Tag: radiotrophic fungi
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QuickCheck: Has a fungus in Chernobyl evolved to feed on radiation?
Introduction: The Chernobyl mystery When the 1986 Chernobyl disaster released unprecedented radiation into the environment, scientists expected a barren landscape. Yet, decades later, life persists in surprising forms. Among the most intriguing questions is whether certain fungi have evolved to feed on radiation, turning ionizing rays into an energy source rather than merely enduring the…
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Has a Fungus in Chernobyl Evolved to Feed on Radiation? A Scientific Look
Introduction: The Chernobyl Legacy and a Curious Claim The 1986 Chernobyl disaster left a radioactive landscape that scientists long considered uninhabitable for most life. Yet, in the ruins surrounding Reactor 4, researchers discovered a surprising cast of organisms that could endure, and in some cases seemingly thrive, in high-radiation environments. One question has captured public…