Fungi: mycelia, mushrooms & more

In recent decades, there has been an explosion of interest in these proliferating fungal networks, including mushrooms, which are the “fruit” of these organisms. Mycelia have been described as “the grand recyclers of our planet” because they disassemble larger molecules into simpler forms, creating ever-thickening layers of soil, unlocking nutrients, and sharing them in ways that can regenerate depleted environments. Some researchers believe that mycelium is a key to our evolutionary survival.

These densely interconnected networks have also evoked comparisons to the internet and have been nicknamed the “wood wide web.” In this analogy, mycelium functions akin to fiber optic cables by providing the infrastructure for a vast subterranean communication system. Apart from allowing plants and trees to share resources — sugar, nitrogen, and phosphorus — this network also allows them to communicate in the manner of a social network. While we have known for some time that trees “talk” to each other across significant distances using airborne hormones, we are just beginning to understand what occurs beneath our feet.

I prefer Suzanne Simard’s description of this network. Bypassing the technological metaphors, the forest scientist has shown how these fungal networks are patterned in ways that resemble the human brain (or perhaps more accurately, the human brain resembles these much more ancient networks). In the forest, trees actively perceive, communicate, and respond to one another by emitting chemical signals: “Chemicals identical to our own neurotransmitters. Signals created by ions cascading across fungal networks.”

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/38887250

One of my neighbors has a massive amount of very large mushrooms circling a tree.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/38684536

Found this cluster as I was blowing leaves this afternoon.

Fungi are miraculous. They provide us with food, alcohol, medicine, and the essential decomposition that keeps life going. And yet, their potential may be far greater. Fungi can be made into computer chips, bio-batteries, circuit boards, insulation, self-repairing building materials, and reactive clothing. They can even devour plastic, absorb heavy metals, and clean pollution. Make no mistake: the future is fungal.

Archived link of the article

Scientists in Alaska are working to develop a sustainable and affordable fungus-based solution for insulation.

“Now you are basically wrapping your house in the plastic bag. It doesn’t breathe,”

Amstislavski co-founded an eco-engineering research project that has developed a new kind of insulation using local wood pulp and a native fungus.

Scientists have uncovered that mushrooms evolved the ability to make psilocybin not once but twice, using completely different biochemical toolkits.

This rare case of convergent evolution shows nature arriving at the same mind-altering molecule by two separate paths. The true reason fungi produce psilocybin remains unsolved, but theories range from predator defense to chemical communication. Beyond evolutionary intrigue, the discovery also offers new enzyme tools that could help produce psilocybin more efficiently for future medicines.

#fungi #mushrooms #psilocybin

the Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) digests PET plastic, often found in bottles and packaging; the Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) eats LDPE plastic, commonly used in grocery bags; and the Split Gill Mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) dissolves PUR plastic, used in foams and coatings. These fungi convert plastic molecules into simple carbon-based compounds. After decomposition, they leave no toxic waste behind, and the result is clean, organic matter suitable for cultivation and food production.

Note: no affiliation whatsoever with this product

Environmental scientist Danielle Stevenson is pioneering an alternative to the costly “dig-and-dump” approach that simply moves contaminated soil elsewhere. At fire sites across California, Danielle is harnessing fungi and native plants through a process called mycoremediation—using nature itself to break down pollutants, pull heavy metals from the ground, and help devastated landscapes heal.

Women of the Earth, S2 E3

The modular toilet requires just four maintenance visits a year. Once operational, it's expected to produce around 600 litres of soil and 2,000 litres of liquid fertilizer a year.

"Our study shows that a type of fungus (Rhizophagus irregularis) boosts wetlands' ability to remove PFAS and greatly reduces the environmental risks from 'forever chemicals' left in the outflowing water," said Bo Hu, a corresponding author of the research.

From the forests of northeast India’s Arunachal Pradesh state, researchers have described a new-to-science species of fungus with “exceptionally large” fruiting bodies that can hold the weight of a person. The species is named Bridgeoporus kanadii in honor of Indian mycologist Kanad Das for his contributions to Indian macrofungi.

archived (Wayback Machine)

full story on Mongabay India (Wayback Machine)

The study

Sam Shoemaker’s record-setting voyage shows the promise – and limits – of fungi as a plastic alternative

Germany has launched the EU’s first regulated psilocybin program, offering hope for those with severe depression but facing hurdles in scale and reach.