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The unexpected magic of mushrooms

The unexpected magic of mushrooms Alamy The enormous honey mushroom, Armillaria gallica, growing under Crystall Falls in Michigan could provide new insights into human cancer Normally associated with rot and decay, fungi may be a great overlooked resource that could help humanity deal with some of its greatest problems. “Unfortunately, many of the native ecosystems that harbor great potential for discoveries of novel bioactive compounds, such as mangrove forests, are disappearing at alarming rates.” A fungus found growing in soil at a landfill site on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, can rapidly break down polyurethane plastic But fungi have uses that can tackle other problems beyond our health. “In our research, we have also used the fungi to produce enzymes and new biostructures for different properties including sound absorption, strength and flexibility,” says Huynh. We will have more fungal-based products later in the year but it is certainly a fascinating resource underutilised.” Fungi can also be used in combination with traditional building materials to create a “smart concrete” that can heal itself as the fungi grows into any cracks that form, secreting fresh calcium carbonate – the key raw material in concrete – to repair the damage.

BBC
Michigan Mangrove Forests Fungi Getty Images Waste Cells Produce Fungus Islamabad Cancer Cells His Colleagues Armillaria Linnakoski Crystal Falls Tien Huynh Gallica Mycelium Material

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