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Mysterious “hair ice” is formed by fungus (2015)

bbc.co.uk

1–10 of 14 posts

Re: Mysterious “hair ice” is formed by fungus (2015)

#5
post #3

I wonder if/how the fungus is somehow gaining an adaptive advantage from this. Would this assist in spore distribution? Prevent excess heat loss?

It's quite possible that this is just a spectacular side effect of proteins the fungus produces to prevent ice crystals forming within its cells.

Re: Mysterious “hair ice” is formed by fungus (2015)

#10
I first encountered these last year walking through the woods around Austin. There was no snow so they were very visible amid the brown backdrop and exquisitely beautiful. They all formed around the base of a particular type of pithy stalk plant, just like as shown in the video.

The ice is very delicate and the merest touch can detach it. By 10am it was all melted.

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