‘Nature’s original engineers’: scientists explore the amazing potential of fungi

Scientists are increasingly turning to fungi as powerful allies in addressing environmental challenges. The innovative Hiro diaper contains freeze-dried fungi that break down the entire product, including plastics, into compost within a year when activated by moisture from baby waste. Fungi's mycelium networks can build sustainable materials from agricultural waste and secrete enzymes that digest complex molecules like plastics and petroleum compounds, making them ideal for biodegradable packaging, natural chemical production, and experimental electronics.