The Naked Scientists Podcast How fungi shape our world
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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.
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Fungi-Plant Symbiosis Essential
- Fungi and plants evolved a close symbiotic relationship essential for plants to colonize land and thrive.
- Fungi provide nutrients by decomposing materials, while plants produce sugars through photosynthesis to share.
Cordyceps Fungus Kills Tarantula
- Lee Davis showed a tarantula parasitized by Cordyceps fungi, which manipulates and kills the spider.
- Fruiting bodies emerge from the spider to spread spores, illustrating fungi's control over hosts.
Climate Change Shifts Fungal Activity
- Climate change alters fungi's fruiting seasons, with decomposers fruiting earlier and mycorrhizal fungi later.
- This shift impacts ecosystem nutrient cycles and can increase carbon dioxide emissions, affecting global warming.