Next Article
Technology
•
Jun 12, 2025
Gold-absorbing fungus revolutionises metal search
Australian researchers have found a fungus that actually interacts with gold, which is a big deal since gold usually doesn't react with much. This could make it easier to spot hidden gold underground, adding a cool new tool to the usual ways of searching.
TL;DR
Fungus grows faster when it latches onto gold
The fungus uses its root-like mycelium to latch onto gold and, interestingly, grows faster and healthier when it does. This special bond might help scientists target exactly where to look for gold deposits.
Could lead to cleaner mining in the future
This discovery could mean cleaner mining in the future, cutting down on harsh chemicals. And who knows—one day this fungus might even help us mine metals from asteroids, though there's still work to do before we send fungi into space.