Tumble Science Podcast for Kids The Science of Fungi
Jan 9, 2026
In this lively discussion, Lee Davies, the Collection Manager at Kew Gardens' Fungarium, shares his passion for fungi while overseeing a treasure trove of 1.3 million dried specimens. He delights listeners with insights on fungal respiration, explaining how fungi absorb oxygen through mycelium. Lee reveals the fascinating world of zombie fungi that manipulate insects, and discusses the vast number of undiscovered species waiting to be found. Plus, he offers tips on collecting and identifying fungi, sparking curiosity for budding mycologists!
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Test Oxygen Need With A Simple Experiment
- Test whether fungi need oxygen by placing mushrooms in an oxygen-free environment and observing if they die.
- Lee Davies affirms this simple experiment as a neat way to answer Alice's question.
Librarian Of A Million Mushrooms
- Lee Davies likens his role to a librarian caring for 1.3 million dried mushroom specimens.
- He says he could open one box every day for the next 20 years and still have more to explore.
DNA Builds The Fungal Family Tree
- DNA sequencing of dried fungarium specimens reveals species fingerprints and relationships.
- Lee Davies describes extracting and sequencing DNA to build fungal family trees.