Mysterious Bacteria on Nuclear Fuel

Savannah River Site scientists are puzzled about a strange collection of bacteria that has been growing on spent nuclear fuel.  The growth appears to be cobweb like and no one can determine where the bacteria get their source of foo.  Spent nuclear fuel is kept is ultra-pure filtered water and a food soure is not at all apparent.  Similar growths have been observed at other nuclear sites over the years, such as Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant.  It is amazing to me that the bacterial DNA is able to withstand the dense gamma radiation.