New Atlas

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

With some help from the sun, oyster mushrooms could fight TB

Ben Coxworth June 10, 2019

In developing nations with limited infrastructure, obtaining vitamin supplements can be difficult. With that in mind, German scientists are now suggesting that people in such regions could fight tuberculosis (TB) by ingesting something else – oyster mushrooms that have been sitting in the sun.

Although fresh oyster mushrooms don't contain much vitamin D, they produce quite a bit when exposed ...

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Eating plenty of mushrooms may protect seniors' brains

Ben Coxworth March 12, 2019

We've already heard how the psilocybin from so-called "magic" mushrooms may help to alleviate depression. Well, a new study now suggests that a compound found in all mushrooms could also assist in warding off mild cognitive impairment.

The study was led by Asst. Prof. Feng Lei (left) and Dr. Irwin Cheah

Energy

Bionic mushroom uses bacteria and graphene to generate electricity

Ben Coxworth November 7, 2018

Could your home one day be powered by patches of mushrooms? Probably not, but scientists have nonetheless created a "bionic mushroom" that does indeed generate electricity – and it may pave the way for more practical bio-electric systems.

An electrode network (branched pattern) and cyanobacteria (spiral pattern) were 3D-printed onto the mushroom

Health & Wellbeing

Want to feel fuller longer? Eat your mushrooms, says new study

Michael Franco October 19, 2017

Mushrooms can fuel batteries, inspire tiny homes, be grown in diapers and even create building "sausages," which just might help construct the homes of tomorrow. Now they can also help with weight loss, according to a new study published in the journal Appetite.

They might not look as good as steak, but eating mushrooms instead of meat might make ...