This discovery reveals a mostly unstudied but apparently universal aspect of fungal life.

cross-posted from: https://beehaw.org/post/581212

I had many expectations for today, but learning that mushrooms sweat wasn’t one of them.

The scientists are still unsure why fungi might want to keep cool.

In their paper, the authors speculate that it might have something to do with creating optimal conditions for spore formation, or it may help fungi spread their spores — by altering the temperature, they might be causing tiny winds that can blow the spores around.

It’s also possible that this phenomenon is due to something else entirely. For example, evapotranspiration also increases humidity, and when asked if it’s possible that the fungi are trying to keep humid, and the cooling is simply a by-product, Casadevall said it was conceivable.

  • Shdwdrgn@mander.xyzOPEnglish
    5·
    1 year ago

    This was just too cool not to pass along. I’m hoping more research will follow to discover the answer for why this happens.

    • ElanoidesWahl@slrpnk.netEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      I’m really liking the idea of a mushroom powered air conditioner! Also, does this mean caves are cold because of mushrooms🤔

          • Seth@mander.xyzEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            Spore clouds! I heard a podcast episode long ago on Mushroom revival that the giant mass of spores interacts with molecules in the air and influences weather patterns all over the world!