Original version

BBC World Service Australasia

Science in Action

Science In Action

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

The BBC brings you all the week's science news.

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

Science In Action: Is This Fungus the World’s Biggest Organism?

Magazines & Reviews

Armillaria Gallica -1075485858 CROP.jpg

20/12/2018 GMT

Is This Fungus the World’s Biggest Organism?

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Is This Fungus the World’s Biggest Organism?

New analysis shows the ‘Humungous Fungus’ is older and bigger than previously thought

The ‘Humungous Fungus’ is older and bigger than previously thought. This enormous honey fungus has been revisited and reanalysed using scientific techniques that had yet to be invented when it was first discovered in the 1980s. 
Genomic analysis and GPS show how far the fungus has spread, and surprisingly how little genetic variance it has developed in its long lifespan. The fungus is now thought to be at least 2,500 years old.
Researchers say understanding why it lacks genetic mutation might be useful in understanding cancer. 

And we visit a really ‘Far out’ object. Thought to be a remnant of planet formation and now in the far reaches of our solar system, this object has been appropriately named ‘Far out’. 

Looking further back we have the latest from the ALMA space telescope and its images of the birth of planets.

And not quite as far back, we hear recently discovered 50 year old tapes which detail the key moment when the US overtook the Soviet Union in the space race. 

Picture: Armillaria Gallica
Credit: Getty Images

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Julian Siddle

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Science In Action

Is This Fungus the World’s Biggest Organism?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Australasia

About BBC World Service