Research Topic: Sustainability

Microbes as Teachers: Rethinking Knowledge in the Anthropocene

mycolabadmin

Microbes have been the architects of life on Earth for nearly 4 billion years, managing oxygen production, nutrient cycles, and climate stability—yet we rarely recognize their wisdom. This paper argues we should treat microbes as teachers rather than mere subjects of study or exploitation. By reforming education, policy, and how we think about our relationship with microbial life, we can solve modern challenges like climate change and disease while learning to coexist with the microscopic majority that sustains all life.

Read More »

The Effects of the Substrate Length and Cultivation Time on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mycelium-Based Cushioning Materials from Salix psammophila and Peanut Straw

mycolabadmin

Researchers developed eco-friendly cushioning materials by growing mushroom mycelium (fungal networks) on agricultural waste like willow and peanut straw. These materials match the performance of plastic foam used in packaging but are completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. By adjusting how long the mushrooms grow and the size of the substrate pieces, scientists can control the final product’s strength, flexibility, and water resistance.

Read More »

Microbes as Teachers: Rethinking Knowledge in the Anthropocene

mycolabadmin

This paper argues that microbes should be viewed as teachers offering crucial wisdom about how to solve today’s environmental crises. Rather than seeing microbes as passive subjects to be studied, the author proposes recognizing them as intelligent, collaborative partners that have successfully managed Earth’s systems for billions of years. The paper provides practical suggestions for changing education, policy, and how we design cities and agriculture to work with microbial processes rather than against them.

Read More »

Perspectives of Insulating Biodegradable Composites Derived from Agricultural Lignocellulosic Biomass and Fungal Mycelium: A Comprehensive Study of Thermal Conductivity and Density Characteristics

mycolabadmin

Scientists created eco-friendly insulation material by combining agricultural waste like wheat, hemp, and flax straw with fungal mycelium as a natural binder. These composites are fully biodegradable, lightweight, and have thermal insulation properties comparable to conventional materials, offering a sustainable alternative for building insulation that performs better per unit weight than many traditional options.

Read More »

The Fungus Among Us: Innovations and Applications of Mycelium-Based Composites

mycolabadmin

Mycelium-based composites are eco-friendly building materials made by growing mushroom fungus on agricultural waste like sawdust and straw. These materials are lightweight, provide excellent insulation and soundproofing, and are much more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. However, they absorb water easily and aren’t strong enough for load-bearing structures, making them best suited for insulation and non-structural panels.

Read More »

Harmonizing Nature, Education, Engineering and Creativity: An Interdisciplinary Educational Exploration of Engineered Living Materials, Artistry and Sustainability Using Collaborative Mycelium Brick Construction

mycolabadmin

Middle-school students created artistic structures from mycelium (mushroom) materials, learning science, engineering, and art simultaneously. Students designed clay forms, cast them in plaster, filled the molds with mycelium mixture, and watched the living material grow into interconnected sculptures. This hands-on project taught students about sustainable materials, three-dimensional thinking, and teamwork while revealing significant gaps in their understanding of ecology and environmental concepts.

Read More »

Green Valorization Strategies of Pleurotus ostreatus and Its By-Products: A Critical Review of Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Applications

mycolabadmin

Oyster mushrooms generate large amounts of agricultural waste including stems, leftover plant material, and spent growing substrate. These waste products contain many healthy compounds like fiber, β-glucans, and antioxidants that are usually thrown away. Scientists are developing new extraction technologies using ultrasound, microwaves, and other methods to recover these beneficial compounds from mushroom waste for use in functional foods like meat products, baked goods, and dairy items, reducing waste while creating healthier food ingredients.

Read More »
Scroll to Top