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Chernobyl Fungus Seems to Have Evolved an Incredible Ability (www.sciencealert.com)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by m3t00@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world
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how the aliens survive spaceflight

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[-] tyrant@lemmy.world 16 points 1 week ago

That fungus is called Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and some scientists think its dark pigment – melanin – may allow it to harness ionizing radiation through a process similar to the way plants harness light for photosynthesis. This proposed mechanism is even referred to as radiosynthesis.

[-] lime@feddit.nu 5 points 1 week ago

wait, are black people more radiation-resistant?

[-] Egonallanon@feddit.uk 15 points 1 week ago

In terms of UV radiation cuaisng things like sunburn and skin cancer in humans yes.

At the scale when gamma radiation is being thrown around at high levels no.

[-] bluGill@fedia.io 3 points 1 week ago

Maybe slightly - but you are a fool if you test this.

[-] Grimy@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

Because I'm not black

[-] Poojabber@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

Also, because you are a fool. They are not mutually exclusive reasons.

this post was submitted on 27 Mar 2026
24 points (100.0% liked)

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