Paul Stamets discusses some very interesting applications of fungi at TED. The title of his talk is 6 ways mushrooms can save the world, which sounded a little hyperbolic, but it at least piqued my interest. After watching the talk, I have to admit that Paul's research into mycelium is fascinating. Imagine introducing fungi spores to a nasty diesel fuel spill and converting it into a green mass of plant life. I kid you not.
I only wish I had watched his talk earlier. A few weeks ago, I received a mailer from Harvey Mudd College inviting me to a conference that included a talk by Paul. I didn't make it, but in retrospect I should have made more of an effort to go. Here's a blurb about it.
I added one of his books, Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World