Scientists have discovered that mushrooms use electrical signals sent through urine-like liquid to communicate with each other, similar to how our brain cells talk.
This isn’t the only weird discovery researchers made recently. They also figured out why dolphins are impossibly fast swimmers and found a new way to crush soda cans that could help manufacturing.
The Mushroom Underground Network
The mushroom study found that fungi create vast underground networks that work like a biological internet. When one mushroom needs to share nutrients or warn others about danger, it sends electrical pulses through liquid that flows between them. Think of it as nature’s version of sending text messages, but with pee.
Meanwhile, marine biologists solved a puzzle that’s bothered them for decades. Dolphins should be too heavy and bulky to swim as fast as they do, but researchers discovered their skin has special properties that reduce water resistance in ways engineers never imagined.
The soda can research sounds silly but could revolutionize manufacturing. Scientists found a new way to crush aluminum that uses 40% less energy than current methods. Since billions of cans get recycled every year, this could save massive amounts of electricity.
What’s Next
Researchers plan to study whether the mushroom communication networks could inspire new types of biological computers. The dolphin skin discovery might lead to faster submarines and boats. And the can-crushing technique could make recycling cheaper and more environmentally friendly within a few years.
