Science View S2020E18 - Mysterious Deep-sea Fungi

Surviving deep in the ocean where sunlight does not reach, deep-sea fungi are attracting attention among researchers. Fungi are microorganisms that include molds and mushrooms, and a closer look at the substances produced by deep-sea fungi has revealed the ability to produce compounds that are useful to humans, such as in preventing disease and preserving food. In this episode, we'll accompany deep-sea fungi hunter Dr. Yuriko Nagano as she takes her first dive on board the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 to an undersea oil field in the waters off Brazil. Watch the program to find out what new species of fungi she discovers in a sample collected at a depth of 2,700 meters, and how it can benefit science.