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Chernobyl

All articles tagged with #chernobyl

Chernobyl Fungus Hints at Radiosynthesis: Melanin May Turn Radiation Into Energy
science15 days ago

Chernobyl Fungus Hints at Radiosynthesis: Melanin May Turn Radiation Into Energy

Scientists studying the black fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone report it grows better in ionizing radiation, possibly via a radiosynthesis-like process in which melanin could harvest energy while shielding the fungus from damage; though earlier work suggested a photosynthesis‑like pathway and a 2022 ISS experiment showed radiation shielding, a concrete energy-harvesting mechanism remains unproven, leaving the exact purpose of radiation tolerance uncertain and highlighting life’s adaptations in extreme environments.

via ScienceAlert|
#chernobyl#fungi#ionizing-radiation
Radiation-exposed fathers linked to subtle DNA changes in their children
science1 month ago

Radiation-exposed fathers linked to subtle DNA changes in their children

A Scientific Reports study analyzing whole-genome data from 130 offspring of Chernobyl cleanup workers, 110 offspring of radar operators, and controls finds a higher count of clustered de novo mutations (cDNMs) in children of irradiated parents (average 2.65 per child in the Chernobyl group, 1.48 in the radar group, 0.88 in controls), with higher parental radiation dose associated with more cDNMs. Most cDNMs occur in non-coding DNA, suggesting minimal disease risk, and the overall risk of disease in offspring remains small. The study notes limitations, including historical exposure estimates and potential participation bias, and emphasizes a transgenerational effect of prolonged low-dose ionizing radiation.

via ScienceAlert|
#cdnms#chernobyl#genome-sequencing
Ukraine withdraws from Siversk amid Russian advances and strikes
world3 months ago

Ukraine withdraws from Siversk amid Russian advances and strikes

Ukraine withdrew troops from Siversk amid ongoing Russian strikes that killed civilians and damaged energy infrastructure, including a threat to the Chernobyl shelter, as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue without clear progress. The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, power outages, and increased military activity in eastern Ukraine, with Russia claiming territorial gains and escalating attacks on energy facilities and port cities.

via Yahoo|
#chernobyl#energy#russia
Black Fungus at Chernobyl Evolves to Consume Radiation
science3 months ago

Black Fungus at Chernobyl Evolves to Consume Radiation

Scientists studying fungi at Chernobyl found that a black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, not only tolerates radiation but appears to grow toward it, leading to potential applications in creating living radiation shields for space travel. Experiments on the ISS showed the fungus's growth may be enhanced by radiation, and its melanin content could help neutralize radiation damage, suggesting a future where biological materials could be used to protect astronauts from space radiation. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and develop practical applications.

via Earth.com|
#black-fungus#chernobyl#cladosporium-sphaerospermum
Black Fungus at Chernobyl Evolves to Consume Radiation, Aiding Space Exploration
science3 months ago

Black Fungus at Chernobyl Evolves to Consume Radiation, Aiding Space Exploration

Scientists studying fungi at Chernobyl found that a black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, evolved to tolerate and grow toward radiation, leading to experiments on the ISS suggesting it could be used as a living radiation shield for space travel, thanks to its melanin content and water-rich biomass. The study indicates potential for biological radiation protection in future space missions, though further research is needed.

via Earth.com|
#black-fungus#chernobyl#cladosporium-sphaerospermum
Chernobyl Fungus Evolves Unique Radiation-Absorbing Ability
science4 months ago

Chernobyl Fungus Evolves Unique Radiation-Absorbing Ability

A black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in Chernobyl's radioactive environment, shows unusual growth patterns under radiation, leading to theories of a potential 'radiosynthesis' process that could convert radiation into energy, with implications for space shielding and astrobiology. Despite ongoing research, the exact mechanisms remain unknown, but the fungus's resilience and unique properties make it a promising subject for future scientific and space exploration applications.

via The Daily Galaxy|
#biosynthesis#chernobyl#fungus
Vintage Plasma Display Reveals Current Radiation Levels
technology8 months ago

Vintage Plasma Display Reveals Current Radiation Levels

A hobbyist named Alex has built a stylish radiation level monitor using an ESP32 microcontroller and a vintage Soviet-era plasma display, inspired by Chernobyl's exclusion zone. The device fetches sensor data via an API and includes a Geiger counter, with the display operated as a text-only matrix that can be modified for additional symbols. This project highlights the charm of vintage displays and their potential for reverse-engineering and modern applications.

via Hackaday|
#chernobyl#esp32#nuclear-safety
Chernobyl Dogs Show Signs of Rapid Evolution
science10 months ago

Chernobyl Dogs Show Signs of Rapid Evolution

Scientists are studying the wild dogs of Chernobyl to understand how radiation affects their evolution. Recent research shows that these dogs do not exhibit significant genetic mutations compared to dogs outside the exclusion zone, raising questions about their adaptation and survival in radioactive environments. This research could deepen our understanding of radiation's impact on animals and ecosystems.

via Boy Genius Report|
#chernobyl#dogs#evolution