How gossiping mushroom networks share your public urination secrets

Tohoku University

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Close-up of mushrooms with electrodes attached. 

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Credit: ©Yu Fukasawa et al.

Psst, have you heard that mushrooms can "gossip" and spread information to their neighbours? Underneath the umbrella-like shapes we see on the forest floor is a hidden underground network that allows mushrooms to communicate. This interconnected network we often overlook - called a mycelial network - is actually the main body of a mushroom.

Like gossip, information can spread across mushrooms via their mycelial networks. However, there is a lot we don't know about how this communication truly works given how complex these sprawling connections are.

A research team lead by Yu Fukasawa, an associate professor in Tohoku University, showed evidence of electrical information flow across mushrooms by attaching electrodes to 37 mushrooms of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The researchers measured the response to various applications of either water or urine. Under certain conditions, mushrooms either increased or decreased their communication levels. This remarkable study reveals the detailed behaviour of how fungi communicate in the field.

The ectomycorrhizal fungi investigated are part of an ecological group of fungi called ammonia fungi, which are activated by a high concentration of ammonia in the soil. Since urea (a chemical component of urine) is a precursor for ammonia, it can actually promote the growth of these mushrooms. Simply put, they like pee - or rather, one of the chemicals it turns into. Therefore, to better understand how these mushrooms communicate, the researchers chose urine as a potential trigger.

Fukasawa applied either tap water or urine to the soil around mushrooms grown locally in Kami town, Miyagi Prefecture, to see their reaction. After analysing the data of electrical dynamics of the 37 mushrooms, they found that their results differed depending on whether they added tap water or urine, whether it was applied to a concentrated area or a widespread area, the spatial distance between the mushrooms, and the genetic distance between mushrooms (how closely related they are, based on a genomic analysis).

The experiment alternated between applying water or urine each day. When they applied water around one particular mushroom, it increased the flow of information. However, there was a decrease on the days when urine was applied. When applying water to a more widespread area, it reduced the flow of information.

"It's fascinating to think about why the mushrooms communicate the way they do," says Fukasawa, "For example, applying water to all the mushrooms may mean that there's no need to share information since the whole network already knows what's going on, which could be why the flow of information decreased in this situation."

These results indicate that forest mushrooms can flexibly change their electrical information flow in response to a variety of disturbances. These findings could help in solving the mysteries surrounding electrical communication in mushrooms, such as what type of activity the electric signals measured in this study are meant to trigger.

The paper was published on March 2, 2026, in Scientific Reports.

Mushrooms with electrodes attached.

Credit

©Yu Fukasawa et al.

Journal

Scientific Reports

DOI

10.1038/s41598-026-42673-y 

Article Title

Electrical information flows across the sporocarps of two ectomycorrhizal fungi in the field

 

Crushing soda cans and the mathematics of corrugation formation

University of Manchester

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Soda can in a hydraulic press

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Credit: Dr Finn Box

Many people have likely found themselves watching oddly satisfying videos of random objects being squashed by a powerful hydraulic press, but rarely people consider why things squash the way they do.

One object that caught the eye of researchers at The University of Manchester was a simple drinks can. When crushed while filled with liquid, it behaves completely differently from an empty one. Instead of collapsing suddenly, it produces an ordered sequence of circular rings that appear one by one.

But it turns out there’s more going on than just a satisfying visual. Published in the journal Communications Physics, the Manchester team has discovered that the formation of corrugations follows a rare mathematical process - and the discovery could have implications for safety across multiple industries.

Lead researcher, Shresht Jain, PhD researcher at The University of Manchester, said: “Most of us have stamped on an empty can and watched it collapse instantly. But a full can behaves completely differently. It forms one buckle after another in an orderly fashion, until the whole can is wrapped in evenly spaced corrugations. We were fascinated and wanted to understand what was driving that behaviour – particularly as liquid-filled containers are found everywhere in our day-to-day lives.”

To find out, the researchers combined laboratory experiments with a type of mathematical modelling typically used to study natural pattern formation, such as water ripples or wave formations.

They discovered that the sequence of buckles is anything but random. Because the liquid inside the can is almost incompressible, it changes the way the aluminium can carries force.

“A standard can usually starts to buckle near the middle,” explained Dr Draga Pihler-Puzovic, Reader in Nonlinear Dynamics at The University of Manchester. “But tiny variations in shape or size of the can, can shift where the first ring appears. After that, however, the physics takes over, and the sequence becomes extremely predictable. As the can compresses, the metal softens and then stiffens again – this cycle naturally forms the rings. Even changes in the can’s internal pressure don’t alter the overall pattern much. That tells us that the buckling sequence is a fundamental property of any liquid-filled cylinder made from metal, not just a quirky effect of a drinks can.”

The team discovered that this step-by-step pattern matches a mathematical process known as homoclinic snaking - a phenomenon where bumps or ripples appear one by one in a precise, controlled order. Although mathematicians have suggested that this ‘snaking’ could underpin the buckling of cylinders, uncovering its trace in a real physical system is exceptionally rare.

The findings could also have far broader implications. Liquid-filled metal cylindrical shells are used throughout modern engineering — in industrial storage, transportation, construction, energy systems, and even in parts of rockets.

Yet, despite their ubiquity, engineers have lacked a clear understanding of how these structures might buckle when compressed.

Dr Finn Box, Royal Society University Research Fellow at The University of Manchester. said: “Understanding the exact sequence of buckles could help engineers spot the early warning signs of failure long before a system collapses. That could lead to safer designs, better monitoring techniques, and more reliable structures in a whole range of industries. It might even open up possibilities for manufacturing. For example, it could be possible to create corrugated cans after filling without needing a mould.”

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Journal

Communications Physics

DOI

10.1038/s42005-026-02589-5 

Article Title

Soda-forming: Sequential buckling in fluid-filled cylindrical shells

Article Publication Date

31-Mar-2026

 

Pesticides and cancer: A study reveals the biological mechanisms behind an environmental health risk

Institut Pasteur

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A new scientific study, published in Nature Health, reveals a strong link between exposure to agricultural pesticides in the environment and the risk of developing cancer. By combining environmental data, a nationwide cancer registry, and biological analyses, researchers from the IRD, the Institut Pasteur, the University of Toulouse, and the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) in Peru have shed new light on the role of pesticide exposure in the development of certain cancers.

Pesticides are widely present in food, water, and the environment, often in the form of complex mixtures. Until now, it has been difficult to accurately assess their effects on human health, as most studies focus on isolated substances and experimental models that are far removed from real-world exposure conditions. This new study adopts an innovative, integrative approach that accounts for the complexity of real-world exposures experienced by populations.

Peru, a Relevant Study Site

The country is characterized by intensive agriculture in certain regions, a wide variety of climates and ecosystems, and significant social and territorial inequalities. Cancer has become a public health priority there, and levels of pesticide contamination in the population are cause for concern. The data highlight increased exposure to pesticides among certain groups, particularly Indigenous and peasant communities. On average, these populations are simultaneously exposed to 12 different pesticides detected at high concentrations.

An innovative method linking environment, biology, and cancer

The study relies on modeling that maps the areas of the country most exposed to pesticide-related environmental pollution. Applied across the entire country, this approach incorporates 31 chemicals used in agriculture—none of which are classified as known human carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO)—and models how they spread in the environment.

“We first modeled the dispersion of pesticides in the environment over a six-year period, from 2014 to 2019, which allowed us to create a high-resolution map and identify areas with the highest risk of exposure,” explains Jorge Honles, PhD in epidemiology at the University of Toulouse.

By cross-referencing this mapping with geodata from more than 150,000 patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2020, the researchers were able to identify areas where people are both more likely to be exposed to pesticides in the environment and more likely to be affected by certain cancers. In these areas, the risk of developing cancer was, on average, 150% higher.

“This is the first time we have been able to link pesticide exposure, on a national scale, to biological changes suggesting an increased risk of cancer,” explains Stéphane Bertani, a researcher in molecular biology at the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), at the PHARMA-DEV laboratory (IRD/University of Toulouse).

Early and Silent Biological Effects

The study shows that certain tumors, although they affect different organs, share common biological vulnerabilities linked to their cellular origin that can be weakened by pesticide exposure. Notably, the liver is a key organ in the metabolism of chemicals and is considered a sentinel site for environmental exposure. Molecular analyses conducted at the Institut Pasteur by the team led by Pascal Pineau show that pesticides disrupt processes that help maintain cell function and cellular identity. These biological changes appear before cancer develops, suggesting early, cumulative, and silent effects. They could make tissues more vulnerable to other risk factors, such as infections, inflammation, or environmental stressors.

Major implications for global health and cancer prevention

The results challenge conventional toxicological approaches, which are based on the evaluation of isolated substances and the establishment of thresholds considered safe. They highlight the importance of considering pesticide mixtures, environmental exposure, and real-world socio-ecological contexts. The study also suggests that extreme weather events, such as El Niño, can exacerbate exposure by altering pesticide use and their dispersion in the environment. It calls for a reassessment of risk evaluation and prevention policies.

Beyond Peru, this study is part of a broader discussion on global health and planetary boundaries. It illustrates how environmental changes, unsustainable land management, extreme weather events, and social inequalities can combine to affect population health, particularly the most vulnerable, such as Indigenous and peasant communities in Peru.

The researchers plan to continue their work to better understand the identified biological mechanisms and strengthen prevention tools to support more equitable and effective public health policies.

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Journal

Nature

Method of Research

Computational simulation/modeling

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Mapping pesticide mixtures to cancer risk at country scale with spatial exposomics

Article Publication Date

1-Apr-2026

WorldFish launches venture platform to mobilize capital to scale aquatic food innovation

WorldFish

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WorldFish headquarters in Penang, Malaysia, where science meets investment to take aquatic food innovations from lab to large-scale impact.

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Credit: WorldFish

WorldFish today announced the launch of WorldFish Ventures (WFV), a wholly owned commercial subsidiary established to accelerate the scaling of innovations in aquatic food systems through market-based approaches and strategic partnerships.

Approved by the WorldFish Board of Trustees, WorldFish Ventures represents a significant milestone in the organization’s evolution—strengthening the pathway from scientific innovation to large-scale adoption by harnessing the power of markets to deliver impact.

WorldFish has long been at the forefront of developing innovations in aquatic food systems, including genetically improved fish strains, fisheries management, digital platforms, and capacity development solutions. WorldFish Ventures is designed to translate these innovations into scalable, investable solutions that can reach underserved markets more effectively and sustainably.

“WorldFish Ventures reflects a deliberate step forward in how we deliver impact,” said Alyssa Jade McDonald-Baertl, Chair of the WorldFish Board of Trustees. “The Board has placed strong emphasis on ensuring that WorldFish’s scientific excellence is matched by mechanisms that enable scale. This structure provides the right balance between maintaining mission integrity and engaging effectively with market actors to expand reach and sustainability.”

WorldFish Ventures will operate as a dedicated platform to mobilize private sector engagement, crowd in investment, and accelerate the deployment of innovations across priority markets in Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Its initial portfolio will focus on:

• Improved fish genetics, including globally recognized tilapia and carp breeding programs
• Digital platforms and analytics, including next-generation data solutions for aquatic food systems
• Training and capacity development, through scalable models such as the WorldFish Academy

In addition to scaling WorldFish innovations, WFV will actively onboard and commercialize innovations from partners, including startups, research institutions, and private sector actors, creating a broader ecosystem for innovation deployment.

“Scientific breakthroughs only achieve their full value when they reach scale,” said Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish. “WorldFish Ventures is designed to harness market forces to accelerate that process—enabling us to deliver solutions at the pace and scale required, particularly in underserved markets where the opportunity for impact is greatest.”

The venture will begin with a pilot phase, working with partners across the value chain to validate scalable business models, strengthen delivery systems, and build the foundations for long-term financial sustainability.

WorldFish Ventures will operate within a governance framework that ensures continued stewardship of WorldFish’s intellectual assets, strong mission alignment, and clear oversight, while providing the flexibility required to engage effectively with private sector partners and investors.

With the establishment of WorldFish Ventures, WorldFish is advancing a model that integrates science, markets, and partnerships to accelerate the transformation of aquatic food systems and expand access to nutritious, sustainable aquatic foods.

ENDS

About WorldFish

WorldFish is an international research and innovation organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and enhance livelihoods. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, WorldFish operates across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific as part of CGIAR.

 

Reading’s weather history retold in new book

University of Reading

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Reading Weather and Climate since 1831 front cover. Book by Dr Stephen Burt

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Credit: University of Reading Press

Two centuries of Reading weather stories and observations have been chronicled in a new book celebrating the town’s rich meteorological history. 

Reading Weather and Climate since 1831, by Dr Stephen Burt, combines vivid historical accounts and contemporary photography from the past 200 years. 

It also includes meteorological data from the 120 years of continuous weather observations made at the University of Reading, one of Britain’s longest continuous daily weather records, together with ​earlier accounts from central Reading dating back to 1831.

From the scorching summers of 1911, 1976 and 2025, great snowstorms in 1814, 1927, 1963 and 2010, devastating floods in 1894 and 1947, Reading’s very own climate stripe and even a fatal tornado at Reading Station in 1840, the full diversity of British weather is revealed within its pages.

Dr Stephen Burt, from the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, said: "Every daily observation is a small piece of the puzzle, and when you put them all together, they tell a remarkable story of how our climate is changing. 

“Reading has been recording its weather for longer than almost anywhere else in Britain. I have spent much of my career immersed in those records, and the deeper you dig, the more surprises you find. 

“Records like these help us understand what is normal, what is extreme, and what we might expect in the years ahead. This book is my attempt to bring that story to life for everyone."

Published as part of the University’s centenary celebrations, Dr Stephen Burt shared a first edition of his new book with Simon Armitage, the Poet Laureate, when he visited the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory in March 2026. 

The book is now available to buy for £15.00 plus postage costs.

 

Manchester Professor appointed expert reviewer for Government nuclear decommissioning review

University of Manchester

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Image caption: Professor Zara Hodgson

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Credit: Credit: The University of Manchester

A University of Manchester Professor has been appointed by  Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, as an Expert Reviewer for an independent assessment of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA);  an executive non-departmental public body that is charged with, on behalf of government, the mission to clean-up the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively.

Professor Zara Hodgson FREng is an internationally recognised expert in nuclear energy policy and research, and Director of the University’s Dalton Nuclear Institute. She has been appointed to support the NDA 2026 Review, which has been commissioned by the Government to provide assurance on the NDA’s performance and governance, and to make recommendations on improvements.

The Review is led by Dr Tim Stone CBE, a senior expert adviser to five previous Secretaries of State in two successive UK governments and the Chair of Nuclear Risk Insurers. Professor Hodgson will join a team of three other independent experts to support Dr Stone.

The review will focus on the NDA’s strategic planning and management, project and programme delivery, and financial management. It will assess how effectively the NDA delivers value for money for the taxpayer while maintaining the highest standards of safety, transparency and governance across the UK’s civil nuclear legacy. Reviewers will challenge current practices, propose bold value-for-money recommendations, and highlight good practice while identifying areas for improvement.

Professor Hodgson said: “I am honoured to support this important independent review of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Working alongside Tim and my fellow Expert Reviewers, we have a time-critical opportunity to assure Ministers of governance and effective delivery in the NDA, and to provide advice on improvements to how NDA advances its long-term nuclear clean-up mission in the context of a new golden era for nuclear energy and Net Zero objectives.”

Professor Hodgson is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at The University of Manchester and has played a pivotal role in recent UK Government interventions to grow the UK’s nuclear fuel production capability. Her work has supported the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, strengthened energy security and helped build more resilient nuclear supply chains. At Manchester, she leads contributions to national nuclear programmes through high impact research, education and training, and independent advice.

Professor Hodgson’s appointment reflects The University of Manchester’s leadership in nuclear research and policy, and its long-standing role in providing independent expertise to inform national decision-making.