Self-healing mycelium dress signals a new era for living textiles

Researchers in China have developed a textile from living mycelium as an engineered living material (ELM) that stays biologically active after fabrication, enabling self-cleaning and near self-repair via nutrient-triggered growth. Color and UV resistance can be added with co-cultured fungi and yeast. A prototype dress by Peelshere showcases potential for adaptive textiles and biomaterials, but durability, safety and manufacturing consistency need work before routine clothing or architectural use.