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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 e
by eloff 6y 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.
- 0xdeadb00f 6y 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.
- TheOtherHobbes 6y agoIt'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.
- 0xdeadb00f 6y 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.