From Athletes to Fashion: The Magic of Fungi Unleashed
Fungi Friday's - April 28th, 2023 - Issue #78
It’s that time again, fungi fam. Happy Fungi Friday!
As we close out the first third of 2023, we’re moving on to the most exciting part of the fungi calendar year — the growing season! Late spring through summer is by far the most jam packed part of the year, and oh boy does it tend to fly. But even as life get’s busy, we’ll continue to be here with the biggest stories in fungi-land, you can be assured of that. So let’s get into them!
In today’s email:
Athletes turning to magic mushrooms?
Self repairing leather?
The relationship between fungi & coral
Iowa Fungi’s Update of the Week
As discussed last week, we went down to the farm last weekend… and it snowed. More crazy midwest weather, I guess. Didn’t get a chance to actually move the trailer, but we did put the plan in motion. Only thing we need now is for the ground to dry up a little bit. Hopefully over the next week or two, but even if it ends up being mid May, we’ll still be totally fine.
Pain, hope, science collide as athletes turn to magic mushrooms
Professional athletes are turning to magic mushrooms as an alternative form of therapy for physical and emotional pain. According to recent studies, the use of psychedelic drugs has shown promising results in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, making them a viable option for athletes dealing with the physical toll of their sport.
Despite the social stigma and legal barriers surrounding psychedelics, some athletes have found ways to incorporate them into their training regimen. This has led to a growing interest in alternative forms of therapy in the sports world, challenging traditional methods and paving the way for new possibilities. However, there is a need for more research and education on the topic to fully understand the potential benefits and risks associated with psychedelics.
As the conversation around psychedelics continues to evolve, athletes are pushing for more exploration of alternative therapies. This trend highlights a growing interest in holistic approaches to health and wellness in the sports world. With the potential for non-addictive pain relief and improved mental health outcomes, psychedelics could become a game-changer for athletes seeking to optimize their performance and overall well-being.
Psychedelic Spotlight
Executive behind ChatGPT pushes for a new revolution: Psychedelics
Everything You Need to Know About Magic Mushrooms
Mycelium: Leather made of fungi can self-repair
A new type of leather made from fungi has been developed that can self-repair small tears and scratches. The leather is made using mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, which is grown into flat sheets and then tanned to create a durable and flexible material.
The self-repairing properties of the mycelium leather come from the natural ability of fungi to heal themselves in the wild. The mycelium fibers in the leather grow and fuse together when exposed to moisture, closing small gaps and creating a seamless surface. This innovative feature could potentially extend the lifespan of the leather and reduce the need for repairs or replacements.
The mycelium leather is also biodegradable and sustainable, as it can be produced using organic waste materials as a food source for the fungi. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, which is often made using harsh chemicals and unsustainable practices. By utilizing natural and renewable resources, mycelium leather could help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion and textiles industry.
The development of mycelium leather highlights the potential for innovative uses of fungi in the fashion and textiles industry, as well as in other fields such as construction and packaging. Fungi have unique properties and capabilities that make them valuable for a wide range of applications, from creating biodegradable packaging materials to developing sustainable building materials. As more research is conducted on the potential uses of fungi, we may see even more groundbreaking innovations in the years to come.
More Mushroom Mentions
The positive benefits of fungi on coral have yet to be entirely understood
Scientists have discovered that fungi could have a positive impact on coral reefs, but the full extent of these benefits is still unclear. Recent studies suggest that certain types of fungi can help coral cope with stressors such as climate change and pollution, improving their overall health and resilience.
However, the mechanisms behind these interactions are complex and require further research. Understanding the role of fungi in coral reef ecosystems could be crucial in protecting these vital marine habitats in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
The potential benefits of fungi on coral reefs highlight the importance of studying the diverse range of species that make up our planet's ecosystems. By gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between different organisms, scientists can better inform conservation efforts and promote the health and sustainability of our natural world.
That’s all, folks… but before we let you go, leave a comment below on how we can make the publication even better! And if you haven’t yet, smash that SUBSCRIBE button below.
Thanks for reading as always,
BowTiedMushroom