Scientists quantify global fungal networks stretching 110 quadrillion kilometers underground
By
Wyatt Myskow
Summary
Researchers have quantified the global extent of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal networks for the first time, finding 110 quadrillion kilometers of underground fungal threads that could stretch nearly a billion times the distance between Earth and the sun. These networks, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, play a crucial role in carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health. The research, published in Science, highlights the immense scale and ecological importance of these hidden underground fungal systems.
Source
bskyScientists quantify global fungal networks stretching 110 quadrillion kilometers undergroundmotherjones.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledHidden underground around the world lie 110 quadrillion kilometers of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal networks—webs of ultrathin threads that, if connected in a single line, would stretch almost a billion times the distance between the Earth and the sun.
These networks form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, playing a crucial role in carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health.
For the first time, researchers have quantified their length, mass, and density.
You might also wanna read
Global quantification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal network density and biomass
This article presents a scientific study on the global density and biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) networks. AMF form symbiot
science.org·7d ago
Arctic Research Expedition Studies Underground Fungal Networks and Carbon Storage
A team of biologists led by Michael Van Nuland embarks on an Arctic road trip along Alaska's Dalton Highway to study the critical undergroun
quantamagazine.org·2mo ago
Fungi Gain Recognition for Their Essential Ecological and Economic Roles
The article highlights the growing recognition of fungi's crucial ecological and economic importance after being historically overlooked. It
e360.yale.edu·3mo ago
Microbe Chroococcidiopsis Shows Potential to Produce Oxygen from Martian Soil
Scientists have discovered that the extremophile microbe Chroococcidiopsis can grow on materials similar to Martian soil and produce oxygen,
scienceclock.com·6mo agoMushrooms communicate with each other using up to 50 'words', scientist claims
Shiitake Mushroom Mycelium Used to Create Sustainable Memristors for Neuromorphic Computing
Researchers have developed sustainable memristors using shiitake mushroom mycelium for high-frequency bioelectronics applications. The study
journals.plos.org·7mo ago