Corn fungus, also known as huitlacoche or "corn smut," has become increasingly popular among chefs and foodies in recent years, according to an article from NPR's "The Salt" blog. Previously viewed as a pest that ruined crops, huitlacoche is now being embraced for its unique flavor and texture. Huitlacoche is a type of fungus that infects corn plants and causes a dark, … [Read more...] about The Rise of Huitlacoche: Chefs Embrace Corn Fungus as Delicacy
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Hair Ice: Unveiling the Frozen Mystery of Nature’s Delicate Art
In the heart of winter, when the world is blanketed in frost and snow, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon can occur. Hair ice, delicate, thread-like ice formations that sprout from dead wood, has captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts for centuries. This article delves into the fascinating world of hair ice, exploring its formation, the role of fungi, and the ongoing … [Read more...] about Hair Ice: Unveiling the Frozen Mystery of Nature’s Delicate Art
This Fungus is Known As ‘Dead Man’s Fingers,’ And It Is Quite Disturbing
Regan Daniels of North Carolina posted a couple photos of a fungus that resembled a dead man's toes to the Facebook group Mushroomcore, and it's simple to understand why. Look at that! Take a closer look… Naturally, a few people immediately cried ‘fake’, but Daniels reassured people it wasn’t the case. And, well, looking at the shrooms from another angle that … [Read more...] about This Fungus is Known As ‘Dead Man’s Fingers,’ And It Is Quite Disturbing
How the Zombie Fungus Infects Ant Bodies and Takes Control of Their Minds
The infamous parasite’s methods are more complex and more sinister than anyone suspected. To find the world’s most sinister examples of mind control, don’t look to science fiction. Instead, go to a tropical country like Brazil, and venture deep into the jungle. Find a leaf that’s hanging almost exactly 25 centimeters above the forest floor, no more and no less. Now look … [Read more...] about How the Zombie Fungus Infects Ant Bodies and Takes Control of Their Minds
Zombie Fungus rides again!
A female Carolina leafroller cricket, Camptonotus carolinensis, emerged from its lair and exploring leaves at night. I made this image last year in a southern Ohio forest. While these exceptionally long-antennae'd crickets are not rare, they are furtive and secretive. During the day, they hole up within rolled up leaves, hence the name. Come nightfall, they roam about on … [Read more...] about Zombie Fungus rides again!