Happy Friday, Fungi Fam, and also happy May!
Crazy to think that 1/3 of the year has come and gone, and this next 3rd is sure to pass just as quickly, as summertime always does. We have a jam-packed one for you today, as we lead you into your weekend, so let’s get started!
In today’s email:
A quick update on the mushroom crop!
How fungi may help humanity as we head into the future
An examination of fungi and free will
And also a review of whether psychedelics are safe enough for recreational usage
Iowa Fungi’s Update of the Week
As promised, made a trip down to the farm last weekend to prep a new crop and check in on the current one, and so far, so good. 7 of our 8 bags look strong, and have been moved from incubation to fruiting, and with a little luck, as might just get some mushrooms. Here’s another look at the mycelium takeover of one of the bags before we opened it up to hopefully fruit!
That’s enough of a crop update for now though, let’s get into the weekly stories!
Mushrooms, move over! Fungi are the real stars of this article, and they're here to save the planet – one delicious bite, decomposed plastic bag, and clean-up project at a time.
Forget boring veggie burgers, these funky fungi can be grown into meaty alternatives that are way easier on the environment than raising cows. Plus, they've got superpowers when it comes to waste disposal. Scientists are teaching them to devour plastic, breaking it down and giving it a new lease on life.
And that's not all! Fungi are like nature's tiny cleaning crew, able to tackle contaminated soil and water, leaving things sparkling clean without harsh chemicals.
So the next time you see a mushroom, don't step on it! It might just be the key to building a more sustainable future. Buckle up, because the future is looking pretty fungi-tastic!
Psychedelic Spotlight
Hold up, are mushrooms making their own choices? This article throws shade on the idea that free will is just for humans. Turns out, fungi might be way cooler than we think!
Forget robots with pre-programmed moves, these funky fellas are showing some serious smarts. They react differently to their surroundings, like choosing which direction to grow based on what they sense. It's like they're constantly adapting and making decisions on the fly, not just following a script.
Sure, they might not be having existential mushroom crises, but this behavior is way more complex than just following instinct. It's like a mini-mind-blowing moment in the science world – fungi might be more than just fuzzy decomposers after all!
More Mushroom Mentions
Towards establishing a fungal economics spectrum in soil saprobic fungi
This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate until they die
Are Psychedelics Safe Enough for Recreational Use?
This article dives into the debate surrounding the safety of psychedelics for recreational use. While acknowledging potential psychological risks like persisting negative effects in some users, the author argues that these risks appear less prevalent than with other illicit drugs.
Studies suggest that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, may even offer potential benefits like reduced anxiety, depression, and even alcohol misuse. Additionally, the article highlights a lower association between psychedelic use and criminal behavior compared to other drugs.
The author emphasizes the need for a nuanced perspective, noting that psychedelic experiences can be unpredictable and require a safe setting with proper guidance. However, they argue that the potential benefits and relatively lower risk profile compared to other drugs make a strong case for further research and consideration of their potential for safe recreational use.
That’s all, folks… but before we let you go, comment below on how we can improve the publication! And if you haven’t yet, smash that SUBSCRIBE button below.
Thanks for reading as always,
BowTiedMushroom