In 1997, Nelli Zhdanova discovered black mould thriving inside the ruins of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, one of the most radioactive places on Earth. The fungi, rich in melanin, appeared to be attracted to ionising radiation—a phenomenon she called 'radiotropism'. This challenged the assumption that such radiation is universally harmful to life.
The mould's melanin pigment absorbs radiation rather than deflecting it, dissipating its energy. Similar melanin-rich frogs have been found in Chernobyl's ponds, showing increased survival and reproduction. This protective mechanism has sparked interest from NASA, which is exploring the use of fungi as a durable life-support system for astronauts, potentially shielding them from cosmic rays on long missions.
Zhdanova's work identified 36 other fungal species near Chernobyl, but the black mould's ability to feed on radiation offers hope for cleaning up radioactive sites and protecting space travellers. The discovery underscores a potential new foundation for life on Earth—one that thrives on radiation instead of sunlight.
