MycoFAQ -- Internet Mycology Resources ====================================== This FAQ file is still incomplete, specifically in the area of Gopher/WAIS services. There are numerous services which are useful and available for the mycologist/mycophile online. This file cannot hope to cover them all. Contents -------- Newsgroups Listservers E-Mail Newsletters FTP sites Gopher,WAIS, WWW, Mosaic, etc. BBS's Newsgroups ---------- Also has e-mail to newsgroup server Listservers ----------- MYCONET currently "serves" four Internet mailing lists. To get the most recent list of lists, to request other information, or to suggest new mailing list topics, please send email to: postmaster@myconet.org. IDEALIST This mailing list is concerned with discussing online mycology. Anyone interested in the topic that has ideals and ideas they would like to share are welcome! Subscription address: idealist-request@myconet.org Posting address: idealist@myconet.org MEDLIST This mailing list is concerned with discussing the medicinal uses of fungi. Mycologists (Professional and amateur) and medical researchers are encouraged to participate. Subscription address: medlist-request@myconet.org Posting address: medlist@myconet.org EDULIST This mailing list is concerned with educational applications of fungi, pariticularly as demonstrations in classroom projects. Educators (all levels) and parents are encouraged to participate. Subscription address: edulist-request@myconet.org Posting address: edulist@myconet.org DBLIST This mailing list discusses the development of mycological databases. Mycologists (professional and amateur) with experience or an interest in computer programming are encouraged to participate. This mailing list may also be useful to mycologists who are unfamiliar with computer technology but are interested in the potential (and constraints) of database development. Subscription address: dblist-request@myconet.org Posting address: dblist@myconet.org TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THE LIST 1- Send a message addressed to the Posting address 2- Do not use this address to get on or off a list!!!! TO GET ON A LIST 1- Send a message addressed to the Subscription address. 2- Include the word "join" in text of the message. TO GET OFF A LIST 1- Send a message addressed to the Subscription address. 2- Include the word "delete" in text of the message. TO CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS MESSAGES Each mailing list corresponds to a conference on MYCONET, which is available at no charge via direct dial-up at (408) 866-9247. At this time telnet is not available. As of this writing you can send an ftpmail request for a file whose name is listname.old. In other words, to get the old medlist messages; send a message to ftpmail@myconet.org whose text is: get medlist.old Eventually we will have to modify this system since the number of messages is increasing quickly and the .old files will get uncomfortably large. E-mail Newsletters ------------------ MycoInfo Edited by Brian McNett. Published biweekly. Contains mycology articles, anecdotes, mushroom recipies, and other items of interest to the amateur mycologist. Not currently automated (working on that). Helping to promote mycology within the online medium. To receive MycoInfo directly: Send E-mail to brianmc@aol.com Please remember that you are dealing with a fellow human being, and not a computer. A nice message saying "hello" and describing a little about yourself and any mycological society affiliations you might have, would be very welcome. To receive back issues of MycoInfo: I am currently working on a six-month digest in the setext (.etx) format. Presently, back issues are archived on the MYCONET BBS, and available from them by FTPMail. Back issues of MycoInfo are also available on EcoNet's public access gopher (right here!). MycoInfo is in search of an e-mail site closer to the 'net. Spore's Afield (Electronic Edition) Edited by Wayne Harrison Published Monthly. This is the newsletter of the Colorado Mycological Society. Contact Wayne Harrison for details. Also posted to this gopher. FTP sites --------- FTP mail-server Send e-mail to the above address with the text "get filelist.txt" for a current list of available files. Anonymous FTP site is in place. address: econet.apc.org directory: pub/econet/mycoinfo files: various (missing a README file) Gopher, WAIS, WWW, Mosaic, etc. ------------------------------- gopher.igc.apc.org (uses default port 70) WWW-AAnDB and WWW-ABtDB WWW-ACeDB Servers for Aspergillus and Cows available on the WWW Server of the W.M. Keck Cente r for Genome Informatics at the Institute Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston URL: http://keck.tamu.edu/ibt.html WWW-AAnDB-1.0 is an experimental WWW interface to the data contained in AAnDB-1.0 (implemented in ACeDB-3.0, the latest version of Richard Durbin and Jean Thierry-Mieg's ACeDB) and is a prototype for a database with datatypes useful in the study of Aspergillus nidulans (and potentially other filamentous fungi). It utilizes the elegant ACeDB Server software (nph-acedb3) developed by Guy Decoux at (decoux@moulon.inra.fr). AAnDB-1.0 is a collaboration of Keck-IBT and Tom Adams (Department of Biology, Texas A&M University) and Greg May (Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine). WWW-ABtDB-1.0 is an experimental WWW interface to the data contained in ABtDB-1.0, and is also implemented in ACeDB-3.0 and nph-acedb3. It also contains data for human homologs of bovine loci, with links between species. The data models provided in the Human Chromosome 21 ACeDB-3.0 by Otter Ritter and co. were a very useful starting point to use for both new bovine Tags, as well as the addition of homolog functionality. ABtDB-1.0 is a collaboration of Keck- IBT and Jim Womack (College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University). Both of these WWW-ACeDB servers are accessible via the WWW Server of Keck-IBT. This URL http://keck.tamu.edu/ibt.html will take you to the Keck-IBT HomePage -- clicking on the Keck-IBT logo takes you to our 1st page of information. The link What's New on the Keck-IBT WWW Server leads to an ever-changing page which serves as a running dialog of our experimentation with this interface, and has links to both WWW-AAnDB-1.0 and WWW-AAnDB-1.0, as well as to further information and references about what is in the databases. Also, Jeff Kirk (jkirk@keck.tamu.edu) has put together a Tutorial on how these Servers were set up, with pointers to where the components can be found. Both WWW servers should be regarded as experimental prototypes -- they do work, and we find them useful, but the data models are being experimented with daily, and new data is always being added. Finally, neither db is anywhere near comprehensive in the data included, but is illustrative of the datatypes that we routinely use in the study of these organisms. Any feedback is very welcome at: leland@straylight.tamu.edu or jkirk@keck.tamu.edu Leland Ellis, Ph.D. Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics Director, W.M. Keck Center for Genome Informatics Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University 2121 Holcombe Houston, Texas 77030 email: leland@straylight.tamu.edu URL: http://keck.tamu.edu/ibt.html BBS's ----- MYCONET BBS Sysops: Christian Smith Blaise Pabon Comments: MycoNet offers an online mycology database through it's direct dial-up which is not available via the internet. The database is a subscription service, and although use of the dialup is without charge, use of the database requires a $35 annual subscription. Areas open to the public include an events calander and several discussion areas not included in MycoNet's listservers. Dialup (408) 866-9247 14.4K bps Wade's World Sysops: Wade Lescyhn Comments: This is the official club BBS of the Mycological Society of San Fransisco. Wade also is co-editor of Mycena News, the MSSF newsletter. Dialup (415) 261-1212 9600 bps MycoFAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions About Mycology ===================================================== These are basic questions usually asked by non-mycophiles. Questions of a more complex or technical scope are outside the purview of this FAQ. If You have such a question, a posting to one of the MycoNet Listservers might be an appropriate starting point. For the most complex technical questions, will occasionally stoop to discussions of the fleshy fungi, but tends more to the obscure end, as researchers tend to desire to be on the "cutting edge" of their field. Please direct any **simple** questions to the maintainers of this FAQ, and we'll consider it for inclusion here. Which Mushrooms are Good to Eat? -------------------------------- This is a very difficult and complex question. Over many centuries, avid mushroom hunters have literally given their lives to answer it. As a result, we now have a fairly good, and increasingly reliable picture of which species of mushrooms are edible, and which are poisonous. Rather than just going out and picking any mushroom and eating it (a **dangerous** practice to say the least), one can avail one's self of any of several dozen good field guides, as well as the services of any of hundreds of local mycological societies, which by and large are composed of dedicated amatuers. Empirical tests, such as whether the mushroom stains a silver coin black, are complete nonsense. Known mycotoxins have **no** such effects. There are likewise no machines which can determine the edibility of a mushroom. Only by systematically studying the characteristic traits of fungi, can one accurately determine the precise ~species~ of mushroom, and hence its edibility. Please note: Even today, our knowledge of the edibility of wild mushrooms is changing. Some species, which were once considered edible, are now considered poisonous due to their high content of known carcinogens, or cumulative poisons. There are, however places where these species are still eaten and enjoyed, making it difficult to catagorize them as edible or not. Get yourself a good field guide, and avail yourself of the services of a knowledgable, experienced mushroom hunter. There are many fine local mycological societies, far more than I can list in the FAQ file. Memberships are **not** expensive, and they're always glad to help along new members. When and Where Do I Find Mushrooms? ----------------------------------- This is also a very difficult and complex question! Technically, a mushroom is merely the **fruiting body** of a fungus. The main growing portion of the fungus, is composed of thread-like ~hyphae~ which form spreading masses known as ~mycelium~. This fungal aspect of the mushroom determines its fruiting behavior and ecological nich. Different fungi grow on different ~substrates~, and fruit under different circumstances. Depending upon the species of mushroom, the season, weather, quality of the substrate (for ground-dwelling species, soil conditions, etc.-- for log-rotters, the age of the host log -- for mycorrhizal species, the health of the host tree, and so forth),as well as numerous other factors, a single species of mushroom, numerous one year, may be nearly impossible to find the next. Learning the habits and habitat of mushrooms is a challenging endeavor, the reward for which being that one learns to predict when and where mushrooms ~should~ fruit, and check those places first. Experienced mushroom hunters have their own favorite patches, which they watch reqularly, and in some cases, even tend to occasionally. If you're lucky, you can get one to take you to such a place, but you'll have to be **very** lucky, as the very ~best~ patches are often closely held secrets. Can I Hurt Mushrooms by Picking Them? ------------------------------------- In a word, no. As mentioned above, a mushroom is merely the **fruiting body** of a fungus, the growing portion of which is called ~mycelium~ and extends in a large network under the ground. Picking a mushroom, as long as it is done in a responsible manner, causes no injury to the ~mycelium~, and may in fact cause some species of mushrooms to fruit again. Responsible picking means only taking as many mushrooms as you yourself can consume, and no more. It also means not going over the soil with a rake other implement in an attempt to turn up unemerged buttons. It means not knocking down a standing snag just to get at a few Pleurotus fruiting at the top. Use consideration for the environment, and leave something for those who follow. Can I Be Hurt by Picking Mushrooms? ----------------------------------- Not by the mushrooms themselves, but one should be aware of a few ancilliary dangers which involve general outdoorsmanship as much as mushroom hunting itself. Even if you're just out for the afternoon, consider carrying a compass, first aid kit, maps -- wearing warm clothing, and carrying a small supply of food, Remember that you may encounter ticks, snakes, and a variety of other deziens of the wild, and not so wild places where mushrooms grow, and to come prepared. When picking on private land, seek out the permission of the landowner **FIRST**. Some landowners know about the mushrooms on their property, and don't want strangers taking them! Others may not like the idea of people trudging around on their land. Keep those things in mind, and your mushrooming experiences will be more pleasurable than not. What are the Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning? -------------------------------------------- There are many different types of **mycotoxins**. It's not suprising then, that there are different degrees and types of mushroom poisoning. The following list is not exhaustive! _Gastrointestinal Irritants_ The most frequent form of mushroom poisoning is caused by a variety of gastrointestinal irritants. A complete list of mushrooms containing such irritants is beyond the scope of this FAQ. Consult a good field guide. The symptoms usually appear within 20 minutes to 4 hours of ingesting the mushrooms, and include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea, which normally pass after the irritant had been expelled. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Treatment is largely supportive-- helping the patient's body to eliminate what it's not equipped to handle. Recovery is complete, though a bout with severe gastro-intestinal distress may put one off ever eating mushrooms again! _Muscarine_ _Mushrooms_: Inocybe species, Clitocybe dealbata, and several relatives, Omphalatus species, and certain red-pored Boletus. The symptoms usually occur within 15-30 minutes of ingestion, and are focused on the involuntary nervous system. They include excessive salivation, sweating, tears, lactation (in pregnant women), plus severe vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms **may** be accompianied by visual disturbances, irregular pulse, decreased blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Victims normally recover within 24 hours, but severe cases may result in death due to resperatory failure. Atropine is a specific antidote, but must be administered by a physician. _Amanitin (Amatoxins)_ _Mushrooms_: Amanita phallodies, Amanita ocreata, A. verna, A. bisporigera, Conocybe filaris, Galernia autunmalis, G. marginata G. venenata, Lepiotia castanea, L. helveola, L. josserandii & close relatives **Extremely Serious**. The fatality rate for Amanitin poisoning is about 50%. It is doubly dangerous due to the fact that the symptoms are delayed for 6 to 24 hours after ingestion, by which time the toxins have been completely absorbed by the body. Amanitins are a group of complex cyclic polypeptides which damage tissues by inhibiting RNA synthesis within each individual cell. Onset of symtoms manifests itself in four stages: First stage is a latency period of 6 to 24 hours after ingestion, in which the toxins are actively destroying the victim's kidneys and liver, but the victim experiences no discomfort. Second stage is a period of about 24 hours characterized by violent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and severe abdominal cramps. Third stage is a period of 24 hours during which the victim appears to recover (if hospitalized, the patient is sometimes released!) Fourth stage is a relapse, during which kidney and liver failure often occurs, leading to death. There may be more than one relapse. It's a very slow, painful death. **If you have any reason to suspect that someone has ingested an** **amanitin-containing mushroom, DON'T WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS TO** **APPEAR!** There is no antidote for amanitin poisoning, and the best hope is to rush the person to the hosptial where the toxins can be removed before being fully absorbed into the body. Treatment is largely supportive and symptomatic. _Gyromitrin_ Several Gyromitra spp., also many related Ascomycetes, such as Helvella, Verpa, Cudonia spp. Gyromitrin's product of hydrolisis is monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a colorless, volitile, highly toxic, carcinogenic compound, first discovered and used for it's ~hypergolic~ properties in combination with nitrogen tetroxide. MMH is used by NASA as rocket fuel, which should give you some idea of what is meant by "volitile". "Volitile" also means that gyromitrin has a low boiling point, and thus mushrooms containing it can have a puzzling non-effect on some, whereas others are severely poisoned. The dividing line between a "safe" and "leathal" dose is very slim. Ignore any field guide which claims that Gyromytras, Verpas, and Helvellas are safe after parboiling, as it is not certain that enough of the gyromitrin has been removed. Symptoms appear within 2 to 24 hours and include headaches, abdominal distress, severe diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, liver, kidney, and red blood cell damage may occur, possibly resulting in death. Treatment is largely supportive, and a physician should be consulted Gyromitrin is also a known carcinogen, so consuming a less than toxic dose may also cause trouble down the line. .. This document was prepared by Brian McNett , with advice and input from: Mike Stein Christian Smith Blaise Pabon This document comes "wrapped as setext" (.etx). You may view this text with any text editor, but to get the best advantage from it, the authors suggest a setext viewer, such as EasyView 2.3.3 for the Macintosh. For further information on the setext format, send e-mail to with the subject "setext" (without quotes). A reply concerning the concept behind setext will be returned automatically.