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Health & Science5h 12m ago

Researchers have mapped for the first time a vast hidden fungal superhighway beneath our feet, which stretches an astonishing 110 quadrillion kilometers and plays a major role in sustaining much of life on Earth and regulating the climate.

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Globally (South Sudan, Florida, Tibetan plateau mentioned for dense networks)

Who
Scientists, Dr. Justin Stewart, Dr. Corentin Bisot, Dr. Toby Kiers, Dr. Merlin Sheldrake
What
Researchers have mapped for the first time a vast hidden fungal superhighway beneath our feet, which stretches an astonishing 110 quadrillion kilometers and plays a major role in sustaining much of life on Earth and regulating the climate.
When
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:01:41 GMT · 5h 12m ago
Where
Globally (South Sudan, Florida, Tibetan plateau mentioned for dense networks) ·
Why
This underground infrastructure helps sustain ecosystems, move carbon into the ground (estimated 4 billion tons of CO2e annually), and form mutually beneficial relationships with approximately 70% of plant species worldwide.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

The newly mapped global fungal networks, extending 110 quadrillion kilometers and storing 300 megatons of carbon, are crucial for plant life and climate regulation, yet face threats from agricultural practices, underscoring an urgent need to integrate fungi into global conservation and climate strategies.

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