A melanin-rich fungus first discovered inside the ruined Chernobyl nuclear reactor is attracting renewed global interest after fresh reports highlighted its striking ability to grow more rapidly when exposed to radiation.
The species, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, has long intrigued researchers for its unusual resilience, but recent online debates and resurfaced scientific studies have prompted a surge in searches about the so-called Chernobyl fungus and its potential to use radiation as an energy source.
