Ask Onix
Radiation-resistant fungi from Chernobyl may hold key to space travel safety
In 1997, biologist Nelli Zhdanova discovered black mould thriving inside the ruins of Chernobyl's exploded reactor-an environment once considered lethal to life. Now, decades later, this radiation-resistant fungus could revolutionize protection for astronauts against cosmic rays, offering a lightweight, self-sustaining shield for deep-space missions.
The paradox of radiotropic fungi
Zhdanova's findings defied expectations. The fungi not only survived in highly radioactive zones but appeared to grow toward radiation sources-a phenomenon she termed "radiotropism." Unlike plants seeking sunlight, these organisms flourished in conditions that typically shred DNA and destroy cells. Among 36 fungal species identified near Chernobyl, nine exhibited this behavior, their black coloration stemming from dense melanin in their cell walls.
Melanin, the same pigment responsible for human skin and hair color, acted as a radiation absorber. Rather than deflecting particles like a physical shield, it dissipated energy and neutralized harmful ions-a dual role as both protector and potential energy source.
From Chernobyl to the cosmos: A fungal breakthrough
Research by Ekaterina Dadachova in 2007 revealed that melanized fungi grew 10% faster when exposed to radioactive cesium, suggesting they might metabolize radiation-a process dubbed "radiosynthesis." While the exact mechanism remains unproven, Dadachova's team identified proteins linked to this growth spike, hinting at a biological pathway for converting radiation into usable energy.
Further tests aboard the International Space Station in 2018 confirmed the fungus's resilience. Cladosporium sphaerospermum, the same strain from Chernobyl, grew 21% faster under galactic cosmic radiation-particles so powerful they penetrate lead. A thin fungal layer even blocked radiation effectively, though scientists like Nils Averesch caution that zero-gravity effects may also play a role.
Debate over radiation as a fungal food source
Not all studies align. A 2022 experiment at Sandia National Laboratories found no growth difference in melanized fungi exposed to cesium-137, while a 2006 survey by Zhdanova showed only nine of 47 species exhibited radiotropism. Yet the space station results reignited interest, particularly for NASA's plans to establish lunar and Martian bases by the 2030s.
Myco-architecture: The future of space habitats?
Traditional radiation shields-like water or polyethylene-are prohibitively heavy for spaceflight. Lynn Rothschild of NASA's Ames Research Center compares transporting them to "a turtle carrying its shell." Fungal-based materials, however, could be grown in situ, forming lightweight, self-repairing barriers.
If confirmed, these "myco-architectural" solutions might protect astronauts on Mars, where SpaceX aims to land humans as early as 2031. As Zhdanova's mould once colonized Chernobyl's ruins, it could now pave the way for humanity's survival on distant worlds.
"The energy of ionising radiation is around one million times higher than white light used in photosynthesis. Melanin might be the transducer capable of converting it into usable energy."
Ekaterina Dadachova, nuclear scientist, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
