☀️ Hy-five: Women & Microdosing, MycoDigestible Diapers, Planet Fungi, Fungi-Enhanced Phytoremediation, MyForest Foods Scale-up
Sporadic round-up of mycological research and industry news.
Hello dear fungi enthusiast,
I’m thrilled to spotlight the extraordinary work of Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak, the creative duo behind Planet Fungi. Based in Australia, Stephen and Catherine have taken the world by storm with their breathtaking time-lapse imagery and documentary storytelling, capturing the strange and spectacular world of fungi.
This capture of Phallus multicolor—a stinkhorn that unfurls like an alien bloom is a testament to the quality of their work. Stephen’s macro photography and cinematography, paired with Catherine’s filmmaking and storytelling, have made them global ambassadors for the fungal kingdom. Together, they’ve documented rare and undiscovered species, followed the rain across continents, and brought to life the secret rhythms of mushrooms.
This is the beginning of an on-going collaboration between Planet Fungi and MycoStories. Prepare to fall in love with fungi all over again.
Learn more about Planet Fungi here.
#1 Microdosing Psilocybin for Women’s Health
After speaking with Mabel, the Paris-based microdosing company, I asked Jennifer Chesak, expert on the topic, to dive into the overlooked intersection of psychedelics and women’s health—from endometriosis and PMDD to menopause and hormone imbalances.
This really opened my eyes on what most of the women around me are subject to on a regular basis and thus, why it is important to promote further research on the topic.
👩🏻🦰 Psilocybin may reduce inflammation linked to endometriosis lesions, potentially easing chronic pain.
👧🏽 PMDD patients show heightened amygdala response to stress—psilocybin appears to calm this region.
👩🏻 For menopausal women, psilocybin may help with low mood, body image, and even lifestyle change through improved neuroplasticity.
It’s early days, but for millions navigating hormone-linked health issues, microdosing may offer an overdue tool for support and relief. I'm glad to be working with Pernille Brostrup and Mabel on their mission to democratise access to microdosing and advance research on the topic.
#2 HIRO Technologies Launches World’s First Fungi-Powered MycoDigestible Diapers
Every year, over 18 billion diapers are discarded into U.S. landfills—each one destined to sit for 500 years, leaking microplastics and chemicals into our soil and water. Globally, the plastic crisis has spiraled out of control, with 430 million tons of plastic waste generated annually and less than 10% of it recycled.
HIRO Technologies officially launches the world’s first MycoDigestibleTM Diapers (means “digested by fungi”), a first-of-its-kind product designed to break down in a landfill thanks to fungi-powered decomposition technology.
3# Fungi-Enhanced Phytoremediation: A Natural Solution for Mercury-Contaminated Soil
Mercury contamination is a severe environmental issue, especially in artisanal gold mining areas. Tailings from these sites frequently contain dangerously high mercury levels, presenting significant health risks to local populations and ecosystems.
Research by Gadjah Mada University and the University of Lampung in Indonesia has shown that combining phytoremediation plants with beneficial fungi, specifically Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), significantly enhances remediation outcomes. AMF form symbiotic associations with plant roots, increasing nutrient uptake, tolerance to toxicity, and overall growth in polluted conditions. These characteristics make AMF essential allies in enhancing phytoremediation efforts.
4# Ecovative's MyForest Foods Secures $11M to Scale Up Mycelium Bacon Amid Rapid Growth
New York-based mycelium innovator Ecovative, through its spinout company MyForest Foods, recently secured $11 million in funding to rapidly scale its flagship product, MyBacon. This investment brings Ecovative's total raised funds to $156 million since 2019, with $82 million specifically channelled into MyForest Foods.
According to founder and CEO Eben Bayer, the fresh capital will be dedicated to enhancing MyBacon's production capacity, expanding their workforce, and entering new markets—including launching whole-cut mycelium products and penetrating the foodservice industry.
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Don’t hesitate to reach-out. If we can’t help, someone within the community will. ✊🏽