This research shows that a fungus called Paraisaria dubia can effectively clean up zinc pollution by removing 60% of zinc from contaminated environments. The fungus uses multiple survival strategies when exposed to zinc stress, including producing more protective slime-like substances on its surface and generating spores that are more resistant to harmful conditions. By studying the fungus at the molecular level, scientists discovered which genes and chemical compounds activate these protective responses, paving the way for using fungi as natural cleaners for heavy metal-contaminated soil and water.