Fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms that belong to their own kingdom called Fungi. They are distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria. Fungi come in various forms, including mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and even single-celled organisms like yeast. They play essential roles in nature and have significant benefits for both humans and the environment.
- Decomposers: Fungi are crucial decomposers in ecosystems. They break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, wood, and animal remains, into simpler compounds. This decomposition process helps recycle nutrients and returns them to the soil, supporting the growth of new plants.
- Food Source: Many fungi are edible and form an important part of human diets worldwide. Mushrooms, for example, are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Medicine and Health: Fungi have provided a vast array of medicinal benefits. Certain species of fungi produce bioactive compounds with antibiotic properties that have been used to develop lifesaving drugs. Examples include penicillin, derived from the fungus Penicillium, and various antifungal medications.
- Biotechnology and Industry: Fungi play a crucial role in various biotechnological processes. They are used in fermentation for producing foods like bread, cheese, beer, and soy sauce. Additionally, fungi are involved in the production of enzymes, biofuels, and other industrial applications.
- Symbiotic Relationships: Fungi form symbiotic associations with plants and animals. Mycorrhizal fungi, for instance, establish mutually beneficial partnerships with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake for both parties. These symbiotic associations enhance plant growth and help plants withstand environmental stresses.
- Environmental Remediation: Fungi have the ability to break down and detoxify pollutants and contaminants in the environment. This process, known as bioremediation, is utilized to clean up areas affected by oil spills, industrial waste, and other pollutants.
- Mycoremediation: Mycoremediation is a specific type of bioremediation that uses fungi to remove heavy metals and other harmful substances from contaminated soil and water.
- Soil Health: Fungi contribute to soil structure and fertility. They create networks of fine threads called mycelium that bind soil particles together, enhancing soil stability and water retention.
- Ecological Balance: Fungi are critical for maintaining ecological balance. They regulate the populations of other organisms, such as insects and nematodes, and support the functioning of entire ecosystems.
- Myco-materials: As mentioned earlier, mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, can be used to grow sustainable and biodegradable materials. These myco-materials offer alternatives to traditional plastics and have a lower environmental impact.
In conclusion, fungi are incredibly diverse organisms with numerous benefits for nature and human society. From their role as nature’s recyclers and soil enhancers to their contributions in medicine, food, and sustainable materials, fungi are indispensable to life on Earth.
How has this anything to do with me?
Lately it seems that fungi have been making the news left and right. Sometimes only for rediscovering the benefits we’ve already known they’ve had for a long time, but more and more, this surge of interest leads to discovering even more benefits. Fungi’s main role in our ecosystem is to decompose organic material (from dead plants, to animal remains, but also surprisingly has been used to clean oil spillage on the coast of San Francisco.
Most of its use made by humans so far has been nutritional or medicinal, but another application has been rising from the shadows lately, using it as a material.
Mycelium can be thought as the root structure of the mushroom, which is in fact the fruiting body. It grows and explore it surroundings in search for food courses, and has been hijacked by human to be used as a binder between different substrates to be used as a material.
Fungal Matters, a project started by Jessica Dias and Catherine Euale, aims to educate the world about the fungi world, and more specifically how to collaborate with fungi to build new objects.
In November 2022 they ran a workshop, and asked me if I could film part of it. During the workshop, they announced that an online course was in preparation, and that they wanted me to film it.
Below is one of the 26 videos that forms this online course. It had to be shot on a low-budget and quickly as the members are located around the world. A plan for a more in-depth and professional course are in the works, but in the meantime this introduction is already great.