decomposition – mycolab.ai

The beauty and the morbid: fungi as source of inspiration in contemporary art

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This article explores how artists are using fungi and fungal science as inspiration and material for contemporary artwork. From clothing made of mycelium to installations exploring decay and renewal, artists are discovering that fungi offer unique possibilities for addressing modern environmental and social issues. The paper highlights how collaboration between artists and scientists can lead to innovative solutions and new ways of thinking about materials, sustainability, and the relationship between life and death.

Fungal guild interactions slow decomposition of boreal forest pine litter and humus

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In boreal forests, different types of fungi compete with each other to break down dead plant material. This study found that the fungi living in partnership with tree roots actually slow down the decomposition of fresh pine needles, especially after droughts. However, in older, partially decomposed soil material, the fungi associated with tree roots actually speed up decomposition, while fungi associated with shrubs slow it down. These findings suggest that how quickly different types of fungi decompose forest material depends on what type of dead material they are breaking down.

Necromass of Diverse Root-Associated Fungi Suppresses Decomposition of Native Soil Carbon via Impacts of Their Traits

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When fungi die in soil, their dead remains (necromass) affect how quickly the rest of the soil carbon breaks down. This study found that fungi with dark pigments and certain chemical compositions can actually slow down the decomposition of native soil carbon, helping more carbon stay stored in the soil longer. The researchers identified specific fungal traits like melanin content and growth rates that determine whether fungal remains promote or suppress carbon loss from soil.

Comparative Analysis of the Mycobiomes of Two Terrestrial Isopods, Armadillidium vulgare and Spherillo obscurus

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This study compared the fungal communities living on two species of pill bugs found on Korean islands. Researchers discovered that one species, Spherillo obscurus, harbors a much more diverse and varied fungal community than the other species, Armadillidium vulgare, which is dominated by a single fungal genus. Interestingly, the type of isopod species was far more important in determining which fungi lived on them than the geographic location where they were found.

Contrasting stability of fungal and bacterial communities during long-term decomposition of fungal necromass in Arctic tundra

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Scientists studied how dead fungal material breaks down in Arctic soil over three years. They found that melanized fungi, especially Pseudogymnoascus, are key decomposers that help break down tough fungal material containing melanin. While bacterial diversity increased over time, the fungal community remained relatively stable. Even after three years, about 20% of the fungal material remained undecomposed, suggesting it can help store carbon in Arctic soils.

Diversity of Lignicolous Freshwater Fungi from Yuanjiang River in Yunnan (China), with the Description of Four New Species

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Scientists studied freshwater fungi living on decaying wood in the Yuanjiang River in southwestern China. They collected samples and used both microscopy and genetic analysis to identify nine fungal species, four of which were previously unknown to science. This research helps us understand the diversity of fungi in freshwater ecosystems and their role in breaking down wood materials in nature.

The Structural and Functional Diversities of Bacteria Inhabiting Plant Woody Tissues and Their Interactions with Fungi

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Bacteria living in tree wood work together with fungi to break down wood and nutrients, which is important for forest health. Some bacteria can protect trees from harmful fungi by fighting them off, making them useful for controlling plant diseases. Understanding how bacteria and fungi interact in wood can help us grow healthier plants, manage tree diseases better, and improve wood decomposition processes.

Warming and Reduced Rainfall Alter Fungal Necromass Decomposition Rates and Associated Microbial Community Composition and Functioning at a Temperate–Boreal Forest Ecotone

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When soil gets warmer and drier due to climate change, dead fungal biomass breaks down faster at first but slower overall compared to normal conditions. The microorganisms that decompose this fungal material change their composition and abilities depending on how long the decomposition has been happening. This study shows that climate change affects soil carbon cycling in complex ways that depend on timing and environmental conditions.

Warming and Reduced Rainfall Alter Fungal Necromass Decomposition Rates and Associated Microbial Community Composition and Functioning at a Temperate–Boreal Forest Ecotone

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Scientists studied how climate change affects the breakdown of dead fungal material in forest soils. They found that warmer temperatures and less rainfall initially speed up decomposition in the first two weeks, but then slow it down later. The microbial communities eating the dead fungi also changed over time, with different bacteria and fungi becoming dominant depending on soil moisture and temperature conditions.

Research Keyword: decomposition