A viral photograph on the Chinese lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, depicting a mushroom growing from a rotting apple, prompted researchers at the Yunnan Wild Mushroom Protection and Development Association to investigate. After obtaining the specimen, scientists identified it as a split-gill mushroom and began a crossbreeding program. The online attention sparked a nationwide trend, with citizens sending various fungi samples found on household items like coffee capsules and fruit to the Kunming laboratory. By integrating these unique specimens with strains previously exposed to space radiation, the team successfully cultivated improved mushroom generations. These new varieties, which feature enhanced texture and flavor, are currently being evaluated for potential commercial production. This collaborative effort between digital users and mycologists has significantly expanded the laboratory's research capabilities and genetic collection.
Source : [Sixth Tone](https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1018995/How a Rotten Apple Brought China’s Internet Into a Mushroom Lab)
Photo : Sixth Tone
