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by chongli 2139 days ago
I think the whole framing of this discussion is inappropriate. The interesting thing about this fungus is that it can use the radiation as an energy source to sustain life. The fact that we can’t use the fungus as some kind of miracle lightweight radiation shield is missing the point.

Here we have a life form that has adapted to make use of a very unusual (on earth’s surface, anyway) energy source. That should not be taken for granted. It’s an amazing demonstration of the adaptability of life. It also warrants a deeper investigation into how this ability works and how it came about by evolutionary processes.
2 comments
eloff 2139 days ago
Agreed, lead blocks radiation quite well. I don't know why anyone would care about that property in a fungus. What is fascinating is that life evolved a novel energy pathway here, this is like photosynthesis but with gamma radiation. I'd love to know more about it.
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0xdeadb00f 2139 days ago
> I don't know why anyone would care about that property in a fungus.

My thought would be the possibility of it being cheaper to produce than lead, possible to farm it. That could mean a more lightweight material for insulated suits and stuff along those lines.

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TheOtherHobbes 2139 days ago
It's unlikely to be much use for shielding for reasons the top comment explains.

The real reason to care is because it's an interesting - almost textbook - example of evolution operating in a challenging environment.

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0xdeadb00f 2139 days ago
> It's unlikely to be much use for shielding for reasons the top comment explains.

I did read the comment - I know it can't be used for that. I only said that as a more generic response to "I don't know why anyone would care" about this property being found in a fungus - a statement which seemed to lack any imagination imo.

> The real reason to care is because it's an interesting - almost textbook - example of evolution operating in a challenging environment.

This is true! Good point.

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specialist 2139 days ago
"It’s an amazing demonstration of the adaptability of life."

Ya. Just as awesome as chemosynthetic life forms adapted for hydrothermal vents.

It's hard not to be dumb stuck.

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