Living mycelium composites discern weights via patterns of electrical activity

Fungal construction materials -substrates colonised by mycelium -are getting increased recog-nition as viable ecologically friendly alternatives to conventional building materials. A function-ality of the constructions made from fungal materials would be enriched if blocks with living mycelium, known for their ability to respond to chemical, optical and tactile stimuli, were in-serted. We investigated how large blocks of substrates colonised with mycelium of Ganoderma resinaceum responded to stimulation with heavy weights. We analysed details of the electrical re-sponses to the stimulation with weights and show that ON and OFF stimuli can be discriminated by the living mycelium composites and that a habituation to the stimulation occurs. Novelty of the results cast in the reporting on changes in electrical spiking activity of mycelium bound composites in response to a heavy loads.

Automated summary

Fungal construction materials, recognized as viable ecologically friendly alternatives, respond to heavy weight stimulation and can discriminate between different stimuli types, showing habituation to the stimulation.