Did Scientists Turn Mushrooms Into Computer Memory?

Ohio State researchers discovered shiitake mushrooms can store and process data like computer memory. This biological approach could slash energy costs and eliminate toxic e-waste from traditional chips.

Core Facts:

• Dried shiitake mushrooms switched electrical states 5,850 times per second with 90% accuracy
• Data centers consumed 183 terawatt-hours in 2024, expected to grow 133% by 2030
• Mushroom-based memory needs minimal standby power and decomposes naturally
• Technology still needs development before commercial applications

Your next computer might grow in a garden.

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered something unusual. They turned mushrooms into working computer memory. These aren’t fancy lab-grown materials. They’re regular shiitake mushrooms you buy at a store.

Here’s what this means for your business.

Why does computer energy consumption matter to you?

Data centers consumed 183 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024. That’s more than 4% of America’s total electricity. By 2030, this number will grow by 133%.

That electricity demand raises your business costs directly.

A typical AI data center uses as much electricity as 100,000 households. Your monthly bills climb because of this demand. Some areas already see $18 monthly increases from data center growth.

Traditional computer chips need rare metals and substantial energy. They create mountains of toxic waste when disposed.

Bottom line: Rising data center energy use translates to higher operating costs for businesses.

How do mushrooms store data?

Scientists connected dried shiitake mushroom material to electric circuits. They applied different voltages to train the mushrooms. The mushrooms learned to remember previous electrical states.

Similar to how your brain remembers patterns.

The mushroom memristor switched between electrical states 5,850 times per second. It achieved 90% accuracy. When performance dropped, connecting more mushrooms fixed the problem.

The biological cells work together.

Dr. John LaRocco led the research team. He explained that mushroom-based chips need minimal standby power. Traditional computers waste energy even during idle time.

Key insight: Mushrooms function as biological memory through trained electrical responses, similar to neural pathways.

What makes mushroom computers different from regular chips?

You can grow your computing materials.

“Everything you’d need to start exploring fungi and computing could be as small as a compost heap,” LaRocco said. You wouldn’t need billion-dollar factories or rare earth minerals.

Mushroom computers break down naturally after disposal.

Regular computer chips create 62 million tonnes of toxic waste yearly. Less than 25% gets recycled properly. Mushroom materials would simply decompose back into soil.

Shiitake mushrooms resist radiation. That means these devices work in space exploration. They’re tougher than expected.

Main advantage: Biological computing materials eliminate rare earth dependency and toxic waste production.

Can you use mushroom computers for business today?

Not yet.

The technology needs more development before commercial use. Scientists proved the concept works. Now they need to make it practical for everyday applications.

The energy savings would transform your operating costs. Lower electricity bills mean better profit margins. Smaller carbon footprints mean better brand reputation.

You won’t replace your laptop with mushrooms tomorrow. But this research opens possibilities for sustainable technology. As an entrepreneur, watching these developments gives you competitive advantages.

The future of computing might grow in soil instead of factories.

Current status: Mushroom computing remains in research phase but shows promise for commercial sustainability applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do mushroom-based memory devices last?

The research doesn’t specify lifespan yet. Scientists are still testing durability and longevity before commercial applications.

Will mushroom computers be slower than silicon chips?

Current prototypes switch states 5,850 times per second. Traditional chips are faster, but mushroom technology focuses on energy efficiency rather than raw speed.

What happens to mushroom computers after you’re done with them?

They decompose naturally. Unlike silicon chips that create toxic waste, mushroom materials break down into organic matter.

Why use shiitake mushrooms specifically?

Shiitake mushrooms resist radiation and demonstrate reliable electrical properties. This makes them suitable for various environments, including space applications.

How much cheaper would mushroom computers be?

Exact costs aren’t determined yet. But eliminating rare earth minerals and expensive fabrication facilities should reduce production costs significantly.

Can you really grow computer parts at home?

Theoretically, yes. Dr. LaRocco mentioned a compost heap and homemade electronics could start exploration. Commercial production would need more infrastructure.

When will mushroom computers be available?

No timeline exists yet. The technology requires additional development before practical commercial use.

Do mushroom computers work as well as traditional chips?

They achieved 90% accuracy in testing. Performance differs from silicon chips, but the focus is sustainability and energy efficiency rather than direct replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Shiitake mushrooms function as biological computer memory, switching electrical states nearly 6,000 times per second with 90% accuracy
• Data center electricity consumption will grow 133% by 2030, directly increasing business operating costs
• Mushroom-based computing eliminates rare earth mineral dependency and toxic e-waste through biodegradable materials
• Technology remains in research phase but offers practical path toward sustainable computing infrastructure
• Energy-efficient biological computing could reduce standby power consumption and lower electricity bills for businesses