Microdose 13: Episode Thirteen - What can we learn from the evolution of psychedelic organisms?

[RonnySimulacrum]

Episode 13 - What can we learn from the evolution of psychedelic organisms? 

 

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Wednesday, March 30th 

 

 

 

 

Our 13th Microdose Webcast will look at the evolution of psychedelic organisms. We will be joined by Dr. Jason Slot, Associate Professor of Mycology and Evolutionary Genomics at the Ohio State University. Dr. Slot currently researches the ecological functions of psychedelic substances. After this lecture, there will be a short Q&A. 

Dr Alistair McTaggart will also be providing an update on his mycologist researching the active Psilocybe mushrooms of Australia.

 

Wednesday 30 March 2022 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM (UTC+11) AEST 

 

Episode Synopsis

Why do many Psilocybe spp. contain psilocybin? What is the role of psilocybin in nature? What are the ecological functions of psychedelic substances? By surveying the genomes of the organisms that produce these substances, we can identify evolutionary trends and events that raise hypotheses about benefits provided by these substances. By extension, this can suggest ecological niches in which to search for new compounds with similar roles.

 

Psilocybin is bringing more and more human attention to these fungi, but did the mushrooms intend for psilocybin to attract us or was it supposed to scare us away? Join Associate Professor Dr Jason Slot, co-founder and scientific advisor for the Entheome Foundation, to discuss functional genomics, metabolomics and the evolution of natural psychedelics.

 

Bio: Dr Jason Slot

 

Jason C. Slot, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Mycology and Evolutionary Genomics at the Ohio State University. Dr. Slot received a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and an M.A. in Science Education from Boston University. His doctoral dissertation at Clark University, and his postdoctoral work at Vanderbilt University focused on the molecular evolution of ecologically relevant genes in fungi. As faculty of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA, Dr. Slot uses comparative and functional genomics along with metabolomics to investigate the evolution and ecology of fungal chemistry in various fungal niches including plant pathogens and symbionts, insect pathogens, and decay fungi. Pioneering sequencing of psilocybin mushroom genomes in his lab recently led to the identification and evolutionary analysis of psilocybin gene clusters. Dr. Slot is a co-founder and scientific advisor for the Entheome Foundation, a non-profit for the science and conservation of entheogenic organisms.

 

Bio: Dr Alistair Mc Taggart

Alistair is a research fellow for the Centre of Horticultural Science (QAAFI), University of Queensland. He studies the evolution of fungal pathogens, with a focus on rust and smut fungi. He has completed postdocs in Africa, America and Europe. Alistair has started a new research direction for UQ, studying the biodiversity of native psychoactive mushrooms in Australia. This research will determine whether Australian magic mushrooms have evolved unique genetic pathways for production of psilocybin and confirm endemicity of our native taxa. Alistair will establish a living collection to safeguard genetic diversity and provide a platform to research the applications of psilocybin for human health.

 

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About Garden States Microdose Webcasts

The EGA Garden States Microdose Webcasts are designed to cover various topics from the field of ethnobotany and psychedelic culture, sustainability, and related areas of interest to the community. The forums are part of the program leading up to the highly anticipated Garden States 2022 Botanical Conference. Registration for the Microdose Webcasts are free, but donations are encouraged to support EGA's important work.

 

About EGA

Entheogenesis Australis is a charitable, educational organisation established in 2004. We provide critical thinking and knowledge sharing opportunities on ethnobotanical plants, fungi, nature, and sustainability. Through our conferences and workshops, we aim to celebrate the culture, art, politics and community around medicine plants in the hope of better wellbeing for humankind and the planet.

To find out more about what we do, head over to our organisational website. If you like what you see, take a look at our upcoming Garden States 2022 Botanical Conference program.  

Warm Regards,  

The Entheogenesis Australis Team 
Planting seeds for the earth, body and mind   
www.entheogenesis.org  
www.gardenstates.org 

Edited March 23, 2022 by RonnySimulacrum