SRL Archive - Discussions & Debates

Fungi could eat dangerous radiation to survive, an unexpected finding that could one day help feed astronauts in space — at least those willing to eat a crawling fungus.
The research began with the discovery of black fungus growing on the walls of the damaged, highly radioactive Chernobyl nuclear reactor and collected by robots.
The fungus was rich with melanin, the same pigment that gives human skin its color, protecting the skin from solar and ultraviolet radiation. Melanin is found in many, if not most, fungal species.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276196,00.html






Wow. Evolution from mutation?

Yes its evolution.

Really its not as "far out" as it sounds. People hear radiation and think it is all special and stuff. There really is not that much of a difference between harnessing ionization radiation and visible spectrum of light. A simple mutation in the pigments used for capturing electrons in normal photosynthesis could allow for this.

I heard about this a while ago, its strange yes, but defiantly possible.

The funny thing is how FOX puts the article. All they want to do is grab attention with crazy stories like this, it is quite sad, with titles like:

"FUNGUS EATS RADIATION!"

In reality its hardly anything special, the really sad thing is this, eye catching opening line:

"Fungi could eat dangerous radiation to survive"

And then later on in the article:

"The researchers stressed these findings do not mean fungi can eat radioactive matter and somehow cleanse it.."

Great job FOX, completely ignore the researchers wishes so that you can get a slightly higher rating.

This concludes my rant on the sad state of media these days. Any open for discussion?

yes media is evil. we all know it too!

From: mr.klean

Wow. Evolution from mutation?

I dont know if this is sarcasm on your part….but ALL evolution is random mutation, if that mutation produces an allele (trait) that is favorable, that particular organism becomes more fit (more able to reproduce), thus this mutated gene is transfered to more and more offspring in subsequent generations, the organisms with this trait can easily out-compete the "normal" organisms, until this "mutation" becomes the norm. I love biology, and learned this in like…sophomore year, then had it reinforced for 2 more years in high school, and than I aced the AP Bio Exam….

Actually, my father works with a bacteria that will eat a certain water soluble uranium isotope, and upon death, the bacteria turns that isotope into a non-water soluble isotope.


Well, but finding melanin in high concentrations means that the fungus is most likely protected by it somehow, and that eating the fungus would make you blacker than a regular negro, almost to a 'no-light' black. Useful in space, actually.