What is mycology? This is a science that studies mushrooms. Mycologists investigate varieties of fungi and classify them in one group or another. Mushrooms are useful, which can be eaten and used for the manufacture of medicines, or harmful, causing certain diseases.
Mycology subject
Mycology is a science that studies mushrooms in all their diversity. A feature of these living organisms is that they are not able to produce their own food as do, for example, plants. For full growth, they need to find a source of nutrients. They grow well in dark places and do not need light as a source of life. Many types of mushrooms are similar to plants in appearance, but there are also those that are fundamentally different.
The healing power of mushrooms
There are types of mushrooms that are used as medicines to eliminate various ailments, and the healing properties are so effective that they are considered magical. One of the most striking examples of healthy mushrooms is penicillin, which over its many years of history has saved more than one thousand human lives. Penicillin is used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. The mold from which it is extracted inhibits the growth of bacteria. Mushrooms are the basis for many types of drugs, such as steroids, which treat different types of diseases.
Bad mushrooms
Mycology is the science of mushrooms, and they are known to be good and not so good. Fungal infections can cause diseases of the skin, oral cavity, affect blood and even the heart. A person can become seriously ill, and medication will be needed to get rid of these unpleasant infections. The fungus can harm not only the human body, but also the home.
Mushrooms in the form of mold can cover the walls of houses, causing dampness and an unpleasant smell, and dust from it can cause allergic reactions in people such as tearing and coughing. Many types of mushrooms are poisonous, and they can not be eaten, as they can cause serious poisoning and even lead to death.
Huge variety of species
When answering the question of what is mycology, it is important to know that there are a huge number of different types of mushrooms. The results of research and the study of this science have helped thousands of people and changed many lives. In total, there are about 70,000 species of mushrooms, although many scientists estimate that there are at least 1.5 million species.
What is radical mycology?
Radical mycology is a social movement and social philosophy based on the belief that the very stable life cycles of mushrooms and their interactions in nature are powerful tools for teaching how people can best interact with each other and properly manage the world in which they live. These ideas originated in 2006. Why are mushrooms so important? Radical mycology is the science of how fungi can improve the quality of life of the world's population. The world of mycology is constantly expanding, and the practical integration of mushrooms in modern life takes on new forms.
The use of the word “radical” to describe this approach to the science and culture of mycology depends on several factors. Firstly, the use of mushrooms serves to improve the environment and relates directly to radical ecology, which recognizes the sacred value of every living creature. Secondly, through the use of mushrooms, personal, social and environmental sustainability is improved. Thirdly, the word “radical” comes from the Latin “radix”, meaning “root”.
Problems such as lack of food, water, purity, soil fertility, reduction of pollution and much more can be solved by focused work with mushrooms - what mycology studies. Sometimes, in order to get the most out of science, you need to literally get to the bottom of things.
What is mycology from a radical point of view?
Mushrooms are a source of nutritious and healthy food. They can be grown from paper waste, coffee waste, and many invasive plants, including paniculate and water hyacinth (one of the fastest growing plants in the world). A more global understanding of mushroom cultivation can easily help solve world hunger. Many mushrooms are powerful natural medicines that can reduce tumors, kill viruses, and increase the stability of the human immune system. Yeast and other microorganisms can create methane and other alternatives to fossil fuels through their natural fermentation processes.
Mushrooms, like other natural medicines, can have a powerful preventive effect. They may well become a worthy alternative to some expensive medications. Decomposing mushrooms can help in landscape regeneration by breaking down toxic and persistent chemicals, purifying contaminated water and even destroying plastic. Mycorrhizal fungi can be grown to build the topsoil, improve soil ecology, maintain plant health, and reduce fertilizer use.
What mycology studies can solve many pressing issues, namely: problems with food shortages, water quality, chronic diseases, soil pollution, problems associated with a person’s emotional, psychological and spiritual health, housing and much more. In addition to all this, the right attitude to mushrooms in everyday life will help to take a different look at a world where all organisms are closely interconnected, and how important it is to maintain the health of the entire ecosystem.
Mushrooms will help save the world
Farmers, gardeners and scientists have long been aware of the importance of healthy soil. Knowledge is the key to using mushrooms for the benefit of mankind. The more information a person receives about mushrooms and their role in the natural balance of the planet, the greater the likelihood that this force will be used for good. In a research institution such as the Institute of Mycology, the work is aimed at studying pathogenic microscopic fungi that cause diseases in people. One of the largest is the P.N.Kashkin Institute of Medical Mycology in St. Petersburg (Russia).
What is mycology? This is a branch of biology dedicated to the study of mushrooms and fungi. Mushrooms have been collected and used by people since prehistoric times and have always played an important role in human life, however, the whole variety of properties and applications have not been fully studied and studied until recently. With enormous potential, they are an excellent source of vitamins, nutrients and minerals. They can also be used to treat and prevent diseases, extract metals and contaminants from the soil, absorb oil from spills, and treat sewage in industrial areas.