Rise of the Zombie Cicada

Billions of cicadas are due to emerge, and some of them will be infected with a truly peculiar fungus, Massospora cicadina. Referred to as Flying Salt Shakers of Death, these infected cicadas have a grim and bizarre future above ground. We are joined by the brilliant mycologist and entomologist, Dr. Brian Lovett, who talks us through the mechanisms behind this insidious fungus and why it’s worth studying. Topics covered:Periodical vs annual cicadasBrood X life cycleMassospora cicadina life cycle and its selected hostsActive Host Transition methods in insect-eating fungiBehavioral changes in infected hosts Chemical expression of the massospora fungus especially psilocybin & amphetaminesThe significance of the 17-year cicada for researchers and why it's difficult to rear them in the labShow notes:Brian Lovett’s website: https://www.lovettbr.com/Cicada map: https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/docs/CicadaBroodStaticMap.pdfHow to Eat Cicadas: https://www.bustle.com/articles/155978-how-to-eat-cicadas-that-is-if-youre-brave-enough-to-tryCicada Mania: https://www.cicadamania.com/Cicadas peeing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QypzInWUpcI&list=PLMeYvbKcL_bJvLF0qVA-Mx8W6vZYlBumYHow to protect your trees from cicada damage: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/cicada-damage-to-trees.htmCicada Shell Art: https://www.thecrafttrain.com/cidada-shell-art/Cicada shells for biomaterials: sci-hub.se/10.1016/j.msec.2009.11.014Further Reading:Evolutionary relationship between Massospora cicadina and cicadas: https://sci-hub.se/10.1080/00275514.2020.1742033www.mushroomrevival.comWe are a functional mushroom company and make 100% certified USDA Organic and Vegan mushroom supplements. We are transparent with our lab results, and use actual fruiting bodies aka mushrooms! We provide our supplements in tincture, capsule, powder, and delicious gummy form. Energy (Cordyceps): Need a little pick-me-up before a workout or when you’re picking up your kids from school? The Energy Cordyceps is the mushy match for you.Focus (Lion’s Mane):  Needing a little more focus in your daily life? Lion’s Mane is known to be the mushroom for the brain and may support cognitive function.Calm (Reishi): Looking for some tranquility and zen in your life? Reishi will bring you into the zen state of mind you’ve been searching for.Daily 10 (Mushroom Mix): It’s like having 10 bodyguard mushrooms fighting off all those bad guys. This is a good place to start as it contains all of the daily mushies you need. Not sure where to begin? Take our mushroom quiz here.Use code ‘PODTREAT’ for a 30% discount.