iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 06/10/2026

Agriculture transforms land aboveground. But what happens to life below? Underground Explorers around the world are studying what happens to mycorrhizal fungi as lands are converted to cropland, plantations, pasture, and more. Explore more: spun.earth/underground-explorers #MycorrhizalFungi

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 29/09/2026

Could fungi that survive chemical contamination help restore damaged soils? Bolaji Thanni's SPUN-supported research offers insights on the potential need to restore fungal species when rehabilitating soils damaged by toxic chemicals. Keep exploring: spun.earth/underground-explorers #Mycorrhizae

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 28/09/2026

Can soil collected from nearby healthy woodlands improve the success of restoring Britain’s Atlantic Rainforest? That’s one of the questions SPUN and Cumbria Connect are testing in Cumbria. Read about our experiment: buff.ly/McS8w75 #MycorrhizalFungi #AtlanticRainforest #ForestRestoration

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 23/09/2026

Beyond the map: how do scientists actually study fungal life underground? SPUN’s @thecrobe.bsky.social joined Louis De Jaeger to talk robotics, machine learning, agriculture, restoration, and the many questions about mycorrhizal fungi we’re still working to answer. Full episode: buff.ly/JtL365R

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 22/09/2026

A first look at the recent expedition to #Bhutan with Merlin Sheldrake, Giuliana Furci of the Fungi Foundation, @tobykiers.bsky.social, and Cosmo Sheldrake. The team travelled through Bhutan's steep mountain landscapes, exploring how #fungi, climate, and culture interact. More soon. 📸: Tomás Munita

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 21/09/2026

#MycorrhizalFungi are making the Climate 100. SPUN's @tobykiers.bsky.social has been selected for @the-independent.com’s 2026 Climate 100, alongside scientists, campaigners and innovators working on climate solutions worldwide. Congratulations, Toby. Full list: buff.ly/rkm9wtB #Climate100

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 17/09/2026

Going to the Radical Mycology Convergence in Mulino, Oregon? 🍄 SPUN UX Lead Victoria Beall will be there on September 25 with a workshop on how design, systems thinking, scientific research, and folk knowledge can help us approach complex environmental problems. More on buff.ly/EZ4wLNr

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 16/09/2026

Can Indigenous farming methods help improve yields, reduce deforestation, and protect biodiversity? PhD candidate and Underground Explorer Evelin Yulisa Reyes Méndez studies how Lenca farming practices shape healthier landscapes in Honduras. Explore: spun.earth/underground-explorers #Mycorrhizae

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 14/09/2026

Why does data alone fail to move people — and what actually makes science stick? We're convening a session at CFF's Narrative Change Summit during #ClimateWeekNYC talking about misinformation, science communication, and a new storytelling initiative. Sept 21, 12:30pm RSVP: buff.ly/YdRPYUY

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 10/09/2026

Some relationships in nature go back hundreds of millions of years. Mycorrhizal fungi and plants are one of them. It's a mutualistic symbiosis: fungi help plants access water and nutrients from the soil in exchange for carbon. More terms on www.spun.earth/glossary #mycorrhizalfungi #symbiosis

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 03/09/2026

How do you map the infrastructure of plant-fungal trade? @thecrobe.bsky.social joined @forrest.nyc on The Spatial Stack to discuss the Mycorrhizal Infrastructure Map and the science behind mapping mycorrhizal fungi across Earth. Watch: buff.ly/YmpbmOr #MycorrhizalFungi #GISMapping

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 31/08/2026

Could perennial agroforestry help mycorrhizal fungi withstand some effects of deforestation? New research from Underground Explorer Damilola Olanipon and collaborators in Nigeria suggests it may. Full paper in Plant-Environment Interactions : buff.ly/PN4b6T5

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 20/08/2026

Grasslands cover half of the Earth. Desertification, soil erosion & climate change are damaging these ecosystems globally. SPUN is at #UNCCDCOP17 to present new research from Mongolia’s steppe & make the case for the inclusion of fungal data in soil health monitoring. #COP17Mongolia #Mycorrhizae

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 17/08/2026

For 2 years, we’ve been mapping mycorrhizal fungi across the Mongolian steppe. Now, we will be presenting these data in Ulaanbaatar, bringing underground networks to the #UNCCDCOP17 conversation. Message us if you’ll be there. @bethanfmanley.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social 📸:Tomás Munita

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 06/08/2026

A vivid blue-green fungus is now part of the scientific record. SPUN scientist Dr. Adriana Corrales and colleagues described Leotia chiricana from collections in tropical montane forests in Panama and Colombia, adding to what we know about understudied ectomycorrhizal fungi in the Neotropics.

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 05/08/2026

Can soil fungi influence what happens inside clouds? Researchers identified proteins produced by endophytic soil fungi that can trigger ice formation. The finding raises new questions about how fungi may influence precipitation and other atmospheric processes. Full study: buff.ly/w0fvWcm #fungi

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 30/07/2026

A new paper supported by SPUN’s Underground Explorers Program explores fungi inside the roots of 11 Chloraea orchid species in central Chile. The findings reveal highly variable fungal communities, with important implications for orchid conservation. Full paper: buff.ly/W9gaXYB #mycorrhizalfungi

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 28/07/2026

In a threatened corner of the Amazon, Underground Explorer Camila Nobre found 48 mycorrhizal fungal species beneath the forest. Her work points to an urgent restoration question: what belowground life needs to be present for forests to grow back in all their complexity? Video by Justin Magness

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 23/07/2026

Field update: Sampling in the US Desert in 100 degree temperature. Earlier this year, SPUN scientists Jinsu Elhance and Dr. Anne Polyakov together with Dr. Cameron Egan of USC traveled to the Mojave Desert to sample soils around threatened Joshua trees. More soon. 📸: Gabe De La Rosa

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 22/07/2026

SPUN scientist @thecrobe.bsky.social joined @npr.org to explain the tiny fungal threads beneath our feet, how they support plants, and why mapping them matters for conservation, restoration, and climate models. Listen here: buff.ly/SNzr2qc

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 21/07/2026

The underground story keeps traveling. Coverage of our new @science.org paper continues, with recent features from CNN Brasil, de Volkskrant, Wired Japan, Spektrum, Le Monde, Wyborcza and Clarin. Learn more about the research and explore the Mycorrhizal Infrastructure Map: buff.ly/Xk8v9y1

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 20/07/2026

Meet our 2026 Underground Explorers. This year, SPUN is supporting 55 researchers, conservationists, and soil experts from 31 countries to help document mycorrhizal fungi in some of Earth’s most underexplored ecosystems. #ProtectTheUnderground #UndergroundExplorers #MycorrhizalFungi

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 16/07/2026

How much mycelium is in one teaspoon of soil? In an interview with SAMRN, @thecrobe.bsky.social shows how SPUN’s Mycorrhizal Infrastructure Map makes hyphal density visible: in a pixel, the model predicts almost 8 meters of mycelium in 1 cm³ of soil. Full interview on Mycorrhizas: buff.ly/f2ePOSd

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 14/07/2026

Across 7 countries, 22 regions, 109 sites, and 1,230 samples, we’re studying deep-soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi across agricultural lands. By comparing deep and surface soils, we’re asking how fungal communities differ with depth and farming pressure, and how they relate to belowground carbon.

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 09/07/2026

ICOM 2026 attendees: SPUN is heading to Cairns. Justin Stewart (@thecrobe.bsky.social) will be representing SPUN across the conference, including a talk on our newest global mapping work and a hands-on R workshop. Come say hello. #ICOM2026 #MycorrhizalFungi #SoilEcology

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 08/07/2026

The Mycorrhizal Infrastructure Map is one of @nature.com's standout science images for June. Selected by Nature’s photo team, the map appears alongside deep-sea life, auroras, fossils & other research helping reveal worlds that are difficult to see. Gallery: buff.ly/qN3m3rU Map: buff.ly/21F9Kln

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 07/07/2026

A new study published in @newphyt.bsky.social predicts the global distribution of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, a less explored mycorrhizal type dominating soils at high elevations and high latitudes. Full paper: buff.ly/AU9VbtV

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 01/07/2026

Heading to the South American Mycorrhizal Symposium in Quito? Jacqueline Gallant, Director of Programs at the More-Than-Human Life (MOTH) Program at NYU Law, will lead a pre-symposium workshop: “Translating Mycological Science into Law: The Basics.” Apply by July 20: buff.ly/8latej2

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 23/06/2026

How much do Earth’s fungal networks weigh? In new research we used robotic imaging of 300,000+ hyphae, field samples and satellites, to estimate the global length, volume, and biomass of mycorrhizal fungal networks. The answer: roughly 300 megatons. Read the study in @science.org: buff.ly/xZYY3vA

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 18/06/2026

We mapped the estimated scale of Earth’s AM fungal networks. Explore the Mycorrhizal Infrastructure Map. www.spun.earth/mapping/a-hi...

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 16/06/2026

A new study in @science.org by an international team maps the distribution and mass of Earth’s living arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, a microbial infrastructure made of tiny fungal tubes called hyphae. Explore the Mycorrhizal Infrastructure Map: buff.ly/PISOj8k Read the study: buff.ly/xZYY3vA

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 15/06/2026

Global map Global news Our new paper in @science.org estimates the global length, volume, and biomass of AM fungal networks, microscopic systems that help plants access nutrients in exchange for carbon. The story has travelled far, we are grateful for every outlet that helped carry it. #fungi

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 12/06/2026

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 03/06/2026

The Atlas of Mexico’s Soil Biodiversity is live. Created by SPUN Underground Explorer Roberto Garibay Orijel and 30+ scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the Atlas uses #DNA data to make #belowground #biodiversity visible. Explore the Atlas: buff.ly/VWYJWWG

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 28/05/2026

Can cloud forest restoration succeed without understanding the fungi belowground? In Nigeria’s Ngel Nyaki, Dr. Iveren Abiem and team are studying mycorrhizal fungi that may support forest recovery and resilience. #mycology #forestrestoration #mycorrhizalfungi #cloudforest

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 21/05/2026

New study published in Conservation Letters led by @claraqin.bsky.social shows areas that help wildlife often do little for the soil fungi that plants depend on. Research here: conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.... Press release here: www.eurekalert.org/news-release...

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 20/05/2026

Grateful to @alex-wigglesworth.bsky.social and the @latimes.com who joined us during the spring heatwave in the US desert, when temperatures climbed past 100 degrees. It was a stark reminder of the climate pressures threatening the Joshua trees we’re trying to save. Read here: buff.ly/4rIo6m4

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 15/05/2026

Soils underpin life on Earth, yet they remain largely overlooked. 1 in 5 assessed soil-dependent species is at risk of extinction and another 20% lack enough data to determine extinction risk. New report by IUCN and @conservationorg.bsky.social: buff.ly/bpD4wMq #soils #soilbiodiversity

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 14/05/2026

Beneath the surface, fungi are running a sophisticated show. Fungal RNA helps scientists capture a brief snapshot of that activity belowground — but because RNA degrades quickly, samples must be flash frozen in the field before they ever reach the lab. #ProtectTheUnderground #MycorrhizalFungi #RNA

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 13/05/2026

Nearly 40% of Earth’s land is already degraded, affecting food production, water availability, livelihoods, and economic stability. SPUN is heading to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for UNCCD COP17 between August 17 and 28, 2026. Will you be attending? Let's connect.

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 06/05/2026

New in @highcountrynews.org: @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social explores what the Underground Atlas reveals about #mycorrhizal #fungi in the Western U.S. and why belowground biodiversity needs a place in conservation planning. Explore the Underground Atlas: buff.ly/mLAyCNf Full article: buff.ly/g8aQqZ9

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 05/05/2026

How can you protect something that hasn’t yet been named? A recent study in @currentbiology.bsky.social finds that only 155,000 of Earth’s roughly 2–3 million fungal species have been formally described. When #fungi remain unnamed, they are much harder to study, recognize, and protect.

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 30/04/2026

When conditions are right (moisture, temperature, low disturbance), some species of #ectomycorrhizal #fungi produce #mushrooms that release spores. Those #mushrooms can appear suddenly, then disappear just as quickly. All the while, plant-fungal associations continue hidden #belowground.

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 28/04/2026

New study shows that regenerating #Palmyra, Earth’s most remote atoll, may depend on underground #fungi too. Scientists from Lund University, @ox.ac.uk, @nature.org, and @spun.earth, found mycorrhizal fungi in every Pisonia root sampled. Paper in @currentbiology.bsky.social: buff.ly/prQdvbW

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 22/04/2026

Meet the people taking Earth Day underground. Help us make today #UnderEarthDay. -Visit www.spun.earth/under-earth-day -Share the video -Download the logo and post it today -Use #UnderEarthDay -Tag @spununderground #fungi #mycorrhizalfungi #mycology #ProtectTheUnderground

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 21/04/2026

Make this April 22 #UnderEarthDay How can you help? See: buff.ly/msi7bbR Share video Download logo Post on April 22 Use #UnderEarthDay Tag @spun.earth A global call to protect life belowground and conserve the underground fungal networks that sustain life aboveground. 🎵 Cosmo Sheldrake

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 15/04/2026

Come join the underground crew at ARTIS Amsterdam for @tobykiers.bsky.social’s State of the Environment Address on how underground fungal networks shape climate & conservation. Not in Amsterdam? Join us virtually. Hosted by @tylerprize.bsky.social and SPUN. 🔗 buff.ly/y7bBeqe #mycorrhizalfungi

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 14/04/2026

For 56 of the 94 fungal species assessed in this study, there's still insufficient data to reliably evaluate extinction risk. A reminder of how much fungal diversity remains understudied, and how urgently better knowledge is needed for conservation. 🔗 conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...

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Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) @spun.earth · 09/04/2026

Which fungi can support trees like oak and birch as woodland expands? In this video, David Satori, a PhD researcher at @rbgkew.bsky.social, shares how local mycorrhizal fungi may influence woodland creation at Wild Haweswater in Cumbria. #mycorrhizalfungi #fungi

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