Scientists at Newcastle University have invented a new type of construction. They've used fungi to grow a 3D free-standing structure, and say the technique could be used to grow larger buildings.

Scientists hoping to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry have developed a way to grow building materials using knitted molds and the root network of fungi. Although researchers have experimented with similar composites before, the shape and growth constraints of the organic material have made it hard to develop diverse applications that fulfill its potential.