In mind-bending twist, ‘magic’ mushrooms evolved twice independently Study identifies entirely new suite of enzymes that can make psilocybin

Scientists recently found two evolutionarily distinct mushrooms converged to produce the same psychedelic molecule—psilocybin.

The “surprising” results underscore the significance of the hallucinogen but leave questions about its ultimate purpose.

#Psilocybe #MagicMushrooms

New at @science.org 🧪🏺

Cruises Are Nothing More Than Outhouses On the Ocean example 8 million

the existential size & imminence of the threat feels like the easiest explanation, but if this wAs it, there is a crucial difference between covid & climate change: individual actions can turn the tide on the former in ways the latter could only dream of; we can ALL break chains of transmission.

A symbiotic filamentous gut fungus ameliorates MASH via a secondary metabolite–CerS6–ceramide axis The gut microbiota is known to be associated with a variety of human metabolic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Fungi are increasingly recognized as importa...

Researchers have found a new ally in the fight against a serious liver disease: a symbiotic gut-dwelling fungus that produces a molecule shown to be capable of reversing disease progression in mice. scim.ag/42ZzVrC

!! CALL TO ACTION !! #Booksky

please join me in the fight to save our libraries.

EveryLibrary is working hard to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which is the federal agency charged with distributing Congressionally approved funds to state libraries and grant recipients.

‘Common Side Effects’ And The Race To Save Invisible Fungi A “mycology thriller” imagines a hidden healing mushroom. In real life, scientists are searching far and wide to map the world’s unseen fungi.

Tonight is the season finale of the TV show "Common Side Effects." Last month we talked to the show’s creators about the science that inspired this fungal drama.

www.sciencefriday.com/segments/com...

Cladogram of the pathogens used in the study.

🛠️ February's most-read Tools and Resources paper looks at secretomes to provide insights into the unique mechanisms used by gall-forming microbes in plants: buff.ly/NUyYlWu

Learn more about publishing your tools or resources with us: buff.ly/jEBAOqN

Despite being vastly outnumbered by bacteria, fungi in our microbiome still play a significant role in our health. In today’s episode, we learn about the “mycobiome.” Plus, turmoil at the NIH.

Listen here 🎧: buff.ly/4ii9d2g

Newfound bat virus that uses notorious receptor poses ‘spillover’ risk The virus is related to the pathogen that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome and capitalizes on the same ‘entry receptor’ used by SARS-CoV-2.

A newly discovered bat coronavirus uses the same portal to enter human cells as the virus that causes COVID-19, raising the risk that it could spark an outbreak in people

https://go.nature.com/4b8c0J0

Why is it so hard to rewrite a genome? Synthetic biologists have the know-how and ambition to retool whole genomes. But the hidden complexity of biological systems continues to surprise them.

Synthetic biologists have the know-how and ambition to retool whole genomes, but hidden complexity continues to surprise them

https://go.nature.com/4gL1QPB

The surprising landscape of Indian Jewish food Separated by geography and language, there's not much that might seem to connect India's five dwindling Jewish communities – except praying in Hebrew, and food.

www.bbc.com/travel/artic... Fantastic article, about the diversity of Indian Jewish food, along with introducing me to a cookbook I will need to seek out. #foodhistory #IndianJewishFood 🍜🍽️

Illustration showing an example of valley fever. Panel 1: a person walking with their dog. Panel 2: the dog digs in a rodent burrow. Caption: Hidden thread: Coccidoides spores are relatively abundant in burrows of rodents that may be the fungus's primary host. Panel 3: An inset shows a close-up of the fungus. Caption: Spore shedders: The fungus is made of threadlike filaments called hyphae. Panel 4: An illustration of the person from panel 1 from the waist up, showing spores entering their airways and traveling into their lungs. Caption: Microscopic spores are easily inhaled when dirt is disturbed. Panel 5: An inset showing the parasitic lifecycle of Coccidoides inside the lung. Caption: Toxic expansion: In the lung, the spores grow into spherules in which dozens of endospores develop. Matures spherules rupture to restart the cycle. Pneumonia is the most common result.

Valley fever is caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides, which outcompetes other microbes in dry, hot conditions and is endemic in the U.S. Southwest. The fungus has recently been found as far north as Washington state, and modelers predict further spread.

Learn more: scim.ag/4glyCGK

Asteroid fragments upend theory of how life on Earth bloomed Samples from Bennu contain the chemical building blocks of life - but with a twist.

Not only does Bennu contain all 5 of the nucleobases that form DNA and RNA on Earth and 14 of the 20 amino acids found in known proteins, the asteroid’s amino acids hold a surprise

https://go.nature.com/4hDtGhL

Opinion | Libraries can help end the culture wars. That’s why they’re under fire. Nothing threatens authoritarianism like a free, quiet place to absorb a full range of information.

We are about to enter an era of extreme and dangerous culture war in the United States. How do we protect our communities and work toward a cultural ceasefire? In this piece I wrote a couple months ago, I offer one possible path. wapo.st/40q1BDn

NEW: Wildfire survivors are able to apply for federal assistance TODAY.

Visit CA.gov/LAfires to access resources and information detailing how to apply.

California is laser-focused on fighting the LA fires and protecting lives and property.

a graphic that says Scientists we need you, then an old school rotary phone that has a speech bubble saying "talk with classrooms across the globe" and a bulleted list Volunteer for 1-5 Q&As per semester Get matched with the right teacher for you via email 35+ categories of scientist, from squid to space It’s free for teachers" and then "sign up at skypeascientist.com"

Scientists!

We are trying to get 1000 of us into the volunteer database by Jan 1.

You'll be volunteering to speak with classrooms over video chat about your work, and answer their questions! You can volunteer for up to 5 sessions per semester.

Sign up here! www.skypeascientist.com/sign-up.html

Just a reminder that your local library has more than books! Many also have dvds, cds, video games, game systems, internet hot spots, streaming services, ebooks, audio books, park passes, museum passes, and so much more! Maybe it's time for a visit! ❤️📚

I’d recommend everyone regardless of medical risk bring a mask on your airplane journey, a disinfectant wipe to clean the seat you’re in and hand sanitizer.

It’s going to be on you alone to protect your health.

Warning signs are everywhere.

That’s my favorite too. Such a cool building.

Destroy this myth. Please share if you have visited and researched in a library this past year! RT And give a shout out to your favorite library you have ever visited.

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