Tyler Prize

• American scientist Toby Kiers has been awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for her pioneering work on mycorrhizal fungal networks.

• The Tyler Prize is often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for the Environment" for its recognition of outstanding environmental achievements.

• Vast underground fungal networks have been shown to act as nutrient exchange systems between plants and roots, regulating the Earth's climate.

• These mycorrhizal networks absorb approximately 13.12 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, helping to mitigate global emissions.

• The importance of these networks was highlighted through a global underground atlas initiated by Toby Kiers and her colleagues.

• The research revealed that mycorrhizal fungi are not merely plant partners, but one of Earth's crucial circulatory systems.

• These findings provide critical insights for guiding conservation efforts to protect underground biodiversity.