:
“Astrophage stops radiation,” I say. “You were surrounded by Astrophage most of the time. Your crewmates weren’t. So the radiation got to them.”He doesn’t respond. He needs a moment to let that sink in.
“Understand,” he says in low notes. “Thank. I now know why I not die.”
I try to imagine the desperation of his people. With a space program far behind Earth’s, no knowledge of what’s outside, and still making an interstellar ship in a bid to save their race.
No different from my situation, I guess. I just have a little more technology.
“Radiation is here too,” I say. “Stay in your workshop as much as you can.”
“Yes.”
“Bring Astrophage to this tunnel and put it on the wall.” “Yes. You do same.”
“I don’t need to.”
“Why not, question?”
Because it doesn’t matter if I get cancer. I’m going to die here anyway. But I don’t want to explain that I’m on a suicide mission right now. The conversation’s been pretty heavy already. So Ill tell him a half-truth.
“Earth’s atmosphere is thin and our magnetic field is weak. Radiation gets to the surface. So Earth life evolved to survive radiation.”
See this older story for a unique and creative solution to the problem of radiation in space - Undergrad Proposes Asteroids As Radiation Shields.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 9/3/2025)
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