Scientists discovered fungi capable of metabolizing gold, some now see them as the key to mining in space.

Summary
In 2020, Australian scientists discovered that the fungus *Fusarium oxysporum* metabolizes gold, absorbing it and forming nanoparticles. This sparked interest in space mining, offering a potentially cheaper, simpler, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods for extracting precious metals from asteroids. Challenges remain in optimizing fungal performance in space and developing robust systems. Current research focuses on genetic engineering, bioreactor design, and automation. This discovery also has implications for terrestrial mining, bioremediation, and nanotechnology, aligning with sustainable and circular economy trends, potentially revolutionizing resource extraction.