Mushroom OS | Beetle Butts | Tumor Eraser

Happy almost new year! To celebrate, we’re looking back at some of the most clicked stories from 2023.

Plus fresh new Clickables. Enjoy!

-New Year’s Steve

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Mushroom OS

Your future computer might be a mushroom. Researchers are developing computing infrastructure using fungi mycelium.

• Mycelium = web-like fungal root structure

• Forms natural fungal networks to communicate underground

• Electrodes in mycelium track electrical signals as inputs

They won’t be as fast as traditional computers, but mushroom networks use less energy and can self-repair. This proof-of-concept will eventually lead to commercially viable mycelium computers. I hope they come with mushroom keycaps.

myCPUlium

Beetle Butts

We finally know how beetles drink from their butts. Scientists discovered red flour beetles use their rectums to absorb hydration from the air.

• Can go entire life without drinking water orally

• Efficient absorption = no water wasted in stool samples

• Nha1 gene is expressed 60x more in rectum compared to rest of body

Red flour beetles and other pests destroy at least 25% of global food supply. Pesticides targeting Nha1 will help increase food production without harming surrounding organisms. Wait ‘til they learn about bidets…

Bottoms up

Tumor Eraser

Implantable “sponges” are being used to fight cancer. UCLA researchers created SymphNode, a device that shrinks tumors.

• About the size of a no. 2 pencil eraser

• Blocks T cells hijacked by tumors

• Recruits new anti-cancer cells to join the fight

SymphNode prevented metastasis in 100% of breast cancer tests in mice and showed immune system boosts up to 100 days later. The treatment is still a long way from human use, but could drastically change how we tackle cancer. Bonus points for bringing back no. 2 pencil vibes.

SpongeBob got a PhD

Unnatural Selection

Last week: “Which emoji do pandas use more?”

Fun fact: bamboo grows 1.5 inches per hour to fuel panda social media content.

st3v on site

Happy New Year

st3v is so proud Bee’s Knees Coffee made the most clicked list this year! Click here to see what all the buzz is about.

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