When you think of forensic science, your mind probably jumps to DNA swabs, fingerprints, or blood splatter analysis. But there is a lesser-known ally in uncovering crimes: fungi!
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Fungi in Music
Fungi communicate through electrical impulses in response to environmental changes. Artists like The Octopus Project and Tarun Nayar have transformed these signals into music. Alongside creating sound, fungi are also affected by it. Research shows sound can enhance fungal growth, which could aid soil restoration. Fungi’s role in music can be seen in instrument making as well. They can both damage and improve wood used in instruments, depending on treatment and conditions.
Investigating Circadian Rhythms in Fungi
Do fungi sleep? Not quite the way humans or animals do. But across the living world, many organisms without brains or nervous systems follow cycles of activity and rest. Fungi are no exception. Fungi operate on an internal schedule known as a circadian rhythm: a roughly 24-hour biological cycle that helps organisms anticipate and prepareContinueContinue reading “Investigating Circadian Rhythms in Fungi”
Fungarium: Preserving Fungi for Future Generations
The Kew Fungarium, located at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, is the world’s largest collection of dried fungi, housing over 1.25 million specimens. This resource supports mycological research, offers insights into biodiversity and evolution, and is undergoing a digitization project for global accessibility.
The Spooky World of Halloween Fungi
As October brings Halloween, it also highlights the unique transformations in nature, particularly fungi. Notable examples include Hydnellum peckii, Xylaria polymorpha, and others. Despite their unsettling features, these fungi offer culinary and medicinal benefits, emphasizing the fascinating intersection of nature and Halloween themes.
Fungi in Art and Culture
Fungi are not only a source of inspiration for scientific developments; they have captured the attention of many artists for centuries, and are especially relevant to contemporary art. From ancient myths to modern fashion, fungi have played an important role in shaping human expression. Renaissance: Fungi appear in Renaissance art in subtle but significant ways.ContinueContinue reading “Fungi in Art and Culture”
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