The Magic of Mushrooms: William Padilla Brow’s Journey in Mycology
Summary
In this article, we explore the fascinating world of mycology through the eyes of William Padilla Brow, a multidisciplinary citizen scientist and founder of Mycosymbiotics and MycoFes. William has a deep understanding of fungi and has cultivated hundreds of species of mushrooms, turning them into extracts, tinctures, and even DNA barcoding them. He has also developed a scientific familiarity with mushrooms that allows him to study and see what most people cannot. Through his journey, William hopes to encourage others to take their education into their own hands and operate from a more decentralized standpoint, mimicking the natural designs perfected over millions of years by the mycelium.
Table of Contents
- The Magic of Mushrooms
- Foraging for Mushrooms
- Studying the DNA of Mushrooms
- Decentralizing Education
- Conclusion
The Magic of Mushrooms
William Padilla Brow believes that all mushrooms are magical. He has cultivated around 38 species of mushroom and has turned them into extract, tincture, and even DNA barcoding them. William often goes to the forests of central Pennsylvania to find specimens that he can bring back to his lab to increase the genetic diversity for farmers. He carries certain mushrooms in bags so that their spores can be released, which are the reproductive cells of mushrooms. William has found Turkey tail mushroom, Trametes versicolo, which is highly valued for its immunological support, and the local reish, Ganoderma suge, which is known as the mushroom of immortality and is used in teas. He also found the cordyceps militaris, which is the most valuable mushroom and can be used to create value for himself and others.
Foraging for Mushrooms
William is an expert in mycology and foraging for mushrooms. He explains that the orange tip oak worm moth pupa in Pennsylvania is a great spot for finding mushrooms. William has developed a deep understanding of fungi through years of study and experimentation. He has a scientific familiarity with mushrooms that allows him to study and see what most people cannot. William takes great care when processing samples from his foraging finds, using masks and sterilized tools to avoid contamination.
Studying the DNA of Mushrooms
William has even purchased a portable DNA sequencer to study the DNA of mushrooms. He takes a scientific approach to his work and has a deep understanding of the genetic diversity of mushrooms. He believes that studying the DNA of mushrooms can help us better understand their properties and potential benefits.
Decentralizing Education
William hopes to encourage others to take their education into their own hands and operate from a more decentralized standpoint, mimicking the natural designs perfected over millions of years by the mycelium. He believes that anyone can learn about mycology and that it is important to have a deeper understanding of the natural world. William encourages people to start small and learn about the mushrooms in their own backyard.
Conclusion
William Padilla Brow’s journey in mycology has been a fascinating one. Through his work, he has developed a deep understanding of fungi and their potential benefits. He hopes to encourage others to take their education into their own hands and learn more about the natural world around them.
