Paul Stamets

Lions Mane Mycelium out performs Lions Mane Fruitbody. New research from @fungiperfecti and @HostDefense compared lion’s mane mycelium and fruiting body extracts, and the immune responses were notably different. The mycelium extract supported a balanced, adaptable immune response. Under certain conditions, the fruiting body extract increased pro-inflammatory signaling. As functional mushrooms move into the mainstream, rigorous science, proper extraction, and ingredient standardization are essential. Mushrooms are complex organisms, and oversimplifying them leads to poor outcomes. These results track with two recent double blinded clinical studies using mushroom mycelium fermented rice - compared to a rice placebo, post ingestion. Disclosure: I own Host Defense. The science is solid. Learn more: supplysidesj.com/immune-health/…

🔁 Repost: @TEDxGateway

Fungi-based bandages are opening new doors for medicine rooted in nature. Curious where mycelium may take us next?

A remarkable new study shows that a single high-equivalent dose of psilocybin in mice can rapidly increase neuroplasticity by repairing and creating new neural connections in the brain. Researchers observed structural remodeling of dendritic spines in the medial frontal cortex, effectively rewiring neural networks. (As seen in this Cell.com article: cell.com/cell/fulltext/…) These changes were network-specific, strengthening pathways tied to perception and the brain’s default mode network, while quieting repetitive cortical loops. This work deepens our understanding of how psilocybin may support mental health by reshaping large-scale brain connectivity.  Watch the video by @NCIUniversity to learn more: youtube.com/watch?v=lZ3_GU…

Super important you know this rusty brown spored species:  Galerina marginata - which is a deadly poisonous mushroom. This species, and one of several related ones in the genus Galerina, such as Galerina autumnalis, contain the lethal cyclopeptides/amanitins also found in the majestic but highly toxic, white spored destroying angels: Amanita verna, Amanita virosa, Amanita phalloides, and Amanita bisporigera. In my opinion, it is best for amateurs to avoid any mushroom with rusty brown spores, and of course the deadly white spored Amanitas!  Know your species before you ingest them. And be careful about using AI as people have been poisoned from AI's misidentification.  Filming by Pamela Kryskow

Hi Folks! Interesting reading comparing mushroom mycelium vs mushroom fruit body extracts. 🍄 Repost from Elan Sudberg: The team behind Alkemist Labs long time friend and client, Paul Stamets / Host Defense just posted a mechanistic paper on Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mycelium and how it behaves in human immune cells under stress. Not a mouse, not a marketing deck. Actual PBMCs, transcriptomics, and cytokine readouts.  Two things jumped out at me: 1) Calm under challenge. When immune cells were hit with an inflammatory LPS challenge, the Lion’s Mane mycelium prep consistently reduced classic stress cytokines like IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8, while keeping baseline cytokines low. In other words: modulate, don’t light the place on fire.  2) Tissue type matters. A lot.  They compared the mycelium to a β-glucan-enriched fruiting-body extract. Under the same challenge, the fruiting-body extract nearly doubled IL-1β, while the mycelium drove it down. Same species, different material, different immune outcome. That’s a big deal for anyone who thinks “Lion’s Mane is Lion’s Mane.”  Also notable: the mycelium showed stronger antioxidant and iron-chelating activity than the fruiting-body extract in this setup.  Important disclaimer so nobody gets weird: this is a preprint and still under peer review. But the direction is clear enough to be interesting, and it reinforces something I’ve been saying for years: You don’t get to assume bioactivity from a species name. You test the actual preparation. preprints.org/manuscript/202…

This is Hebeloma crustuliniforme or the Poison Pie. Common across Europe and North America, it often forms fairy rings and partners with broadleaf trees. But don’t let the innocent appearance fool you, this mushroom is poisonous. Beautiful in the forest, best left exactly where it grows.

Early accounts from Papua New Guinea described people eating a wild mushroom and suddenly seeing tiny, lifelike figures moving around them, a rare “lilliputian” hallucination. Decades later, the same reports surfaced in Yunnan and the Philippines. All lead back to one species: Lanmaoa asiatica. And still, no known psychedelic compounds have been found. Researchers are now sequencing and analyzing this mushroom to understand what’s behind these consistent effects. A new molecule? A biological mechanism we haven’t seen before? Read more about it: attheu.utah.edu/science-techno…

This is Cantharellus formosus or the yellow Chantrelle. Easily recognized by its yellow-to-orange coloring and the blunt, forked ridges that run down its stem. Known for its mild, fruity aroma and apricot-like flavor, it’s one of the most sought-after edible mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Delicious!

Look at what we’ve found! A beautiful patch of Craterellus tubaeformis or the winter Chanterelle. This late-season mushroom thrives in the cool forests of North America and Europe. Its hollow, trumpet-shaped cap and widely spaced gills make it easy to identify, but what truly sets it apart is its mycorrhizal partnership with the forest itself. And yes, it also happens to be a delicious edible and choice mushroom. Enjoy!

Scientists studying the Chernobyl exclusion zone have identified a melanized fungus that not only survives intense radiation, but may actually metabolize it. A process researchers are calling “radiosynthesis.” Findings like this continue to reveal how extraordinary and adaptive fungi are. These organisms have evolved to thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth, offering profound insights into resilience, regeneration, and the hidden intelligence of nature. If a fungus can transform radiation into usable energy, imagine what else the fungal kingdom can help us solve? We are only beginning to understand the gifts fungi offer our shared future. Read more about it: bbc.com/future/article…

Fungi never cease to amaze me! Scientists are now exploring how mushrooms can form the foundation of new computing systems, literally growing their own memory. The mycelial networks that have sustained ecosystems for hundreds of millions of years may soon inspire sustainable, living technologies. Nature is the ultimate innovator. The more we listen and learn from the fungal kingdom, the more we realize how much wisdom it holds! Read more: earth.com/news/future-co…

The fly agaric, Amanita muscaria, is so named as it was used to control the invasion of flies into houses before window screens were available. Poisonous to flies and even dogs, it typically does not kill humans but can be dangerous because in high doses it causes delirium or even induces erratic behavior, even unconsciousness. Hence you could die of hypothermia if you were incapacitated outside. Although easy to identify, the subject of fairy tales, Norse fables (the berserkers) and suggested to be associated with the origin story of what we know as the modern day Santa Claus, this can be a DANGEROUS species, dose dependently. I do NOT recommend consuming this species until scientists better understand its complexity. But….what a GORGEOUS mushroom!

At the opening of the film Mountains of the Moon with extreme athletes! With @ChrisBenchetler, the prolific artist, on his birthday, premiering in the new film which I partially narrate following in the great footsteps of the great late Bill Walton. This is a multigenerational event. I’m so inspired by the young people here who are pushing the envelope beyond our imaginations

The smoky brown clustered wood lover, Hypholoma capnoides, is a delicious mushroom that few know about. This species has purplish brown spores. Be careful, there are some poisonous lookalikes — like the green filled clustered wood lover, Hypholoma fasciculare, aka the sulphur tuft. Even more dangerous and toxic is a rusty brown spored orangish mushroom species in the Galerina marginata group and can be DEADLY!  Take a spore print! And be absolutely accurate in your identification before consuming.  This mushroom is for experts! Be CAREFUL! See my latest book for more information. Mycology is edgy….and so much fun! Filming and photos by Pamela Kryskow, MD

The Children’s Forest on Cortes Island is more than land, it’s a living classroom, a sanctuary for salmon, agarkion, and countless species that remind us how deeply intertwined all life is. But this precious ecosystem needs our help. We have the chance to secure over 261 acres of vital forest and waterways, ensuring that future generations can learn from, protect, and be inspired by this place. Check the link to learn more and watch the documentary. corteschildrensforesttrust.org/the-childrens-…

Further context…I appreciate the comments on what the three figures in the basket featured on this cross. I am in the camp that believes these are more likely mushrooms than spikes or something else. Why? As mycologists, we see what others may not notice –at first. (Swipe for observations !)   Of course, we may never know for sure. But I hope these observations shed more light on this vibrant discussion. Moreover, we should keep in mind that two things can be true at the same time. Never underestimate the cleverness of artists!  Respectfully, Paul

What is depicted on the cross?

From ChatGPT: Some critics say this image is not mushrooms but spikes! What do you think ChatGPT? “Looking closely at this section of the cross, the small green figures emerging from the basket (or vessel) have triangular, cap-like tops and slender stems, with a slight bend or curvature. These shapes are visually consistent with stylized depictions of mushrooms, particularly the way psilocybin mushrooms are often represented in post-Conquest or syncretic colonial iconography from Oaxaca and Puebla. By contrast, spikes or thorns in colonial religious art were usually more rigid, straight, and evenly spaced, often symbolizing suffering or the Crown of Thorns; they wouldn’t typically be shown sprouting from a basket or vessel. The woven basket motif, meanwhile, often symbolizes offering or harvest — both of which align more naturally with the interpretation of mushrooms or plants being presented. So, while absolute certainty requires art-historical verification, the form, posture, and context of the figures in your image are more consistent with mushrooms than with spikes.” So, what do you think… mushrooms or spikes? Cast your vote in the poll above and let’s see where the myconauts land. The Divisive Manipulative BotFarms went Bonkers last time so I turned off comments. This time, let the real people speak respectfully to others.

Attention myconauts: The trailer for @ChrisBenchetler’s “Mountains of the Moon” has landed (on the Day of the Dead, no less)! 🏔️🌙 A nocturnal journey, set to the music of the @GratefulDead, that uncovers the hidden connections between life, movement, music, and the living Earth. Captured with stunning night-time cinematography, the film illuminates the light within us all and the enduring resilience of nature. Experience it for yourself — tickets now available: chrisbenchetler.com/mountains-of-t…