Mould found at the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster appears to be feeding off the radiation. Could we use it to shield space travellers from cosmic rays?
  • SolarMonkey@slrpnk.netEnglish
    91·
    7 days ago

    That is very cool.

    It’s not really all that different than photosynthesis, which is also using radiation as energy.

    I wonder if something like this can be adapted into something that can be used to clean and neutralize nuclear waste. Obviously the present mold wouldn’t do it, but with modifications maybe. And it could probably be a somewhat self-limiting thing, such that when the radiation is no longer present, the thing dies off.

    • zz31da@piefed.socialEnglish
      6·
      7 days ago

      I mean, it’s still technically great bait for clicking, it’s just that there’s actually some interesting content in there.

      Sincerely, Captain Pedant

      edit: bad formatting

  • valentinesmith@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    7·
    7 days ago

    was a nice article to share.

    Funny how melanin could also be used for this kind of radiation and looking forward to what the scientists will find out in the future.

    Protection for space travel would be nice and whatever other applications might pop up in the future.