Could fungus counter the explosive power of dynamite? That's the idea behind a patent filed by Robert Riggs of Texas, US.
When explosives are used for mining or demolition, some may fail to detonate and get lost in the rubble. Riggs reckons the remedy could be to mix pellets of dormant fungal spores in with the explosive charge before inserting the wick into the explosive package.
The dry spores lie dormant while the explosives are in storage and, if the charge detonates as intended, will get blown to smithereens.