Fear not, wine snobs... we've got a mushroom for you!
Fungi Friday's - March 3rd, 2022 - Issue #70
What’s up Fungi Friday fam,
It’s officially March and at least where I’m at, currently feels like spring is in the air! Decided to switch it up a bit today and try something new with the format over here at Fungi Friday, so if you like it, please be sure to let us know! And if you don’t well let us know that too… we strive week in and week out to curate your favorite mushroom newsletter on the interweb, so your opinions as to how we can best serve you are always much appreciated.
In today’s email:
Mushroom Wine
Mushroom Computers
Mushroom Plastic
Iowa Fungi’s Update of the Week
Slow week on the Iowa Fungi’s front, but we did place our first order of spawn for the year. Two jars of fresh blue oyster spawn being shipped from none other than Paul Stamets himself all the way from Washington. Once prepared and shipped off, should hopefully be here by the end of the month and we will officially be a go. April 1 will be here sooner than we know it… get stoked!
Mushroom Wine: A Healthy Fermented Wine
Mushroom wine, a unique fermented drink made from the juice of mushrooms, is gaining popularity among health enthusiasts. According to a recent article in Krishijagran, mushroom wine is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
To make mushroom wine, the juice of fresh mushrooms is fermented with sugar and yeast for several weeks. The resulting drink is low in alcohol, with a slightly tangy flavor and earthy aroma. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, and pairs well with a variety of foods.
Mushroom wine is also believed to have several health benefits. For example, mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that can boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. They also contain ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Additionally, mushroom wine is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and immune function.
Overall, mushroom wine is a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. It can be made at home with fresh mushrooms and basic brewing equipment, making it an accessible option for homebrewers and health enthusiasts alike.
Psychedelic Spotlight
Could psychedelics hold the key to reinventing ourselves? According to recent research, these mind-altering substances have the potential to enhance creativity, reduce anxiety, and help people overcome negative thought patterns.
Sounds interesting? Click here to read more!
As psychedelic mushrooms gain mainstream attention for their potential therapeutic benefits, some have raised concerns that their use may trigger psychosis in susceptible individuals. However, recent studies suggest that the risk of psychosis from psychedelic mushrooms is low, especially when used in a controlled setting.
This one pique your curiosity? Click here to read the rest.
Inside the lab that’s growing mushroom computers
A new study from researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology shows that mushrooms could be used to create unconventional computing devices. By growing networks of mushroom mycelium, the researchers were able to create a functioning "memristor," a type of electronic device that can store and process information.
The researchers grew the mycelium on a substrate made of gold nanoparticles, which allowed them to control the growth of the network and create specific pathways for electrons to flow. By applying voltage to the mycelium, they were able to measure changes in electrical resistance, which is the key characteristic of a memristor.
While the technology is still in its early stages, the researchers believe that mushroom-based computing could have a range of applications in fields such as environmental monitoring, biotechnology, and even art. Since mycelium can grow in a variety of shapes and patterns, it could be used to create custom computing devices that are tailored to specific needs.
Overall, this study shows that unconventional computing methods, such as using biological materials like mushrooms, have the potential to revolutionize the field of electronics and lead to new innovations in computing technology.
More Mushroom Mentions
Scientists just rediscovered a rare, fungi-eating ‘fairy lantern’
30 Fun Mushroom Decor Items to Transform Your Home Into a Fungi Oasis
Researchers have discovered a new type of coexistence between algae and fungi
Meet the mushroom that could one day replace plastic
Researchers in Singapore have discovered that certain types of mushrooms could be used to break down and recycle plastic waste. The researchers found that the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis was able to break down polyurethane, a common type of plastic used in products such as furniture and shoes, within weeks.
To test the effectiveness of the fungus, the researchers grew it on a bed of polyurethane for six weeks. They found that the fungus was able to break down the plastic by releasing enzymes that broke down the chemical bonds of the material. The researchers also found that the fungus was able to survive on a diet of polyurethane alone, suggesting that it could be a viable solution for plastic waste management.
The use of mushrooms to break down plastic waste is a promising development in the field of sustainability, as plastic waste continues to be a major environmental problem. The researchers believe that this approach could be scaled up to industrial levels in the future, potentially providing a sustainable solution for managing plastic waste.
Overall, this research highlights the potential of using biological methods to tackle environmental challenges, and shows that even seemingly unconventional solutions like mushrooms could play an important role in creating a more sustainable future.
That’s all, folks… but before we let you go, what’d you think of our new format? Let us know in the comments below.
And if you don’t mind, we have one more ask for this week... Our ask is for each of you to think of one other mushroom lover in your life, and share this out with them. We’re getting so close to 100 subs, let’s see if we can push this over the edge this week in honor of issue #70!
Thanks for reading as always,
BowTiedMushroom