A new study reported by outlets including The Conversation Africa and Phys.org describes fungi as vast but largely invisible underground organisms sometimes referred to as “fungal highways.” The articles emphasize that these networks are among the largest living structures on Earth, yet they remain poorly understood and often overlooked. Researchers describe fungi as playing functional roles in sustaining ecosystems and supporting food systems that people rely on. According to the coverage, fungal networks operate beneath the soil surface and contribute to how ecosystems function, but they are difficult to observe because most fungi do not appear above ground. The reporting focuses on the scale and hidden nature of fungal presence, linking underground fungal life to broader environmental and agricultural outcomes. While the sources agree on the general findings—namely the existence of extensive underground fungal networks and their importance—details such as study methods, specific measurements, or locations are not included in the provided summaries. The overall message is that understanding fungal “highways” can help improve knowledge of ecosystem health and the processes that underpin food production.