Fungi: mycelia, mushrooms & more

Beyond Meat has plans to launch a mycelium-based whole-cut steak alternative, responding to growing consumer demand for clean-label alternatives, reports CNBC.

The vertically integrated denim manufacturer has partnered with New York-based Ecovative, a leader in mycelium technology, to transform post-consumer waste denim into sustainable architectural and interior design materials. Their first product is mycelium bricks made from discarded jeans.

Okom Wrks Labs is developing a replacement for steel (and other biggies) through its structural mycelium solution. Prometheus Materials has developed an algae-based, carbon-negative alternative to Portland cement. TerreformONE is growing gorgeous and durable furniture from mycelium.

Mycoremediation — the use of fungi to degrade contaminants — shows great promise, but still has a long way to go.

Note: I am really sorry that they are using a zoo for this research.

Two videos on Miriam C. Rice's original research:

• Mushrooms for Color: Dyeing with Fungi (1988, 28 minutes)
• Mushrooms for Paper: Papermaking with Polypores (1993, 12 minutes)

Invidious link

• Mycelium-based materials from regional agricultural residues
• Versatile applications: Strength and elasticity can be specifically configured
• Developing industrial processes

Invidious link

Hi! I have successfully grown 2 batches of Pleurotus ostreatus and I can say I am addicted! I want to know more about growing (general) and funghi in general. I got the basics covered already.

Any book recommendations? (paper back or hard cover)

Thanks!

Archived link of the article

Relevant video: Fungus-controlled biohybrid robots

Youtube link

Youtube link

A British family was poisoned by mushrooms after using a tutorial for beginner mushroom pickers written by a neural network.

It turned out that the pictures of mushrooms in the book generated by the neural network did not match the description. The phrase was also found in the book: "Morels are delicious mushrooms that can be eaten from August to the end of summer. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with."

The book is still on sale in the online store, where many people have already bought it. The media is sounding the alarm, as this can lead to serious poisoning, and in some cases, death.

The seller is trying to hush up the situation by offering customers to return the book in exchange for a small compensation.

Earlier, The Guardian wrote that mushroom pickers are being asked to "avoid searching for books on Amazon that seem to be written by artificial intelligence," as experts warn that they contain harmful advice.

To recognize such books, examples of phrases are given that even a graphomaniac would hardly write: "The sweet smell of freshly cooked mushrooms is in the air, evoking warm memories of my mother" and "Picking wild mushrooms is a deeply rewarding experience that connects us with the abundance of nature and the rich tapestry of flowers that the Earth gives."

Relevant article from The Guardian (1 Sep 2023) Mushroom pickers urged to avoid foraging books on Amazon that appear to be written by AI