Science Exposed
Science Exposed
The Hidden Intelligence of Fungi: Do They Recognize Shapes?
0:00
-17:21

The Hidden Intelligence of Fungi: Do They Recognize Shapes?

Episode 27

What if intelligence doesn’t require a brain? Recent research from Tohoku University suggests that fungi might actually recognize shapes and make strategic decisions—without a single neuron. Join us as we dive into this bizarre world where fungal networks, or mycelia, spread underground and exhibit mind-bending behaviors like memory and decision-making. Could these shape-sensing fungi change our understanding of intelligence? And what does this mean for ecosystems and even human technology? This one’s all about life’s hidden genius right under our feet.

REFERENCE:

Spatial resource arrangement influences both network structures and activity of fungal mycelia: A form of pattern recognition?
Authors: Yu Fukasawa*, Kosuke Hamano, Koji Kaga, Daisuke Akai, Takayuki Takehi
Journal: Fungal Ecology
DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2024.101387


Content curated by: Dr. Cameron Jones, PhD

Public Health Expert, Fungal Biologist, and Science Communicator

CEO of Biological Health Services, a consultancy and lab specializing in indoor air quality.

Adjunct Faculty at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine, Australia.

Founder, BioMedix & House of Pot, Bangkok

For more insights on public health and cutting-edge research, visit www.drcameronjones.com and www.drcameronjones.tv.

This podcast is part of an innovative science communication initiative powered by Google’s Notebook LM, an AI-driven tool that helps bring complex research to life by creating dynamic conversations and easily digestible summaries. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions at the intersection of science, health, and wellness.

Discussion about this episode