All articles tagged with #radiation
A black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in Chernobyl's radioactive environment, may be harnessing ionizing radiation as an energy source through a process called radiosynthesis, challenging our understanding of life’s resilience in extreme conditions.
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.
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.
Scientists have discovered a black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in the radioactive environment of Chernobyl, potentially using a process called radiosynthesis to harness ionizing radiation for energy, though the exact mechanism remains unknown.
New research suggests that organic molecules found in the plumes of Saturn's moon Enceladus may be produced by surface radiation rather than originating from its subsurface ocean, complicating assessments of its habitability.
Apple is preparing a software update for all iPhone 12 models in the EU to address radiation testing concerns raised by French authorities, despite the company’s disagreement with the testing approach. The update follows a similar fix implemented in France three years ago and aims to reassure users of the device's safety.
Over the past 80 years, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have left lasting health and environmental impacts on communities worldwide, especially those downwind of testing sites, with increased cancer risks and ongoing contamination issues, highlighting the long-term consequences of nuclear proliferation and testing.
The FDA advised against eating certain Great Value shrimp due to the detection of a small amount of radioactive isotope Cesium-137, but the levels found pose no immediate health risk. The contamination likely resulted from environmental exposure, and robust U.S. port monitoring ensures such low levels are detected early. While the presence of Cs-137 is unusual and concerning, the detected amounts are well below harmful thresholds, making the shrimp safe to eat.
A study reveals that dogs living in the Chernobyl exclusion zone have undergone rapid genetic changes related to radiation exposure, including adaptations in DNA repair, immune function, and pigmentation, indicating real-time evolution in response to environmental stress.
A leaked study highlights the complex and risky challenges of human reproduction in space, including difficulties with conception, childbirth logistics, radiation exposure risks to embryos and fetuses, and potential long-term developmental issues for space-born children, making space pregnancy far from feasible with current technology.
Experts suggest that if a U.S. bunker buster hits Iran's underground nuclear site, the risk of widespread radioactive contamination is low due to the site's construction and the nature of the materials involved, primarily uranium hexafluoride gas, which would likely stay localized and pose limited health risks outside the immediate area.
Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities have raised global concerns about potential nuclear contamination and regional destabilization, with experts warning of increased risks of radiological release amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and past attacks on nuclear sites.
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.
New research warns that overuse of CT scans in the US could cause over 103,000 new cancer cases in the future, highlighting concerns about unnecessary scans driven by reassurance-seeking and routine use, especially in children and healthy individuals. Experts emphasize the importance of limiting low-value scans, reducing radiation doses, and following strict guidelines to minimize risks while ensuring necessary diagnostics.
A recent study highlights the challenges of finding ancient life on Mars due to cosmic rays, which rapidly degrade key life indicators like lipids, especially in salt-rich environments. These findings suggest that while Mars's surface conditions are harsh, deeper drilling, such as that planned by the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin Rover, may offer better chances of discovering preserved biosignatures. The study emphasizes the need to explore diverse Martian environments, including potentially radiation-shielded caves, to improve the search for past life.