North America's Craziest Mushrooms: How They Sleep and Rewire the Brain
Fungi Friday's - May 19th, 2023 - Issue #80
Fungi Friday fam,
We are back with yet another issue of your favorite fungi web publication. Hard to believe it’s been 80 issues already, slowly creeping towards 100, which is WILD. Seems like only yesterday I started writing these little updates, bringing all of you hopefully some knowledge bombs on your Friday lunch hour about all things FUNGI!
In today’s email:
A sneak peak at some of North America’s craziest mushrooms
Fungi need their beauty sleep?
How psilocybin rewires the brain
Iowa Fungi’s Update of the Week
Well team, looks like it might be time to finally search for a plan B, as we talked to the guy that was supposed to move the trailer two weeks ago… and it’s been only radio silence since. That’s just how life goes sometimes though, not everything can go according to plan. Bit of a minor setback on our schedule thus far into the year, but not to worry... One of these days we’ll finally get it moved and I’ll have more exciting news to share with you here. :) For now though, you’ll just have to “deal” with our weekly features (don’t worry, they’re good ones!)
The 10 weirdest mushrooms in North America
North America is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, some of which are quite strange and unusual. Here are 10 of the weirdest mushrooms that can be found in North America:
Bleeding Tooth Mushroom (Hydnellum peckii): This mushroom gets its name from the fact that it bleeds a red liquid when it is cut. The liquid is actually a sap that contains a substance called atromentin, which is thought to have medicinal properties.
Brain Mushroom (Gyromitra esculenta): This mushroom has a brain-like appearance, which is due to its wrinkled and convoluted cap. It is a poisonous mushroom that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus): This mushroom is edible and has a chicken-like flavor. It is a popular choice for mushroom hunters and can be found growing on dead or dying trees.
Coral Mushroom (Clavaria coralloides): This mushroom has a coral-like appearance and can be found growing on the ground or on trees. It is edible and has a mild flavor.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): This mushroom has a long, shaggy mane that resembles a lion's mane. It is edible and has a nutty flavor.
Morel Mushroom (Morchella esculenta): This mushroom is highly prized by mushroom hunters and can be found growing in the spring. It has a honeycomb-like appearance and a nutty flavor.
Puffball Mushroom (Calvatia gigantea): This mushroom can grow to be very large, some specimens reaching up to 50 pounds in weight. It is edible when young and has a mild flavor.
Shaggy Mane Mushroom (Coprinellus disseminatus): This mushroom is also known as the "inky cap" because it turns black when it is old. It is edible when young and has a mild flavor.
Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor): This mushroom is edible and has a mild flavor. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Wood Ear Mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae): This mushroom is edible and has a chewy texture. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
These are just a few of the many weird and wonderful mushrooms that can be found in North America. If you are interested in learning more about mushrooms, there are many resources available online and in libraries.
Psychedelic Spotlight
Fungi also “sleep” and thus can wake up
Did you know that fungi can sleep? Just like humans, fungi can slow down their metabolism and enter a state of dormancy when conditions are unfavorable. This ability to sleep helps fungi to survive harsh conditions and thrive in a variety of environments.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark found that fungi can sense when conditions are becoming unfavorable, and they will start to prepare for sleep by producing a variety of proteins. These proteins help to protect the fungus from damage and allow it to survive for long periods of time.
When conditions improve, the fungus will wake up and resume its normal growth and reproduction. This ability to sleep and wake up is essential for the survival of fungi, and it helps them to thrive in a variety of environments.
The researchers' findings could have important implications for the study of fungi and their role in the environment. Fungi are important decomposers, and they play a vital role in the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. By understanding how fungi sleep, scientists can better understand how they respond to changes in the environment.
This knowledge could be used to develop new strategies for managing fungi in the environment, such as preventing the spread of invasive species or reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
So next time you see a mushroom, remember that it might just be taking a nap.
More Mushroom Mentions
How psilocybin, the psychedelic in mushrooms, may rewire the brain to ease depression, anxiety and more
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain types of mushrooms. It has been used for centuries in religious and spiritual ceremonies, and more recently, it has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Recent research suggests that psilocybin can help to rewire the brain in a way that leads to relief from depression and anxiety. In one study, people with treatment-resistant depression who were given a single dose of psilocybin showed significant improvement in their symptoms for up to 6 months after treatment. Another study found that psilocybin can help to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life in people with cancer.
Psilocybin is thought to work by increasing connectivity between different parts of the brain. This increased connectivity may help to break down negative thought patterns and allow people to see the world in a new and more positive light.
Psilocybin is a promising new treatment for mental health conditions, but it is important to note that it is still under investigation. Psilocybin is not currently available as a prescription medication, and it is important to only use it under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are interested in learning more about psilocybin, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about whether psilocybin might be a good treatment option for you.
Here are some additional details about the research on psilocybin:
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that psilocybin was effective in treating depression. The study involved 21 people with treatment-resistant depression who were given a single dose of psilocybin. The participants showed significant improvement in their symptoms for up to 6 months after treatment.
A 2021 study published in the journal Nature Medicine found that psilocybin can help to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life in people with cancer. The study involved 51 people with advanced cancer who were given two doses of psilocybin. The participants showed significant improvement in their anxiety and quality of life, and they also reported a decrease in their desire for death.
These studies suggest that psilocybin may be a promising new treatment for mental health conditions. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of psilocybin.
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
Hi! I am very curious to know more about how fungi prepare / "sleep" when unfavorable conditions come. Could you write the source for the research done bu Danish university you mention?