Jamur Hitam Ini Menyerap Radiasi Nuklir Chernobyl. Bagaimana Kebenarannya

Summary

The video explores the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, focusing on the discovery of a unique black fungus inside the reactor building. This fungus, later identified as a radiation-absorbing mold, thrives in radioactive environments by using radiation as an energy source, a phenomenon known as radiotropism. Researchers discovered that this fungus not only survives but grows by absorbing radiation, thanks to its melanin, which shields it from the harmful effects. The video delves into the implications of this discovery, including its potential use as a radiation shield for astronauts in space.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chernobyl's nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986, is the largest nuclear accident in human history, releasing over 30 tons of radioactive material into the air.
• 😀 Efforts to contain the disaster included shelter construction and monitoring radiation levels in the affected areas, making the region uninhabitable.
• 😀 Researchers discovered black mold growing on the reactor walls in 1997, a decade after the explosion, surprising scientists given the high radiation levels.
• 😀 The black mold, known as 'Chernobyl Black Mold,' is a type of microfungus that thrives in highly radioactive environments.
• 😀 Unlike most organisms, this mold appears to consume radiation as an energy source, displaying a behavior called 'radiotropism,' where it moves toward radioactive materials.
• 😀 The key to the mold's ability to survive radiation is the presence of melanin, a pigment that helps absorb and protect against harmful radiation.
• 😀 Melanin in the mold's cells surrounds and protects them from radiation, allowing the mold to grow despite the hazardous conditions.
• 😀 Research by Nelly Zadanova, a microbiologist, revealed that multiple species of mold at Chernobyl had varying degrees of radiation tolerance, with some actively using radiation as an energy source.
• 😀 These fungi have unique properties that make them resilient to radiation, similar to how plants use sunlight for photosynthesis.
• 😀 Experiments in 2018 showed that radiation-absorbing fungi could reduce exposure to cosmic radiation by 2.42%, leading to potential future applications in space exploration for astronaut protection.
• 😀 While the reduction in radiation was not optimal, the findings suggest there is room for further research and development in using these fungi as radiation shields.

Q & A

What was the Chernobyl disaster, and when did it occur?

The Chernobyl disaster was the largest nuclear incident in human history, which occurred on April 26, 1986, when Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, releasing over 30 tons of radioactive material into the air.

What was the immediate impact of the Chernobyl explosion on the surrounding area?

The explosion caused widespread contamination, making the area around the reactor hazardous for habitation. The radioactive material released not only affected the nearby areas but also spread via the wind, expanding the area of impact.

How did the workers respond to the Chernobyl disaster after the explosion?

Immediately after the explosion, workers were assigned to clean up debris, gather radioactive materials, and build a shelter to contain further radiation. Monitoring stations were also set up to observe environmental contamination in the surrounding regions.

What discovery was made inside the Chernobyl reactor building years after the explosion?

Years after the explosion, researchers discovered a black layer on the reactor walls, which turned out to be a type of fungus. This fungus, known as 'Chernobyl black fungus,' was able to survive in the high-radiation environment.

What are the characteristics of the fungi found in the Chernobyl reactor?

The fungi found in Chernobyl are not typical mushrooms but rather a type of mold. They are unique in their ability to grow towards radiation sources, a phenomenon called radiotropism, and they appear to use radiation as an energy source to thrive.

Why is melanin important in the fungi found at Chernobyl?

Melanin is important because it helps the fungi absorb radiation. This pigment, which is also found in human skin, not only provides color but also protects cells from damage by absorbing harmful UV radiation. In these fungi, it may also help them absorb radioactive energy.

How does radiation typically affect living organisms, and how do these fungi differ?

Radiation usually damages cells and DNA, leading to mutations, cancer, and other health issues. However, the fungi found in Chernobyl appear to thrive on radiation, using it as an energy source instead of being harmed by it, thanks to their unique melanin-based mechanism.

What is the phenomenon of 'radiotropism' observed in the Chernobyl fungi?

Radiotropism is the behavior of the fungi where they grow towards radiation sources, a process that is not typically seen in most living organisms. This ability allows the fungi to use radiation as a form of energy to grow.

What potential applications could the radiation-absorbing fungi have?

The fungi's ability to absorb radiation has led researchers to explore potential uses in space exploration. For example, these fungi could potentially be used to create lightweight radiation shields for astronauts to protect them from cosmic radiation.

What experiment was conducted with the Chernobyl fungi in space, and what were the results?

In 2018, an experiment was conducted by sending Chernobyl fungi to the International Space Station to see if they could provide radiation protection for astronauts. The results showed that the fungi reduced radiation exposure by 2.42% in the areas where they were present, suggesting potential for future use in space radiation protection.