The Chernobyl disaster of 1986 left an enduring mark on the Earth, a stark reminder of the destructive power of nuclear energy.1 Yet, within this desolate landscape, a remarkable discovery has emerged: a fungus that thrives on radiation. The Radiation-Eating Fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a resilient black fungus, has adapted to the extreme conditions of the … [Read more...] about Chernobyl’s Secret Weapon: The Fungus Feeding on Radiation
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If you see this growing in your garden, here’s what it actually is
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been watching a documentary, or stumbled upon a YouTube video, and been left shocked by just how raw and – I’ll be frank – terrifying nature can be. The truth is that many of us know very little about the world around us, and that’s okay – the world is a very, very big place, after all. While that thought might be … [Read more...] about If you see this growing in your garden, here’s what it actually is
This Creepy-Looking Fungus Infects Corn Kernels, Turning Them Into a Delicacy Used in Quesadillas and Other Foods
American and Canadian chefs are just learning what Mexicans have long known: a bluish fungus that infects corn and has been considered a scourge by most U.S. farmers is actually delicious. So much so that scientists are now trying to figure out how to purposefully grow it. One evening last July, Sean Brock, an executive chef and restaurant owner based in Charleston, … [Read more...] about This Creepy-Looking Fungus Infects Corn Kernels, Turning Them Into a Delicacy Used in Quesadillas and Other Foods
Someone used the fungus growing on the tree to create artwork and the results are magical
The photo of a tree stump with mushrooms growing on it and a painting of a ballerina leaning against it is a striking image that juxtaposes the natural world with the world of human creativity. The tree stump is a symbol of nature's strength and resilience. It has stood the test of time, weathered storms, and provided a home for countless plants and animals. The mushrooms … [Read more...] about Someone used the fungus growing on the tree to create artwork and the results are magical
The Strange and Spectacular Devil’s Fingers Fungus: A Guide to the Octopus Stinkhorn
As autumn arrives, the emergence of fungi from tree stumps and woodland floors brings about a spectacle of colors and shapes. One species of fungus that stands out is the devil's fingers fungus, also known as Clathrus archeri, the octopus stinkhorn, or the Squidward mushroom. Found between July and October in just a few southern localities in the UK, this spectacular … [Read more...] about The Strange and Spectacular Devil’s Fingers Fungus: A Guide to the Octopus Stinkhorn