Researchers Probe Why Fungal Age Defies Measurement, With Estimates Ranging From 10 to 500 Years
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 13
Researchers Probe Why Fungal Age Defies Measurement, With Estimates Ranging From 10 to 500 Years
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 13
Summary
A new Trends in Microbiology opinion paper says scientists still cannot reliably tell how old fungi are, and argues the problem has been largely overlooked despite fungi’s importance across ecosystems and research fields.
The paper traces that uncertainty to fungi’s modular biology: mycelium grows continuously through soil or wood, sheds and replaces parts, and can blur where one individual begins or ends.
Kristin Aleklett said researchers do not know whether 10 years or 500 years counts as old for a fungus, or how lifespan differs across species and lifestyles.
To start closing the gap, the team proposed comparing genetic methods, pairing mutation studies with mycelium genome sequencing, and using emerging 'fungi-on-a-chip' tools for higher-resolution monitoring.
The authors say better measures of fungal life cycles and longevity are needed to understand aging in this kingdom and to support biodiversity and ecosystem-service conservation.