The structure of fungal mycelium is considered a potential factor capable of shaping the future of architecture and design. The question arises about the possibility of using mycelium-based materials to replace existing building materials or to create entirely new categories and forms of industrial production.
This book brings together leading international experts to study the potential of mycelium as a resource-efficient biomaterial. Various applications are discussed, ranging from construction materials to textiles.
Scientific, technological, and practical approaches demonstrate new prospects that mycelium can offer as a living material. The book presents research, case studies, and interviews covering current developments, existing challenges, and ways to integrate renewable materials into circular and sustainable design practices.
A new study presented the first global map of known underground fungal networks, called arbuscular mycorrhizae. According to scientists, if all the threads of these organisms were laid out in a single line, they would reach approximately 110 quadrillion kilometers, which corresponds to about 10% of the width of the Milky Way.
These fungi exist in a state of 'cooperation' with over 70% of terrestrial plants. They form thread networks, known as hyphae, which are responsible for delivering nutrients and water to plant roots. In return, the fungi receive carbon produced through photosynthesis, according to information published by The New York Times.
To create this map, scientists collected data from 16,669 soil samples taken across 322 studies conducted on different continents and in various biomes. They then used artificial intelligence to estimate the distribution of these networks in areas up to one square kilometer, taking into account factors such as climate, vegetation, and soil chemical properties.
Researchers found that the highest concentration of these underground networks is in preserved grassland ecosystems. Environments such as flooded areas and alpine meadows demonstrated significantly higher density compared to agricultural regions. On average, 6.6 meters of hyphae per cubic centimeter of soil were recorded in natural fields.
This discovery highlights the importance of such environments for carbon sequestration. The study authors note that fungal networks absorb huge volumes of carbon and contribute to maintaining climatic balance. Furthermore, the work emphasizes that natural fields are undergoing accelerated degradation in many parts of the world, mainly due to land conversion for agricultural purposes.
The survey also revealed significant differences between protected areas and soils designated for crop cultivation. On cultivated lands, the average density of fungal networks was approximately 47% to 50% lower than in natural ecosystems. Scientists suggest that farming methods may be related to this decrease, although the study itself did not determine which specific factors have the greatest influence.
The authors point out that there remain insufficiently studied regions, especially deserts and tropical forests. New data collection in the coming years should help reduce the uncertainty of the map. Beyond revealing the scale of this underground network, this work lays the foundation for future research concerning drought resistance, carbon storage, and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
