Fungi and Radiation

In addition to not perishing, they discovered that the fungi - called cryptococcus neoformans - actually grows towards the radiation, as if attracted to it

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 Image result for animation 'like wow' gif 

Melanin absorbs radiation and converts it into other forms of energy (including electric).  

Research  into the use of melanin in conjunction with water to convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. 

'This technology will probably find its place in biotechnology as it is non toxic and biocompatible.' 

Advances in using the powers of the fungi for medicinal purposes were gradual, but have been boosted in recent years by an ongoing study which saw samples of it sent into space.

 

Inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, where in 1991 a black fungi was found sprouting on the walls in the extremely harsh conditions 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-7966773/Fungi-EATS-radiation-used-like-sun-block-humans-protect-against-deadly-rays.html?ito=email_share_article-image-share  

Inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, where in 1991 a black fungi was found sprouting on the walls in the extremely harsh conditions

 

 

My first reaction to reading this article the other day was space travel!

Instead of liquid hydrogen.

https://www.cnet.com/news/fungi-found-in-chernobyl-feeds-on-radiation-report-says/

'Melanin absorbs radiation and converts it into other forms of energy (including electric).  '

My pea brain is wondering if this  will have issues for people that have radiation treatment; 

The Researchers are always looking for the issues to do with nerve cells/neurons, wonder if this could be used to treat mans issues with muscular functions? 

The mind boggles at what this find can eventually cure in our bodies.

Yup - double WOW!!!

The Chernobyl fungi, scientists discovered, were actually helped by the radiation, transforming something normally lethal—gamma rays—into an energy source.

Fungi have a track record of producing helpful drugs. They produce “secondary metabolites”—things not necessary for a fungus’s basic functioning, but made when survival necessitates it—that can be turned into medication.

 We already take advantage of several of these metabolites. Penicillin, the first antibiotic, is produced by a fungus to ward off bacteria. Lovastatin, the active ingredient in many cholesterol medications, and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant used during organ transplants, are both compounds made by fungi.

An interesting study

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0000457

 

Great topic by the way! 

Indeed wow!. And just how much electrical energy would be produced by melanin and water exposed to electromagnetic radiation? Enough to power  a toaster? I doubt it would power any thing useful even if you covered the plantet with it!

The only way radiation could be used to generate a useful amount of power in our "modern" society is using a nuclear power station!

While its interesting to see some fungi using radiation as an energy source that doesnt mean it "eats" the radiation. Its will still take the same amount of time for the radiation to decay, in some cases tens of thousands of years, in others just a much shorter time.

While we may see some useful compounds come out of this, I wont be holding my breath, more likey to see some mutation of the fungi which may be more harmful to us. Look out for the "Blob".

"The only way radiation could be used to generate a useful amount of power in our "modern" society is using a nuclear power station!"

So much enthusiasm, so few facts. Have a quick search on pacemakers, satellites, and a host of other uses, with the word "plutonium" added to the search. But I do like the future of nuclear power.

As for the fungi thing above, I think the point has been missed. We all need to have a quick look at the laws of thermodynamics. The go to Wiki for some basic understanding of "radiation".  But hey, happy to see anything looked at other than bloody coal, gas or oil.  

You’ve  both missed the point.

The topic is addressing “Fungi and radiation.”   Not radioactivity.

There are differences between “radioactivity” and “radiation”.

Check it out, preferably not on Wiki !!

Why don't you explain it since you know all about it? Or do you?

Can't help trolling can you? Why would anyone bother explaining anything to you? You wouldn't understand anyway.

Yes ABE there  are many differences between radiation and radioactivity and it is a subject worth reading about.

 

 

What utter nonsense Ray. You are saying nothing here, just attacking and sticking up for your mate. Infantile behaviour! How about you explain the differences between radiation and radioactivity?

 

Why the attacks NY19?  Don't you think it's time you stop your behaviour considering everyone knows by now all the untruths you told about ABE and the rest of us.

Ray is correct, with no academic background, it is highly unlikely you would understand any explanation on the topic.

 

 

For those who have a genuine interest in the difference between "Radiation" and "Radioactivity", you may find these helpful.

 

Laypeople's Understanding of Radioactivity and Radiation

E.K. Henriksen

https://academic.oup.com/rpd/article-abstract/68/3-4/191/1614696?redirectedFrom=fulltext

 

Internet as a source of misconception: "Radiation and radioactivity" 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287914528_Internet_as_a_source_of_misconception_Radiation_and_radioactivity

 

The purpose of this study is to examine  usage styles of the Internet for seeking information and to investigate whether information obtained from the Internet is a source of misconceptions. Three experts set out to determine the probable incorrect information about "Radiation" and "Radioactivity" It was found that a good number of websites contain incorrect and inadequate knowledge about radiation and radioactivity, which can cause various misconceptions.

 

 

A very interesting topic to read about

.

The fungi found in Chernobyl contains high levels of melanin which absorbs radiation and turns it into chemical energy.

Hence you have a material that can act as a shield against radiation.

I guess they have learn't to harness it.  Wouldn't want it to spread where it is not required.

I guess they have learn't to harness it.  Wouldn't want it to spread where it is not required.

If it only thrives in areas of high radiation ... why would it spread?

 

Hi RnR.

When they are testing this in the Lab they will need to know how to control it.

I would think there is a lot to learn about how it moves, is it the same as other electromagnetic radiation?

So many questions we need answered, I guess I shall not live to see it though.

Like this new Coronavirus that floats in the air, will this be the same?

Don't like the idea of it being let loose

 

What fake news is that!

Utter RUBBISH!

A fungus observed inside Chernobyl is a radiation extremophile that could inspire new technology.

Scientists have known about this fungus, and similar extremophile organisms that can thrive on radiation, since at least 2007. The variety found in Chernobyl “can decompose radioactive material such as the hot graphite in the remains of the Chernobyl reactor,” Nature said in 2007.

Extremophiles and Extreme Environments, August 2013, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Radiation-resistant extremophiles and their potential in biotechnology and therapeutics. NCBI, February 2017.

Absolutely fascinating

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