Shocking study: Does lightning make mushrooms multiply?
The Weather Channel · Current
The Weather Channel
Current
Old Japanese folklore states lightning makes mushrooms multiply, and now scientists are proving that myth might be rooted in reality. Researchers found that controlled bursts of electricity can double mushroom reproduction for certain species like shiitake and nameko.
Breakdown
- Researchers tested high-voltage electric shocks on mushroom logs to mimic lightning. 5s
- Some mushroom crops yielded double after the electric treatment. 12s
- Scientists used microbursts of electricity, not actual lightning, to avoid damaging the fungi. 16s
- One theory is that mushrooms increase reproduction in response to the shocks. 23s
- The method is being tested on other plants like radishes, beans, and flowers. 31s