05/08/08 The Mighty Mushroom

Shrooms have proven themselves good for more than just pizza! In a report of "Current Biology" researchers stated that they have found evidence to suggest that fungi can secure depleted uranium into a mineral form that could prove less likely to resurface in plants, animals or the water supply. Depleted uranium is the byproduct of uranium enrichment for use in nuclear reactors or nuclear weapons. And though it is not as radioactive as natural uranium, depleted uranium is just as deadly and is a danger to humans. This study has found that free living and plant symbiotic fungi, such as mushrooms, can colonize depleted uranium and transform the metal into a less threatening and retained substance. How they do this is a lengthy and involved process which I won't go into, but it is a major and relevant breakthrough which could lead to a remedy for uranium polluted soils. Funny isn't it how even the lowliest seeming of life forms can be crucial to our very existence.