Banishing the myths and dogmas surrounding the biotech Stradivarius

Abstract

The impact of global warming on wood formation means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find superior-quality resonance wood for the production of musical instruments. Using fungi, we can mimic the effects of a cold climate on wood, to produce biotech violins with a tone matching those of a Stradivarius. Our work has sparked worldwide interest from the media, music lovers, and violinmakers. Here we address concerns raised about the biotech violin and detail scientific advances made since the original publication of our work. We believe this mycowood technology will enable affordable and acoustically superior instruments to become available to talented young musicians who would otherwise be unable to afford their own Stradivarius.