Scientists Map Earth's Underground Fungal Networks Spanning 68 Quadrillion Miles
By
Emily Anthes
Lightly browned and well buttered. A solid pick from the rack.
Summary
Scientists have used machine learning and high-resolution imaging robots to measure and map Earth's vast underground fungal networks. The study reveals that the filaments (hyphae) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, laid end to end, would extend for 68 quadrillion miles. This hidden underground system functions as Earth's carbon circulatory system, with fluorescently labelled carbon droplets observed flowing through the hyphal network in real-time.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA hidden circulatory system pulses just beneath the planet's surface.
Laid end to end, the filaments of these fungi would extend for 68 quadrillion miles.
With machine learning and a high-resolution imaging robot, scientists measured and mapped the extent of Earth's carbon circulatory system.
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