Spatial resource arrangement influences both network structures and activity of fungal mycelia: A form of pattern recognition?

Is fungi smarter than we think? New research shows how the mycelial network of Phanerochaete velutina, a cord-forming wood decay fungus, can “recognize” spatial arrangements of wood blocks and adapt its decay strategy accordingly.

Over 116 days, fungi displayed fascinating behaviors, connecting blocks in different patterns based on their positioning. The results? A smarter, more efficient decay process.

This study pushes the boundaries of what we know about cognition in non-brain organisms, suggesting that mycelium exhibits “basal cognition”, the ability to recognize and adapt to its environment. Could fungi’s decision-making capabilities inspire future bio-based computing systems?

Read more about it: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1754504824000588