According to the linked study[1]: The mice were protected from gastrointestinal syndrome, caused by the radiation, while the melanin-rich mushrooms were in the

According to the linked study[1]: The mice were protected from gastrointestinal syndrome, caused by the radiation, while the melanin-rich mushrooms were in the digestive system. It still took 45 days for white-blood cells and platelets to return to preradiation levels. So, the mice lived because they could still eat. It did not protect any other exposed body parts from damage. [1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23113595 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23113595