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Science

Judi Lynn

(160,542 posts) Thu Mar 1, 2018, 12:05 AM Mar 2018

3

Magic mushrooms evolved hallucinogenic chemicals to stop insects eating them, say scientists

Genetic analysis suggests psilocybin serves a useful function for psychedelic fungi, and may change the way potential attackers think

Josh Gabbatiss Science Correspondent 3 hours ago

The hallucinogenic substance that puts the “magic” in magic mushrooms may have originally evolved as a protection against insect attack, according to a new study.

The same chemicals that make humans “trip” may also repel insects by manipulating their brain chemistry and save the mushrooms from being eaten, according to a team of scientists led by Professor Jason Slot, a fungus specialist at The Ohio State University.

They arrived at the conclusion after studying the genetics of different magic mushroom lineages.

The hallucinogenic properties of magic mushrooms are induced by a chemical called psilocybin.

More:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/magic-mushrooms-hallucinogenic-chemical-properties-insects-eat-defensive-measure-a8233581.html

4 replies

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Magic mushrooms evolved hallucinogenic chemicals to stop insects eating them, say scientists (Original Post) Judi Lynn Mar 2018 OP

Seems to me that getting the insects stoned marylandblue Mar 2018 #1

I do not believe the munchies are likely following mushroom ingestion. WheelWalker Mar 2018 #3

Not quite, I was thinking the insects would like the feeling and want more marylandblue Mar 2018 #4

This I also why they think cannibas askyagerz Mar 2018 #2

marylandblue

(12,344 posts)

1. Seems to me that getting the insects stoned

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Mar 1, 2018, 12:10 AM

Mar 2018

would make just them want to eat more mushrooms. Unless it makes hard for them to find the mushrooms?

WheelWalker

(8,955 posts)

3. I do not believe the munchies are likely following mushroom ingestion.

Reply to marylandblue (Reply #1)

Thu Mar 1, 2018, 12:39 AM

Mar 2018

...if that is what you're suggesting.

marylandblue

(12,344 posts)

4. Not quite, I was thinking the insects would like the feeling and want more

Reply to WheelWalker (Reply #3)

Thu Mar 1, 2018, 01:08 AM

Mar 2018

Sort of like catnip.

askyagerz

(776 posts)

2. This I also why they think cannibas

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Mar 1, 2018, 12:38 AM

Mar 2018

Created THC but it was more of a bad taste deterrent

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