In a world increasingly shaped by advanced technologies, many worry that machines could one day control human minds and bodies. But nature has already written its own version of this dystopian story. Cordyceps fungi demonstrate how control over one’s body can be lost in the most bizarre and chilling ways. They take over their hosts,ContinueContinue reading “Zombie-ant Fungus: The Tale of Cordyceps”
Category Archives: Home
Winter Fungi
As winter settles in, I find myself missing the frequent hikes and mushroom hunts of warmer seasons. Winter is conventionally not the ideal time for mushroom hunting. Most fungi stop producing mushrooms or fruits in early autumn. But, some fungi species show remarkable resistance and adapt to grow during the coldest parts of the year.ContinueContinue reading “Winter Fungi”
Mycobiome Atlas Links Fungi and Cancer
In a major progress for cancer research, a team led by scientists at UC San Diego and the Weizmann Institute has created the first-ever Mycobiome Atlas. Published in the Journal Cell, this work maps the presence of fungi across 35 different types of human cancers, using over 17,000 tissue, blood and plasma samples. This helpsContinueContinue reading “Mycobiome Atlas Links Fungi and Cancer”
Psilocybin Mushrooms in Mental Health Research
Just as some fungi boost our immunity and protect us from harmful organisms, others impact our mental health in surprising ways. For centuries, psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, have fascinated people. These little fungi contain two powerful compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, that can transform how we see, feel, and think. They’re known forContinueContinue reading “Psilocybin Mushrooms in Mental Health Research”
Fungi in space
How fungi could help colonize other planets When we picture space colonization, it’s all shiny tech and robots. But it turns out, a humble little player might be key to building life in space: fungi. NASA and other space agencies are now exploring various ways in which fungi can be utilized to support life onContinueContinue reading “Fungi in space”
CRISPR: Engineering Fungi for Sustainable Futures
Fungi play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystems, and with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, researchers are transforming these organisms to tackle pressing environmental challenges. This gene-editing tool, awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize, enables precise modifications in fungal DNA to enhance biofuel production, leading to cleaner energy and sustainable materials, thus promoting a greener future.
fungitopia.org 