Radiation-loving Fungi and space travel

[imspartacus]

I saw an article a few months ago about fungi that can live off of Gamma radiation--the article suggested that it could be grown for a food source, but I have a different idea and I would like to know what others think.<br /><br />Assuming that the Fungi 'consumes' the radiation, is it not reasonable that in addition to a source of food the Fungi could be used to shield living-areas on a spaceship for long-range travel?<br /><br />Another assumption, of course, is that the Fungi--or mutliple fungi--could be engineered to feed on the various forms of radiation that are found in deep space. <br /><br />What do you all think--I realize that this is the realm of sci-fi, but what science wasnt at some point, really?<br /><br /><br />

 

[docm]

They're called radiotrophic fungi.<br /><br />The three in question; Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Crytococcus neoformans and Wangiella dermatitidis, use melanin (the molecule that makes you tan) to 'capture' and use radiation somewhat like green plants would use chlorophyll. <br /><br />Don't know if they would work out as shiitake substitutes though <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /><br /><br />The downsides are that if there are any 'normal' fungi in the colony they take over in the absence of significant radiation and they'll all likely play hell with astronauts that have allergies. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[annodomini2]

What about the sugars they produce could be used not only for food but for fuel??<br /><br />As you mention allergies how about in a boundary layer in one of bigelows space balloons?<br /><br />Something like,<br /><br />1. Grow mushrooms in skin of balloon.<br />2. Fill with water that contains some form of bacteria that consume mushrooms and convert to some form that is easily converted into fuel.<br />3. Empty of water containing residue and wash<br /><br />4. using upper and lower layer of balloon decrease volume of layer and fill with bio-growing-gel (full of more spore) and then expand to provide air (or C02 or whatever the plants need)<br /><br />5. Repeat.<br /><br />Opinions please!?<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[docm]

Presuming they don't evolve in microgravity (see bacteria thread) and start eating the polymers in the module wall <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>