Elephant Skin" Fungi Tiles Provide Better Cooling for Buildings

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed mycelium-bound insulation tiles inspired by elephant skin, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. These tiles mimic how elephants cool themselves in hot climates by using wrinkled skin to retain moisture. The biodegradable composite is highly porous, making it an effective insulator with thermal properties comparable to conventional options—potentially lowering energy use in hot, humid environments.