Why Are Fungi Such Great Decomposers?

Socialism and communism are often mentioned in the same breath, and they do share a common history, but socialists aren't necessarily communists -- and vice versa. Learn more about both concepts and how they've been put into practice in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this a ... Show More

Our bodies can often prevent us from catching the same illness twice, and vaccines use that bodily system to prevent us from getting sick in the first place. Learn how the immune response works, what goes into vaccines, and why vaccines are safe for kids in this episode of BrainS ... Show More

In the 1960s, advances in technology allowed brave aquanauts to explore deeper into the ocean than ever before, but the project was shut down. Learn how Sealab worked -- and how that technology is still used today -- in this classic episode of BrainStuff.See omnystudio.com/listen ... Show More

There is an entire world - just below our feet - that defies our conventional understanding of intelligence. It’s a superhighway of fungal interconnectedness, trillions of miles of fungal networks that enable trees to recognize their families, communicate with each other and even ... Show More

In a special edition, ABC's Sony Salzman explores the unnerving growth of fungal infections in the United States. Speaking to survivors, scientists, and even NFL icon Rob Gronkowski, "Start Here" shines a light on the dark, damp world of deadly spores. Learn more about your ad ch ... Show More

Fungi tends to have a negative connotation, but the truth is that the fungus kingdom plays a fundamental role in human health and in the environment. Certain fungal species contain medicinal properties, can restore health to soil, have the potential to reduce pollutants, and so m ... Show More

The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays a crucial role in our health. However, there is still much to learn about this complex ecosystem. On this episode we talk with experts who tell us where the science is—how much we know, and how ... Show More

The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays a crucial role in our health. However, there is still much to learn about this complex ecosystem. On this episode we talk with experts who tell us where the science is—how much we know, and how ... Show More

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss slime mould, a basic organism that grows on logs, cowpats and compost heaps. Scientists have found difficult to categorise slime mould: in 1868, the biologist Thomas Huxley asked: ‘Is this a plant, or is it an animal? Is it both or is it neither?’ ... Show More

It wouldn't be Twenty Fungalore without talking about the alleged medicinal properties of mushrooms, which are a fungus and not a plant at all. Justin and Dr. Sydnee talk to Cleveland about common fungi used as medical supplements, from the parasitic Cordyceps to the infamous psi ... Show More