After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986, many scientists assumed that the area around the plant would turn into a dead zone, where life would be virtually impossible. However, in the decades since the disaster, nature has demonstrated the opposite: numerous species of plants, animals, and microorganisms have not only survived, but also adapted to the conditions of increased radiation.
One of the most unusual organisms that has caught the attention of researchers is the mold Cladosporium sphaerospermum. This fungus has long been known to science, but it was in the Chernobyl exclusion zone that it demonstrated a special ability to grow actively in places with high levels of radiation.
Researchers have noticed that the fungus not only withstands radiation, but also grows particularly well in areas most contaminated with radionuclides, leading scientists to speculate that the organism may use radiation as an energy source.
This property has interested specialists working on the problem of protecting people from cosmic radiation. During space flights, astronauts are exposed to much higher levels of radiation than on Earth. Today, special screens are used to protect spacecraft, but they significantly increase the weight of the devices, and each additional kilogram in space is very expensive.
Therefore, scientists are looking for alternative solutions. One such idea is the use of biological materials that can absorb radiation.
To test the capabilities of the fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum, researchers conducted an experiment on the International Space Station. A sample of the fungus was delivered to orbit in a special CubeLab module.
The experiment involved growing the fungus in a sealed Petri dish. Half of the container was filled with a nutrient medium containing the fungus, while the other half was left empty. Radiation sensors were placed under both halves.
The results revealed an interesting detail: the sensors under the layer of fungus recorded slightly lower radiation levels than in the part without mold. Moreover, the thicker the layer of fungus became, the more noticeable the difference became.
The study authors emphasize that this is just proof of concept so far. The experiment was small, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
However, scientists suggest that in the future, such organisms could become the basis for so-called living anti-radiation shields — biological materials that can protect spacecraft or even future human colonies on other planets.
Thus, organisms that were able to survive in the Chernobyl disaster zone can help humanity in space exploration.
