Surge in Poisonings Linked to Deadly Wild Mushrooms in California
California officials have issued a statewide warning after a spike in severe mushroom poisonings, including one fatality, tied to foraged wild fungi mistaken for edible varieties. The cases point to suspected amatoxin exposure—most commonly from the lethal death cap—which can cause rapid and catastrophic liver failure. Following seasonal rains that triggered abundant mushroom growth, health authorities urge the public to avoid consuming wild mushrooms unless identified with absolute certainty by experts. Read the full article in The New York Times .
Hot Summer & Damp Autumn Cause UK Boom in Destructive Honey Fungus
Following an unusually hot summer and persistently damp autumn, the UK has seen a dramatic surge in honey fungus outbreaks—one of the most destructive pathogens affecting trees and shrubs. Experts warn that climate-driven stress on vegetation has created ideal conditions for Armillaria species to thrive, leading to widespread damage in gardens, woodlands, and public green spaces. This rise highlights growing ecological pressures as warming and moisture fluctuations reshape fungal behavior across the country. Read the full article in The Guardian .
Warmer Weather Could See British Truffle Industry Sprout Again
A warming UK climate may give native truffle cultivation a long-awaited boost: scientists have developed oak and hazel trees inoculated with locally adapted truffle spores, showing promise for domestic harvests. Rising temperatures and wetter winters, especially in western regions, are creating conditions that might turn truffle dreams into reality—reviving a niche industry with gourmet and ecological potential. Read the full article in The Times .
Why Are Mushrooms So Meaty? The Science Behind Their Flavor and Texture
In this National Geographic feature, scientists unpack the unique cell structure, fibrous networks, and natural glutamates that give mushrooms their distinctive “meaty” taste and mouthfeel. From portobellos to mycelium-based startups, the article explores how fungi are reshaping the future of plant-based protein by mimicking the chewiness and savoriness of meat—without the environmental costs of livestock. Read the full article on National Geographic .
Magic Mushrooms: How Fungi Are the Secret Ingredient for Restoring the World’s Forests
This Guardian article spotlights groundbreaking research mapping mycorrhizal fungal communities—especially in ancient hazelwoods like those on Scotland’s Hebridean islands—and their pivotal role in forest restoration through nutrient exchange, biodiversity recovery, and ecosystem resilience. The efforts include creating the first-ever UK fungal map via soil eDNA, with global parallels in Colombia and Palmyra Atoll, highlighting how these underground networks are critical to revitalizing fragmented temperate rainforests. Read the full article on The Guardian .
Hope for Patients Facing Deadly Fungal Infections
A Nature news feature highlights that fungal diseases kill about 1.5 million people annually—a toll on par with tuberculosis, and far greater than malaria. After years of little innovation, the landscape is shifting: existing antifungal treatments are increasingly failing against drug-resistant strains, but new antifungal agents are now entering late-stage trials, and one has just been approved, offering renewed promise. Read the full article on Nature .
Earth’s Underground Fungal Networks Need Urgent Protection
This Guardian article highlights new research mapping global mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity, revealing that 90% of the most vital fungal hotspots remain unprotected. These underground networks are essential to plant health, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage—yet remain largely invisible in conservation efforts. Read the full article on The Guardian .
An Invasion of Tiny Fungi Parachutists Has Landed Overnight
The latest Guardian *Country Diary* captures a sudden overnight bloom of **parasol inkcaps** (Parasola plicatilis), emerging from the soil like miniature parachutists in freshly mown grass. Though they’ll vanish by dawn, their underground mycelium has been growing beneath the surface all season—alongside sturdier fungi like dryad’s saddle that grow slowly over months. This piece draws attention to how conditions like recent rain can trigger fungi to fruit seemingly out of nowhere, revealing nature’s hidden rhythms in the lawn underfoot. Read the full article on The Guardian .
The Surprising Real‑World Uses of Zombie Fungi
In this National Geographic article, scientists explore how parasitic fungi like Ophiocordyceps—famous for turning ants into “zombies”—are being harnessed as natural biocontrol agents. These fungi could replace toxic pesticides by targeting invasive agricultural pests in a highly specific and sustainable way. Read the full article on National Geographic .
These Are the Real Fungal ‘Superhighways’ That Inspired The Last of Us
This National Geographic feature explores how underground mycelial networks link trees and soil into nutrient-sharing webs, allowing bidirectional flow of carbon and phosphorus. These natural fungal “superhighways” offer insight into forest health—and even inspired the terrifying networks in The Last of Us. Read the full article on National Geographic .
Climate Change Threatens Mycorrhizal Fungal Networks
This New York Times article explores how climate change is destabilizing underground mycorrhizal networks—fungi that connect plant roots and facilitate nutrient exchange. These crucial fungal systems are at risk due to warming temperatures and shifting precipitation, threatening forest health, biodiversity, and carbon storage. Read the full article on The New York Times .
Fungi Face Growing Risk of Extinction, Says Global Study
A recent global assessment reported by Reuters reveals that nearly a third of evaluated fungal species are at risk of extinction. The findings underscore the crucial ecological role fungi play and highlight how threats like deforestation and agriculture expansion are pushing many species to the brink. Conservation efforts must include fungi—not just plants and animals. Read the full article on Reuters .
Mushrooms in Space: Australian Company Aims to Grow Fungi in Orbit
Could mushrooms be the perfect space crop? This article from The Guardian reports on an Australian biotech company’s mission to grow oyster mushrooms aboard a SpaceX flight. The experiment will test fungi’s potential as a nutritious, low-waste food source in microgravity, offering exciting possibilities for future space agriculture. Read the full article on The Guardian .
Fungi as Expanding Networks: Mycorrhizal Behavior Observed in New Light
This issue of Nature features a groundbreaking study revealing how mycorrhizal fungi grow as self-regulating traveling waves, optimizing their expansion and nutrient-sharing efficiency with plant roots. These findings open new pathways for understanding soil health, plant-fungi cooperation, and the ecological impact of fungal networks. Read more in Nature .
How Mycorrhizal Fungi Are Helping Save Endangered Plants and Ecosystems
This article from Knowable Magazine explores how mycorrhizal fungi form essential partnerships with plant roots, playing a critical role in the survival of endangered plants and the restoration of fragile ecosystems. Learn about the latest research and how these fungi might help address ecological challenges. Read the full article on Knowable Magazine .
The Rise of Mushroom Supplements: Expert Recommendations
Mushrooms are making waves in the wellness industry, with supplements offering brain-boosting, immune-supporting, and overall wellness benefits. From Lion’s Mane for cognitive function to Reishi for immunity, brands like Host Defense and Plant People are leading the charge. Read the full article on NY Post .
Swiss Scientists Create Mushroom Batteries That Generate Electricity
Swiss researchers have developed a groundbreaking biodegradable battery powered by fungi. This innovative technology uses mushrooms to generate electricity through sugars, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions in agriculture and remote areas. Read the full article on Euronews .
Truffle Dogs Discover New Fungi Species in Appalachia
This article from Popular Science explores how specially trained truffle dogs uncovered two new species of fungi in the Appalachian Mountains. The discovery showcases the unique collaboration between science and nature in revealing hidden fungal biodiversity. Read the full article on Popular Science .
Mushroom Mycelium as Sustainable Protein: Inside Europe’s Leading Research Hub
This article from Euronews highlights innovative research on mushroom mycelium as a sustainable protein source. Researchers across Europe are exploring its potential to replace traditional proteins in food, offering a greener alternative to meat and dairy. Read the full article on Euronews .
Vampire Hedgehogs, Pirate Spiders, and Fishy Fungi: The Strangest New Species of 2024
This BBC Future article explores the discovery of new plant and animal species in 2024, including unique fungi identified by researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. These findings shed light on the incredible biodiversity of our planet and the importance of conserving it. Read the full article on BBC Future .
Bringing the Fungi Kingdom Out of the Dark
This Financial Times article explores the often-overlooked fungal kingdom and its groundbreaking applications in fields such as medicine, material science, and environmental sustainability. Fungi are proving to be crucial allies in the quest for sustainable innovation. Read the full article on Financial Times .
The Times View on the Fun of Foraging: Fungal Felicity
This article explores the joys and benefits of foraging for wild mushrooms, including a heartwarming story of a family discovering a giant puffball mushroom and creating meals from it. Read the full article on The Times .
Grim ‘Last of Us’ Fungus Shows Potential in Cancer Treatment
This article from The Sun discusses the groundbreaking potential of the Cordyceps fungus, known from ‘The Last of Us’, in cancer treatment. Scientists have discovered that this fungus can inhibit cell growth in cancer cells without harming healthy tissues, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy. Read the full article on The Sun .
Ecoroots Leads the Movement Toward a Greener Future with Mycelium-Based Materials
This Science Times article highlights how Ecoroots is spearheading the development of mycelium-based materials for applications like packaging and insulation. These sustainable alternatives to traditional materials utilize agricultural waste while offering structural strength and thermal insulation. Read the full article on Science Times .
Michelin-Starred Chefs Are Using This Fungus to Create New Dishes Out of Food Waste
This article explores how chefs and researchers are utilizing the fungus Neurospora intermedia to transform food waste into gourmet dishes. The fungus ferments various food byproducts, offering a sustainable and delicious solution to food waste. Read the full article on Food & Wine .
Scientists Build a Robot That Is Part Fungus, Part Machine
This CNN article by Katie Hunt explores a groundbreaking biohybrid robot powered by king oyster mushroom mycelium. Researchers harnessed the natural electrical impulses of fungi to direct the robot’s movements, showcasing the incredible potential of combining biological organisms with technology. Read the full article on CNN .
Plastic-Eating Fungi Could Be a Glimmer of Hope in Cutting Ocean Pollution
This Reuters article highlights how scientists have identified fungi capable of breaking down synthetic polymers, offering a potential solution for reducing oceanic plastic waste. The research underscores fungi’s adaptability and enzymatic abilities in tackling environmental pollution. Read the full article on Reuters .
Mushroom Leather? The Future of Fashion Is Closer Than You Think
This National Geographic article explores how mycelium is being used to create sustainable, leather-like materials for the fashion industry. Mycotextiles, as they are called, represent a significant shift toward environmentally conscious fashion design. Read the full article on National Geographic .
Why ‘Funga’ Is Just as Important as Flora and Fauna
This *National Geographic* article explores the critical role fungi play in ecosystems, advocating for their inclusion in conservation efforts alongside plants and animals. It highlights their unique contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Read the full article on National Geographic .
In Cleveland, Mushrooms Digest Entire Houses: How Fungi Can Be Used to Clean Pollution and Combat Climate Change
This BBC Future article explores how fungi are being utilized to decompose construction waste and clean up polluted environments. These natural decomposers are playing a significant role in waste management and efforts to combat climate change. Read the full article on BBC Future .
Knitting and Fungus: The Future of Building?
This BBC News article explores how researchers are using mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, in combination with knitted formwork to create innovative, sustainable building materials. This method offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional construction practices. Read the full article on BBC News .
Mushroom Foraging Is So Popular in Minnesota, the State Plans a Crackdown
This article from The Wall Street Journal highlights the growing popularity of mushroom foraging in Minnesota and how it has prompted state officials to consider new regulations to manage the practice sustainably. Read the full article on The Wall Street Journal .
Our World Is Filled With Fungal Spores. Some Should Scare Us
This article from *Time* delves into the omnipresence of fungal spores in our environment and the health risks posed by certain pathogenic fungi. It highlights emerging concerns about fungal infections in the context of global changes and human activities. Read the full article on Time .
Scientists Knit Futuristic Eco-Building Designs Using Fungal Networks
This Frontiers Science News article explores innovative eco-building materials made by combining fungal mycelium with knitted structures. These sustainable designs showcase the potential of fungi to revolutionize construction and reduce environmental impact. Read the full article on Frontiers Science News .
From Food to Furniture, Fungi Innovation Fosters Growth Towards a More Sustainable Future
This CBS News article highlights the versatility of fungi in promoting sustainability across industries, from alternative protein sources to eco-friendly materials. Fungi’s potential as a renewable resource is explored in depth, showcasing their importance in creating a greener future. Read the full article on CBS News .
Biodiversity: Fungi are ‘Underloved and Understudied’
This BBC News article highlights the crucial role fungi play in biodiversity and ecosystem health. It emphasizes the lack of attention fungi receive in scientific research compared to plants and animals, calling for increased appreciation and study of these vital organisms. Read the full article on BBC News .
Special Report: Mycelium Taking Root in Food Innovation
This Food Business News report explores how startups are using mycelium to create whole-cut meat alternatives. Mycelium-based cutlets from Meati Foods were named one of the top innovations of 2022 by Time magazine, showcasing fungi’s potential in transforming the food industry. Read the full article on Food Business News .
How fungi and their spores travel the globe
This *Nature* article explores the fascinating mechanisms by which fungi and their spores disperse across the globe, highlighting their role in ecosystems and their potential impacts on biodiversity. Read the full article on Nature .
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