Mushroom Science
In Vitro, Animal and Human Studies: What's the Difference?
A result in cells, in mice and in people are not the same thing. This article explains in vitro, animal and human studies, and systematic reviews,...
The Spore & Bloom Library
Notes on the science, traditions and cultivation behind functional mushrooms, from the people who make Spore & Bloom.
Mushroom Science
How to Read Mushroom Research
Headlines about mushroom research often overstate the findings. This guide gives you seven simple questions for reading mushroom research for yourself, from study type to funding.
Mushroom Science
Chitin and the Fungal Cell Wall
Chitin is a tough material at the heart of the fungal cell wall. This article explains what it is, how the cell wall is built and...
Mushroom Science
Triterpenes in Mushrooms Explained
Triterpenes are a major group of compounds in mushrooms such as Reishi and Chaga. This article explains what they are, where they’re found and why they...
Mushroom Science
Cordyceps Research: What Does the Evidence Show?
Cordyceps attracts bold claims. This research summary explains which species and materials have been studied, the types of study, their limitations and what can reasonably be...
Mushroom Extract Shelf Life and Storage
How long does a mushroom tincture keep, and how should you store it? This practical guide covers shelf life, storage, sediment and when to discard.
Lion's Mane Tincture vs Powder
Lion’s Mane tincture or powder? This article compares the two specifically for Lion’s Mane, including extraction, alcohol, how each is taken and why the part used...
Mushroom Biology
How Lion's Mane Grows: Biology, Habitat and Identification
Lion’s Mane is one of Britain’s most striking and rarest fungi. This article covers its biology, habitat, how to recognise it and why it’s legally protected.
Getting Started
Mushroom Extracts Explained: Tinctures, Powders and Concentrates
Tinctures, extract powders, concentrates, whole powders: mushroom product names are used loosely. This guide explains what each is and how to tell them apart.
Mushroom Biology
What Are Hyphae and Mycelium?
Most of a fungus is an invisible network of threads. This article explains hyphae and mycelium, what they do and how mycelium is used in mushroom...
Mushroom Biology
The Mushroom Life Cycle Explained
Every mushroom is one stage in a remarkable life cycle. This article walks through spores, germination, mycelium, fruiting and spore release, and why it matters for...
Mushroom Biology
What Is a Fungus? A Beginner's Guide
What is a fungus? This beginner’s guide explains the fungal kingdom, how fungi differ from plants, how they feed and why mushrooms are the fruit of...