The Naked Scientists Podcast
How fungi shape our world
May 6, 2025
Guests Lee Davis, a fungal collections manager, Lim Boddy, a microbial ecologist, Norman van Rijn, a fungal infections researcher, and Sumi Robson, a research manager at Wellcome, delve into the fascinating world of fungi. They discuss their crucial ecological roles, particularly in climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture. The captivating life cycle of Cordyceps fungi is highlighted, alongside the alarming rise of invasive species like Candida auris. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding fungi to address public health and environmental challenges ahead.
33:50
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Quick takeaways
- Fungi are essential for ecosystem health, aiding in nutrient acquisition for plants and transforming atmospheric conditions through oxygen production.
- Climate change is disrupting fungi's ecological roles and increasing the risk of new fungal infections, requiring urgent collaborative research and awareness.
Deep dives
The Ancient Kingdom of Fungi
Fungi have existed for over a billion years, pre-dating even the dinosaurs, and are essential to life on Earth. These organisms thrive in a variety of extreme environments, from deep-sea hot springs to nuclear reactor ruins, indicating their remarkable adaptability. Despite their significance, fungi remain a largely underexplored kingdom of life, with scientists estimating that around 90% of plant species form symbiotic relationships with fungi, which are critical for nutrient acquisition and soil health. This unique partnership not only enabled plants to colonize land but also improved the atmospheric conditions by facilitating oxygen production.
