|
Mycology is the science related to mushrooms. It is the branch of Biology dedicated to the study of fungi. Everything and anything that has to do with mushrooms, fungus, and mold is under the umbrella of mycology. Many fungi produce toxins, antibiotics, and other metabolites that are being used in our daily lives and there is still much we have not discovered. Fungi play a fundamental role in how life operates on earth and the overall awareness of this fact is very low among the average individual. We at Mushbox™ feel it is necessary to share this information and help spread the knowledge that mushrooms offer.
Any process that uses fungi to return a damaged or contaminated environment to its original, natural condition should be considered mycoremediation. This term was originally used by Paul Stamets and specifically refers to the use of fungal mycelia in bio remediation. Usually it is used with contaminated soil and organic pollutants. The key is to determine the correct mushroom species for the job and match the strain to the problem. In an experiment a plot of soil was contaminated with diesel oil and then inoculated with the mycelia of oyster mushrooms. After four weeks, more than 95% of damaging hydrocarbons had been reduced to non-toxic components.
Mycofiltration is another similar process that has massive potential in filtering toxins from a variety of contaminated water sources. This is a new field for mankind to venture into and the surface has barely been scratched when compared to the variety of fungi and possible potential that mushrooms may hold for us humans. That is why it is important for you to act on your inspiration, if you have been interested by this subject at all you should at least try and grow some mushrooms from home. Why not test your inner scientist and see if you can become a mycologist. Maybe you can help save the world with mushrooms. Show me the mushroom growing kits <
Since the earliest times on planet Earth the mere existence of life has relied on fungi to overcome, adapt and flourish. As the first fungi oozed its way from the vast oceans to the barren rocky landscapes of ancient earth they began dissolving and devouring those very rocks creating rich, life-giving soil that would later spur the evolutionary outcome of millions of new species of life.
Over the next several millennia (on more than one occasion) again fungi saved life on planet earth from asteroid strikes that would have otherwise wiped out all living creatures due to a lack of sunlight. Because Fungi do not need light to function any living organism that was able to symbiotically co-exist with these prehistoric mushrooms survived as a result. Had this not occurred
just as it did the vastly complex series of occurrences needed in order for the first cell on the planet to divide would have been for nothing. Life as we know it would have
ceased to exist. History has taught us that any species that learns to live in a symbiotic fashion with these grand molecular recyclers of nature has a clear advantage in the battle for survival.
Today is no different.
Present day earth, though far from sitting in darkened plume of smoke and dust, is none
the less faced with a terrible and ever growing danger to its inhabitants. The polluting of
our air, water and soil has without a doubt reached critical mass. This means
that we now sit on the fence of survival or extinction depending on the choices we make
TODAY.
As hope seems to fade for the possibility of a sustainable clean planet again
mycelium comes wriggling to the rescue.
Because fungi is so perfect at breaking down compounds into their most basic elements
and doing so at the molecular level there have been countless new discoveries matching
mushroom against toxic chemicals and other environmental damages. Mushrooms have
undoubtedly proved not only effective in cleaning up toxic pollution in the soil, air and
groundwater but also been found to aid the human body in protecting itself against the
many harmful effects that these pollutants have on our bodies and minds. From oil spills
and industrial waste to cancer prevention and small pox cures, mycology (the study of
fungi) is quickly proving to be one of the most effective areas of research for a
staggering number of problems that we face as a species.
As each new discovery is made
proving the absolute necessity of symbiotically adapting with fungi as a matter of
survival from our destructive ways one question remains unanswered. How do we put these
discoveries to use? The answer is surprisingly simple. It is up to everyone. Every
household, business, local and federal government in the world is responsible
in their own way to do their own part in making the use of mycelium to aid in the fight
to save the planet, a common practice around the world. Mushrooms have been leading the
way to adaptability and survival for millions upon millions of years.
Again, today is no
different.
So get motivated, get educated but most of all.. Get GROWING! As you progress down the
road of mycology you will slowly turn your yard and mind into a healing center for the
planet. People will take notice, ask questions and in turn begin to spread the word
themselves that mushrooms are here to save the day! From growing edibles for the family
to enjoy to creating soil filtering watershed protection, the art of mycology all begins
with a few simple steps and the right equipment and knowledge. Weather saving the
planet, protecting your health or just stocking the cupboards, you are a mycologist! We are glad to have you here!
|
