Knowledge is power! It's fundamental that we learn more about the fungal networks that exist underneath our feet every day, all around the world. They play a huge part in sequestering CO2 and keeping plants across the globe fed with nutrients!
Why are we trekking into the Colombian rainforest with -196°C liquid nitrogen? We’re on a mission to fill a huge gap in global knowledge about tropical fungi. Scientists, led by Adriana Corrales, spent weeks sampling mycorrhizal fungi in the rainforest. To understand which species of fungi live in the soil, the scientists analyzed their RNA as well as their DNA. ✅ DNA tells us who is there ✅ RNA tells us about what they are doing. RNA degrades super quickly at warm temperatures, so we have to keep it as cold as possible until we can get it back to the lab. ❄ Normally, scientists bring dry ice into the field but because of the remote location of this expedition, they were forced to use liquid nitrogen instead! From this trip, we hope to understand the relationship between the endangered Colombian black oak trees and their fungal partners. Find out more about our expeditions across the globe: https://lnkd.in/eC7WTN9P #fungi #funga #mushrooms #mycology