Destroy bombs by ... mushrooms

Can mushrooms inhibit the power of explosives? This idea led to the invention of Robert Riggs, Texas, USA.

Phlebia radiata mushroom

When explosives are used for tunneling or destruction, some blocks may be "loose" and will mix in rubble. Riggs came up with a solution to this problem, by mixing dormant mushroom spores (in tablet form) into the explosive block before transplanting the stinger.

Dry fungal spores will sleep if the explosives are kept in stock, and if explosives work as expected, the whole block will burst into pieces.

But if the explosive is used and "sprayed", water in the air will penetrate into the detonator and in the medicine package. Spores will germinate again and beat this explosive, making it harmless.

According to Riggs, the white-legged fungus Phlebia radiata particularly prefers explosives. And their rate of drug dependence depends on the amount of spores taken: 5 capsules per block will cause the decomposition rate to slow, and if 30 tablets, the explosive will become safe within a few days.

T. An