Routing Roots
The potential of using mycelium, the equivalent of a mushroom’s roots, to power biocomputers
which can be used to monitor the status of an ecological system. The electrical response of fungal
mycelium to different stimuli, as seen in biocomputer models, is illustrated using
anthropomorphised mushrooms within computer hardware.
Fungulate Alternative
The exploration of the innovative scientific use of fungi in which a biodegradable leather alternative
is produced. The image shows a visual fusion of fungal elements and a cow whose hide is often
used to produce the baggage which it is made to carry, both figuratively and literally in the
illustration.
Exploring Spores
Significant potential exists in the study of fungi for the benefit of space exploration since many
species have extremophile qualities, meaning they can withstand extreme environmental
conditions such as radiation or unusual temperatures.
Mutualistic Mushrooms
The natural and mutually beneficial relationship between mycelium, the root system of fungi, and
the root system of plants could be effectively exploited in the agriculture industry to lessen abiotic
stress. This pressure is referring to negative changes in a plant’s environment; a growing issue
considering Earth’s climate change is resulting in more frequent droughts, floods, higher winds,
fluctuating soil salinity, and more.
Nature’s Medicine
Scientists have begun to explore the use of fungal metabolites in the medical field to treat a variety
of diseases, including heart disease. The progression of technological advances made possible by
the discovery of new fungal compounds is celebrated in this illustration.
Oh My, Mycoremediation!
The process of mycoremediation involves utilizing the ability of fungi to consume and safely break
down toxic non-biodegradable pollutants is illustrated using anthropomorphised fungi that are
presented with a delicious dish of plastic litter.
Toadstool Biofuel
This illustration mimics the fantastically bright psychedelic colours of the 60’s to convey the role of
fungi in producing a fossil fuel alternative developed by scientists in which fungi are needed to
break down plant matter.
Slime Paradigm
Scientists in Tokyo have been able to use slime molds in petri dish mazes to produce more efficient
city transit systems, representing major potential for infrastructure improvement, since fungal
organisms naturally choose the path of least resistance to the reward.
FunScreen
The use of fungal compounds in cosmetics and skincare as natural replacements for synthetic
chemicals and pigments is already well underway. This illustration is one of three, illustrating the
use of fungi in natural sunscreen products.
FunScreen
The use of fungal compounds in cosmetics and skincare as natural replacements for synthetic
chemicals and pigments is already well underway. This illustration is one of three, illustrating the
use of fungi in natural sunscreen products.
FunScreen
The use of fungal compounds in cosmetics and skincare as natural replacements for synthetic
chemicals and pigments is already well underway. This illustration is one of three, illustrating the
use of fungi in natural sunscreen products.
Futuristic Fungi
“Futuristic Fungi” is a series of multimedia editorial illustrations that explores potential scientific uses of mycology and imagines the fascinating technological innovations that these organisms may one day allow humans to fully realize.
