At Sustainathon, we’ll begin by exploring a compelling multilevel pattern: gut bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi control the distribution of biomass and geochemical resources in animals and plants in a manner very similar to our banking and stock market investment processes. Do financial investment markets unknowingly mirror the system of ecological exchange networks?
The possibilities are incredible to say the least. If, for instance, phosphorus operates as a currency in plant and animal networks, is it possible for us to capture the value of sub-soil exchange transactions and convert it into digital currency? Can this currency give rise to exchanges between human economics and ecosystems? Only time, and research, will tell.
We’re investigating this pattern across levels through three different fields of research led by three experts.
Role of mycorrhiza networks in
ecosystem adaptation
Do mycorrhiza networks play a role in ecosystem adaptation by modulating the distribution of phosphorous
and geochemical nutrients across competing species in ecosystem exchange networks?
How similar is this to the role banks and stock markets play in creating economic communities by
distributing financial resources across competing business entities? (read more)
Role of gut bacteria networks in
ecosystem adaptation
Do gut bacteria influence ecosystem adaptation by modulating the distribution of carbohydrates and biomass
across competing plant-heterotroph ecosystem exchange networks?
How similar is this to the role banks and stock markets play in creating economic communities by
distributing financial resources across competing business entities? (read more)
Role of financial investment networks in
adaptation of economies
Do banks and financial investment networks influence adaptation of economies by modulating the distribution of human resources across competing family-business socioeconomic exchange networks? (read more)
