In a groundbreaking fusion of biology and design, scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have created energy-free cooling tiles made from fungi and inspired by the design of elephant skin. These “fungi tiles,” crafted from the root network of oyster mushrooms and bamboo waste, showed up to 70 per cent improved cooling in wet weather conditions.

The textured tiles mimic the wrinkled surface of elephant skin, which is known for helping the animals regulate body heat without sweat glands. Compared to flat tiles, the elephant-inspired design cooled 25 per cent more efficiently under lab tests and absorbed heat more slowly.