Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

Viac o knihe

Living at the border between life and non-life, fungi utilize potent enzymes and acids to break down some of the most stubborn substances, transforming rock into soil and wood into compost, which supports plant growth. They create soil and extend networks of tubes that connect roots and link plants in the 'Wood Wide Web.' Fungi also fuel human interests, from yeasts that make bread rise and ferment sugars into alcohol, to psychedelic varieties and the mold that produces penicillin, revolutionizing medicine. Moreover, fungi can help heal environmental damage. They are being used to create sustainable building materials and wearable leather, and have the potential to digest toxic pollutants like crude oil, plastics, and even explosives. Edible mushrooms can be cultivated on renewable resources, including plant waste and cigarette butts. Additionally, some fungi possess antiviral compounds that may help combat bee colony collapse. This exploration unveils the astonishing world of fungi and our relationships with them, shedding light on recent scientific discoveries and the diverse behaviors of fungi, prompting fundamental questions about intelligence and identity within this little-understood kingdom.