Filamentous fungi produce enzymes, nanomaterials, and electrical signals that could underpin a new generation of biosensors capable of detecting pollutants, glucose, and pathogens. Mycelium networks generate structured electrical impulses that researchers are beginning to harness for unconventional computing and wearable sensing devices. A comprehensive review published in Biosensors  maps five years of progress across molecular, material, and ecosystem scales, identifying bo

Researchers isolated 415 fungal endophytes from Spain's arid Cabo de Gata region, finding that select strains can suppress up to 15 crop pathogens while simultaneously boosting plant biomass. Dark septate endophytes showed particular promise, producing growth hormones, iron-scavenging compounds, and enzymes that improve nutrient uptake, even under saline or drought conditions. Compatibility testing revealed that certain fungicides routinely used in horticulture are harmful to

Festival Reino Fungi 2026 takes place in Pucón, Chile, from 30 April to 3 May, bringing together scientists, artists, entrepreneurs and local communities around the theme of decomposition as a force for regeneration. The fifth edition builds on the 2025 event, which drew more than 10,000 attendees, and expands its international reach with speakers from Argentina, Colombia and beyond. The festival frames fungal intelligence as a model for rethinking innovation, culture and ter

The UAMH Centre for Global Microfungal Biodiversity at the University of Toronto (home to nearly 12,000 living fungal specimens from over 3,200 species) was at risk of being shipped overseas due to lack of funding, until a $1-million donation from the Weston Family Foundation secured its future for at least five years.

Article in partnership with The Future is Fungi Award . The Future is Fungi Award is the world's only global award and a venture launchpad dedicated to breakthrough innovations using fungi to regenerate the planet. By connecting leading universities, corporates, investors, innovators and philanthropists, the initiative accelerates the most promising fungal science and startup innovators from lab to market for a sustainable fungal future. Lead the next wave of frontier fungal