Mycopesticides for Malaria Mosquitoes

Zombie fungi aren't just cool — they're extremely useful. Dr. Brian Lovett is back on the show to discuss the powers of entomopathogenic fungi. We get into the weeds of what makes these fungi equip for success as carnivores, transgenic engineering, the evolution of pathology and more. Brian also shares cutting edge research from the MosquitoSphere in Burkina Faso, where he and his team work to combat malaria using Metarhizium fungi. Topics Covered:Defining entomopathogenic fungiChemical signaling and mechanisms of infectionCircadian rhythms in fungi, and how entomopathogenic fungi time keep in their hostsMycopesticides, especially to fight Malaria in mosquitoes Transgenic engineering of fungi with spider venom genes to target insects Metarhizium as a platform fungi for board and narrow range target specific Current practices, successes and challenges in the fight against malariaEthics of developing and deploying biotechnology in international local communities Synergies between bio and chemical insecticidesUnique chemical  compositions of entomopathogenic fungiShow notes:Brian Lovett's website: https://www.lovettbr.com/Cordyceps unilateralis on the BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8Genetically engineering fungal pesticides: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ps.4734The Insect Pathogens: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1128/9781555819583.ch45Zombie Insect Presentation with Genspace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF7NOiREHlUArticles mentioned: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48464510Transgenic Metarhizium: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6443/894.abstractwww.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.