Explosive-eating fungus
Could fungus counter the explosive power of dynamite? That's the idea behind a patent filed by Robert Riggs of Texas, US.
When explosives are used for mining or demolition, some may fail to detonate and get lost in the rubble. Riggs reckons the remedy could be to mix pellets of dormant fungal spores in with the explosive charge before inserting the wick into the explosive package.
The dry spores lie dormant while the explosives are in storage and, if the charge detonates as intended, will get blown to smithereens.
But if the explosive fails to detonate, water from the air should migrate down the wick and into the charge. The spores should then germinate and devour the charge, rendering it harmless.
The white-rot fungus Phlebia radiate is particularly fond of high explosives, according to the patent. And the speed at which it gobbles the stuff up depends on the number of pellets added: 5 pellets per stick for slow degradation or 30 to make it safe after just a few days.
Read the explosive-gobbling fungus patent here. http://tinyurl.com/jmv5j
