Scientists discovered that a white rot fungus called Trametes hirsuta can effectively remove harmful oestrogen hormones from water and soil. Within just one day, the fungus eliminated more than 90% of two common oestrogens (E1 and E2) that pollute our environment through pharmaceutical waste and animal farming. The fungus achieves this by producing special enzymes that couple oestrogen molecules together into larger, less harmful compounds that can be easily removed.