The Underground Brain Project: Studying the electromagnetic communication system of mycelium
This project aims to:
- design next generation sensors for environmental sensing
- develop new recording and analysis techniques for the electromagnetic properties of mycelium
- investigate the communication and multiscale dynamics of the vast underground networks of mycelium
- bridge art, science and engineering, and contribute to the public understanding of AI, STEM and fungi.
The project explores the computational properties and communication systems in mycelium networks (the vast underground body of mushrooms and truffles), using artificial intelligence to investigate the similarities and differences between the languages of different mushroom varietie
Fungi have vast underground networks of electrically active hyphae, which are long lived and can be vast in extent. These networks are involved in communication, transport of nutrients, coordination, and integrated behaviour. The Underground Brain Project explores the electromagnetic communication system of mycelium, which has dynamics comparable to animals’ brains. The project is developing new embedded systems devices for detecting mycelial signals in ecosystems, and investigating innovative techniques for human-fungi interaction.
Why fungi? Fungi is a major kingdom of life, alongside animals, plants and bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi is a critical component of ecosystems and as a major store of carbon. They are symbiotic with 90 per cent of plant species, especially in the diverse climates in Australia. However, Australian fungi is not nearly as well studied as European, and their electromagnetic properties are not well understood.
Public outreach includes
- an art-science collaboration with artist Bianca Tainsh;
- developing human-mycelium two-way interaction using electrical stimulation,
- developing robot-mycelium interactions using light, sound and vibration.
We are also developing a STEM kit for school children to build their own recording system and a robust outdoors kit for citizen science data recording from mushrooms in the wild.
The project team includes interdisciplinary researchers from computer science, AI, language technology, interaction design, electrical engineering, embedded systems, neuroscience, mycology, molecular biology, soil science, and STEM education. We also collaborate with local mushroom farmers.
Want to get involved?
We are offering thesis and summer research projects, and welcome inquiries from PhD applicants with first class honours in engineering, computing, design or a related field.
Contact: Professor Janet Wiles
