A few notes from Paul Stamets’ fascinating video about how mushrooms can save the world.
Firstly, who is Paul Stamets? He’s quite a big name in the international mycology community. He has published numerous books on fungi and is an advocate of mycoremediation (more on this and the closely related term bioremediation in a future post) and the medicinal use of mushrooms. As an aside, Stamets features in the documentary film Fantastic Fungi (2019), which is a must-see with some extraordinary footage of fungi. Be warned though: mycology is contagious! You might find yourself suddenly obsessed with these wonderful beings.
Recent research proposed the combination of the fungi and animal kingdoms. “We’re more closely related to fungi than we are to any other kingdom”, and because we’re so closely related (both fungi and animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide), we also fight off the same kinds of pathogens – this is why mushrooms are an excellent source of strong antibiotics.
Stamets states that mycelium can be thought of as “externalised stomachs and lungs”. Think of mycelium as a giant animal that lives underground with infinitely expanding organs! Luckily this creature has proven to be mankind’s friend, and it’s about time we return the favour.
There is lots more to say about fungi, but next time I want to explore the topics of bioremediation, especially the underrated role of fungi and microorganisms in remediating contaminated soil and soil health in general. Until then!
