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Last Of Us species living near Chernobyl is 'feeding' on radiation to become stronger

A fungus has been discovered growing on the Number 4 reactor, feeding off the radiation that preceded the tragic Chernobyl nuclear disaster which led to thousands evacuating

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Scientists investigating the Chernobyl site have made an interesting discovery(Image: Getty Images)

A resilient fungus growing on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster has adapted to feed on levels of radiation which would kill most other life forms.

Scientists have observed the highly resilient black fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum growing on the walls of the Number 4 reactor, the piece of equipment that exploded in 1986 and led to the fire that destroyed the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Experts have noted how the fungus has adapted over the years to use radiation as a source of energy.

The nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl led to the largest release of radioactive material into the environment in human history. Following the tragic event the site was known as the Chernobyl and the surrounding areas were evacuated to avoid the extreme levels of radiation.

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The unique fungus was discovered in Chernobyl's radioactive zone(Image: Medmyco/Wikimedia Commons)

Scientists studying the fungus are now rubbing at the prospect the species could be harnessed to protect humans from radiation, particularly during deep space missions.

Its ability to adapt to hostile environments has given researchers hope that it may hold clues for further studies into stress tolerance mechanisms, which could lead to advancements in biotechnology and agriculture, Rutgers University evolutionary biologist Scott Travers said of the fungus.

Boffins recently discovered mutant black frogs in the nuclear exclusion zone at Chernobyl.

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A view of the Chernobyl Power Plant days after the explosion in 1986(Image: Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Eastern tree frogs living near the site were found to have black skin, rather than the normal bright green. Boffins said in a new study that the black frogs live as long as their jumpy green friends, even with the history of radiation in the exclusion zone.

The nuclear power plant at Chernobyl, Ukraine, exploded in 1986 causing 350,000 to be evacuated, the deaths of at least 30 people and an exclusion zone around the site of the plant the size of Northumbria.

A type of fungus is the subject of popular TV show Last of Us, released in 2023, where a mutant species ravages the United States, transforming its human hosts into cannibalistic monsters. The series starred Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

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