20 years after the Chernobyl disaster, scientists have found on the walls of its reactors unusual black fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which peacefully coexisted with a powerful radioactive radiation. Moreover, deadly radiation became part of his diet.
Scientists have found that this contributed to a huge number of melanin the pigment responsible for our skin getting dark from the sun. As it turned out, the melanin absorbs dangerous radiation, converting it into energy. Such a process resembles the transformation of carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose through photosynthesis.
Scientists believe that due to this unique mechanism, we now have the ability to create a biomimetic substances, at the same time blocking the radiation and turns it into a renewable source of energy.
Cryptococcus neoformans
Biotechnologist with NASA for more than 40 years of experience, and kasthuri Venkateswaran, who led the research on Cryptococcus neoformans, offers to send him to the ISS. Grown in conditions of space radiation, the fungus will help to reveal the unknown side of her nature.
The unique properties of living organisms, such as those demonstrating Cryptococcus neoformans, will be invaluable in medicine, security and manufacturing.
Source — MSN