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Scientists discover thriving fungal ecosystem 1,640 feet beneath Michigan
Updated On: 15 August, 2026 08:30 AM IST | Lansing | Agencies
A University of Michigan study has uncovered a diverse fungal ecosystem nearly 1,640 feet below Michigan’s surface. Researchers identified 689 fungal species in water from gas wells, including 13 previously unknown species
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Fungal colonies from deep subsurface water samples. PIC COURTESY/University of Michigan
Deep underground in Michigan, a University of Michigan study led by doctoral candidate Quinn Moon discovered a thriving, diverse fungal ecosystem 1640 feet below the surface.
Analysing water from gas wells, researchers identified 689 fungal species — 13 previously unknown — with cell densities reaching roughly 250 cells per drop, comparable to seawater.


