homehome Home chatchat Notifications


Huge honey mushroom discovered in China weighs 33 pounds

Weighing in at 33 pounds (15kgs), this huge honey mushroom was recently discovered by locals in China’s Yunnan Province. Specialists aren’t sure yet, but the giant fungus could actually be a record breaker. The large clump of mushrooms, which numbered over 100 caps attached at the base of their stems, caused quite a stir amongst […]

Tibi Puiu
July 31, 2013 @ 8:36 am

share Share

giant-fungus-1

Weighing in at 33 pounds (15kgs), this huge honey mushroom was recently discovered by locals in China’s Yunnan Province. Specialists aren’t sure yet, but the giant fungus could actually be a record breaker.

The large clump of mushrooms, which numbered over 100 caps attached at the base of their stems, caused quite a stir amongst locals.

“I guess this mushroom can be entered into the Guinness World Records,” said one woman as she photographed the ball of grey capped mushrooms.

It’s still yet unclear which species it belongs to, though preliminary findings position the 36-inch diameter mushroom as an edible honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae).

giant-fungus-2

 

It’s no surprise, however, that this veritable king of the mushrooms was found in an area popularly dubbed the “Mushroom Kingdom of China”. Here more than 250 edible varieties including termite mushrooms (which grow inside termite nests), white jelly mushrooms, greenhead mushrooms and ganbajun mushrooms can be found growing.

The World Record Academy reports that the world’s heaviest fungus on record is a 100-pound mushroom called the “chicken of the woods” found in the UK – it actually tastes like chicken.

This isn’t the biggest mushroom in the world, though, far from it. The biggest mushroom in the world is actually the biggest living thing in the world. Discovered in 1998 in Oregon, this honey mushroom is 2,400 years old and has eventually grown  to 2,384 acres – it’s still growing!

share Share

Swarms of tiny robots could go up your nose, melt the mucus and clean your sinuses

The "search-and-destroy” microrobot system can chemically shred the resident bacterial biofilm.

Herpes Virus Hijacks Human DNA Within Just an Hour of Infection

Billions carry herpes simplex virus 1. New research reveals it hijacks human genes with eerie precision.

Programs delivering fluoride varnish in schools significantly reduce cavities in children

A simple swipe of fluoride varnish in schools is emerging as a powerful, cost-effective tool to fight childhood cavities and reduce health disparities.

Your Brain on Stress Is Worse Than You Think, Especially If You’re Depressed

Acute stress disrupts key mental skills tied to emotion regulation, a new study finds.

Scientists uncover anti-aging "glue" that naturally repairs damaged DNA

Researchers have newly found a very important function for a well-known enzyme.

Why Bats Don’t Get Cancer—And What That Could Mean for Us

Bats can live up to 40 years without developing cancer. Scientists now know why.

This Star-Shaped Pill Stomach Could Transform Schizophrenia Treatment

A once-weekly oral capsule offers new hope for patients who struggle with daily medication.

Scientists Get Closer to Growing Real Teeth in the Lab

Lab-grown teeth could one day replace fillings and implants entirely.

Outdoor physical activity is better than indoor for your brain

Let the kids run outside.

This anti-aging drug extends life as effectively as restricting calories

For centuries, humans have searched for ways to extend life. Alchemists never found the philosopher’s stone, but scientists have consistently shown that a longer life can be attained by eating less – at least in certain lab animals. But can we find a way to live longer while still enjoying our food? Compounds that mimic […]