Type: Experimental space biology
Location: International Space Station
Some melanized fungi are unusually tolerant of high-radiation environments. Researchers therefore grew Cladosporium sphaerospermum aboard the International Space Station to investigate its behaviour and possible radiation-shielding properties.
The experiment investigated both fungal growth in the space environment and radiation levels associated with the fungal biomass.
This remains exploratory research rather than a ready-made biological radiation shield. Nevertheless, it provides a fascinating example of fungal biology potentially contributing to technologies far outside conventional mushroom cultivation or environmental remediation.
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International Space Station fungal experiment