Science Info

Following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, scientists identified a remarkable group of black fungi—among them Cladosporium sphaerospermum and Cryptococcus neoformans—thriving on the walls of the damaged reactor.
Unlike ordinary fungi, these organisms did not merely withstand the intense radiation; they seemed to flourish in it.

Known as radiotrophic fungi, they contain high concentrations of melanin—the same pigment found in human skin.
Researchers discovered that this melanin does more than shield the fungi from radiation: it actively absorbs ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, and may convert it into usable energy. This process, akin to photosynthesis but using radiation instead of sunlight, is called radiosynthesis.

Experiments, including those carried out aboard the International Space Station between 2018 and 2019, confirmed that melanized fungi can reduce radiation exposure and even grow more robustly in radioactive environments than under normal conditions.
In one study, a layer of fungus just 1.7 millimeters thick blocked more than 2% of cosmic radiation. Scientists believe that thicker layers could serve as biological radiation shields in space travel, particularly for missions to Mars.

The discovery has generated considerable interest—not only for potential applications in radiation cleanup (bioremediation) and protection during space exploration, but also for advancing our understanding of how life adapts to extreme environments.
The ability of these fungi to transform a harmful energy source into sustenance stands as one of nature’s most extraordinary survival strategies.

Cockroach milk, derived from the Pacific beetle cockroach "Diploptera Punctata", has gained attention due to claims that it is three times more nutritious than cow's milk.

This species is unique among cockroaches because it is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young and produces a milk-like substance to nourish its embryos. This "milk" is a protein-rich secretion stored in the brood sac, where it forms nutrient-dense crystals.

Research, particularly a 2016 study published in the "Journal of the International Union of Crystallography", analyzed these crystals and found they contain proteins, fats, and sugars in a highly concentrated form.

Per unit, cockroach milk reportedly has three times the energy content of cow's milk, with a higher protein density (about 45% protein compared to cow's milk at roughly 3.5%).

It also contains essential amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, making it a complete nutritional source for developing embryos.

The slow-release nature of the crystals ensures sustained nourishment, which could translate to efficient human consumption.

However, producing cockroach milk for human use is challenging. Harvesting it requires extracting the substance from the brood sac, a labor-intensive process unsuitable for mass production.

Ethical and cultural barriers also exist, as many find the idea unappealing. While it could theoretically address food security due to its nutritional density, scalability and consumer acceptance remain significant hurdles.

Ongoing research explores synthesizing the milk’s proteins in labs, but commercial viability is still distant. For now, cow’s milk remains more practical, despite cockroach milk’s superior nutrient profile.

Humans emit a faint glow due to biophoton emission, a phenomenon where living organisms produce ultra-weak light as a byproduct of metabolic processes. This light, primarily in the visible spectrum, is far too dim—about 1,000 times weaker than the human eye can detect—to be seen without specialized equipment.

It originates from chemical reactions within cells, particularly those involving reactive oxygen species and free radicals during processes like cellular respiration. These reactions generate photons, which are emitted at extremely low intensities.

The glow is most pronounced in areas with high metabolic activity, such as the skin, and varies slightly with circadian rhythms, peaking in the late afternoon. Unlike bioluminescence in creatures like fireflies, which involves specific light-producing organs, human biophoton emission is a subtle, diffuse process occurring at the molecular level.

Research, such as studies from Japanese scientists using ultra-sensitive cameras, has confirmed this phenomenon, detecting emissions strongest on the face and neck. While invisible to us, this glow reflects the body’s biochemical activity and could potentially offer insights into health diagnostics, though its practical applications remain under exploration. This faint radiance underscores the intricate, dynamic nature of human biology.

Japanese researchers from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo have developed a revolutionary biodegradable plastic that addresses the global plastic pollution crisis.

This innovative material, detailed in the journal "Science" in November 2024, dissolves in seawater within hours and fully decomposes in soil within 10 days, while also enhancing soil fertility.

Unlike traditional plastics, which persist for centuries and break down into harmful microplastics, this plastic leaves no toxic residues, offering a sustainable solution for marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The plastic is made from supramolecular polymers, combining sodium hexametaphosphate—a food-safe additive—and guanidinium ion-based monomers, forming reversible salt bridges that provide strength and flexibility.

In seawater, these bonds break down rapidly, allowing the material to dissolve completely without forming microplastics. In soil, it degrades into phosphorus and nitrogen, nutrients that act like natural fertilizers, improving soil health for agriculture.

The material is also highly recyclable, with 91% of hexametaphosphate and 82% of guanidinium recoverable as powders for reuse, supporting a circular economy.

This breakthrough has vast potential for applications like packaging, fishing gear, and agricultural mulch films, reducing ocean pollution and supporting sustainable farming.

However, challenges remain, including high production costs and the need for scalable manufacturing. With global plastic waste projected to triple by 2040, this innovation could transform industries and mitigate environmental damage, provided it gains widespread adoption.

Japanese scientists, led by researchers at Juntendo University, have developed the world’s first artificial womb, a groundbreaking advancement in reproductive science and neonatal care. Known as the Ex-Vivo Uterine Environment (EVE) therapy system, this technology enables embryos to grow outside the human body in a controlled environment that mimics a natural uterus.

The system uses a transparent biobag filled with oxygenated artificial amniotic fluid and an external umbilical support system to provide nutrients and oxygen, successfully sustaining goat embryos for weeks in preclinical tests. This duration is a proof-of-concept for potential human applications, particularly for extremely premature infants or those with severe uterine issues.

The technology could revolutionize neonatal care by reducing mortality and complications for the 15 million babies born prematurely each year, as reported by the World Health Organization. It also opens possibilities for studying fetal development and addressing infertility.

However, ethical concerns are significant, including questions about access, regulation, and the psychological impacts of non-human gestation. Experts estimate human trials may begin within a decade, pending rigorous safety and ethical oversight. Japan’s breakthrough challenges traditional notions of childbirth, prompting global discussions on the future of reproduction.

Please join me in welcoming my newest top fans! 💎 Shahid Gulzar. I appreciate your comments welcoming them to our community, top fans. Shahid Gulzar