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fungi

The Last of Us S2 E2 The Last of Us Season 2 - Episode 2

Life

Is the fungal science in The Last of Us going off the rails?

With season 2 unfolding, the science of the fungal horror drama is becoming shakier. It is a pity that the creators haven鈥檛 thought about terrifying scenarios of real-life infection, says Corrado Nai

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Life

Living material made from fungus could make buildings more sustainable

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Common Side Effects Press images

Life

Stunning new animated series tells the story of a cure-all mushroom

Culture

Environment

Fungus offers a new way to cut down on methane in cow burps

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Fly Agaric (detail) ? Marshmallow Laser Feast

Life

Striking artworks reveal the beauty of mushrooms and other soil life

Regulars

Life

Magic mushrooms found in Africa are a species new to science

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**VIDEO AVAILABLE. CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM TO RECEIVE.** Swiss researchers have developed a new kind of wood that glows in the dark. Scientists at Empa's Cellulose & Wood Materials lab in St. Gallen, Switzerland, combined balsa wood with a bioluminescent fungus. White rot fungus D. tabescens was used to craft the material which aims to develop a multifunctional and sustainable light source to address societal needs. The team sees a future where advanced materials are ???smart,??? capable of self-healing, adapting to their environment, and changing state. The biohybrid wood, described as an "innovative hybrid material," could one day serve as an eco-friendly light source. Project lead Francis Schwarze discovered that the honey fungus is particularly efficient at producing luciferin, the compound responsible for its glowing effect, known as "foxfire." After testing various wood types, balsa proved ideal due to its low density. The concept of glowing fungi isn???t new - ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Pliny observed this phenomenon over 2,400 years ago. However, creating bioluminescent wood in the lab has been a significant challenge until now. According to the researchers, achieving the right balance between fungal species, wood type, moisture levels, and environmental conditions is key. To make the wood glow, the team soaked balsa blocks in water for three months to achieve a moisture content of 700???1,200 per cent. Co-cultivating the wood with the fungus triggered a chemical reaction involving caffeic acid. This process produced bright green luminosity after about 10 hours, lasting up to 10 days. ???The moisture content of wood, oxygen levels, lignin, and malt all strongly influence the intensity of bioluminescence,??? the researchers explained. During incubation, the wood absorbed eight times its weight in water, enabling the glowing effect. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to electricity-free lighting solutions with minimal energy needs. Applications could range from reducing light pollution in cities to creating eco-friendly home lighting. However, further development is needed to increase the brightness and duration of the glow. Future efforts will focus on improving the material???s performance, refining environmental controls, and testing more wood types. By unlocking the full potential of this natural process, researchers hope to create sustainable and versatile lighting options for everyday use. When: 05 Dec 2024 Credit: Empa/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**

Life

Bioluminescent Christmas tree glows with festive cheer

News
A mushroom growing in a forest
Environment

Fungi transplant aims to restore soil species for healthy tree growth

Video

Life

Plants laced with a variety of fungi are more popular with bees

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Neurospora intermedia, an orange mold, turns day-old bread into a cheesy treat when toasted (left). The mold transforms sugarless rice custard into a sweet dessert served at the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen (right). CREDIT Images courtesy of Blue Hill at Stone Farm and Alchemist

Environment

Fungus transforms food waste into haute cuisine

The orange mould Neurospora intermedia can grow on a wide range of waste products without producing toxins, and the results are being served in Michelin-starred restaurants

News

Environment

Millions of trees could grow faster with a boost from wild fungi

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Environment

Marine fungus can break down floating plastic pollution

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Life

Fungus lost to science for 42 years found again in Chilean mountains

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Life

Orchids feed their young through underground fungal connections

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