This research discovered an important relationship between two fungi species that helps explain how certain mushrooms can accumulate high levels of toxic cadmium metal from soil. The findings show how one fungus (Hypomyces chrysospermus) lives symbiotically with an edible mushroom (Boletus griseus) and helps it absorb cadmium. This relationship could be useful for cleaning up contaminated environments. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides new understanding of how mushrooms can concentrate heavy metals, which is important for food safety – Identifies a potential natural solution for cleaning up cadmium pollution in soil and water – Demonstrates how biological partnerships in nature can be harnessed for environmental remediation – Helps explain why certain wild mushrooms should be tested for metal content before consumption – Could lead to development of better methods for removing toxic metals from the environment