Scientists successfully grew two types of desert truffles from Morocco in the laboratory using simple growth materials. By placing spores in potato dextrose agar or malt extract agar, they were able to produce substantial amounts of fungal threads (mycelium) within a week. This achievement is important because these truffles can now be used to help restore desert soils and grow edible mushrooms in arid regions, providing food and income for communities while fighting desertification.