For those of us who already have an admiration for fungi, the idea of bionic mushrooms is particularly striking. These organisms, long investigated for their role in ecosystems, are now in the forefront of renewable energy revolution. Scientists at Stevens Institute of Technology created "Bionic Mushrooms" by combining mushrooms with bacteria and nanotechnology. The processContinue reading "Mushrooms as Power Plants?"
Fungal Wars: The Hidden Battles of Nature
Fungi live in the shadows of our attention, yet their world is anything but quiet. These organisms form vast underground networks, interact with other organisms, and scramble for resources. Competition for Resources In nature, fungi constantly compete for limited resources such as nutrients, space, and access to host organisms. To survive, they use diverse strategies:Continue reading "Fungal Wars: The Hidden Battles of Nature"
Illuminating The World With Fungi
When we think of glowing organisms, our minds often wander to fireflies or deep-sea creatures. But did you know that some fungi also emit their own natural light? Bioluminescent fungi create a glow that has intrigued scientists, mycologists, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. In my previous blog entries, I briefly touched on the bioluminescence inContinue reading "Illuminating The World With Fungi"
Zombie-ant Fungus: The Tale of Cordyceps
In a world increasingly shaped by advanced technologies, many worry that machines could one day control human minds and bodies. But nature has already written its own version of this dystopian story. Cordyceps fungi demonstrate how control over one’s body can be lost in the most bizarre and chilling ways. They take over their hosts,Continue reading "Zombie-ant Fungus: The Tale of Cordyceps"
Winter Fungi
As winter settles in, I find myself missing the frequent hikes and mushroom hunts of warmer seasons. Winter is conventionally not the ideal time for mushroom hunting. Most fungi stop producing mushrooms or fruits in early autumn. But, some fungi species show remarkable resistance and adapt to grow during the coldest parts of the year.Continue reading "Winter Fungi"
Mycobiome Atlas Links Fungi and Cancer
In a major progress for cancer research, a team led by scientists at UC San Diego and the Weizmann Institute has created the first-ever Mycobiome Atlas. Published in the Journal Cell, this work maps the presence of fungi across 35 different types of human cancers, using over 17,000 tissue, blood and plasma samples. This helpsContinue reading "Mycobiome Atlas Links Fungi and Cancer"
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