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The marvel and mystery of mycelium, with Sarah Watkinson
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"Even though there may be all sorts of conflicts brewing, we can still talk as human beings who are fascinated; filled with wonder and curiosity," says Emeritus Research Fellow in Fungal Biology at the University of Oxford, Sarah Watkinson, on The Web of Us. In conversation with Claire Wathen, Sarah shares how she’s built an enviable career spanning five decades as a university mycologist turned poet, what mycelial networks teach us about life, and the dry rot conversation stopper she likes to drop at every dinner party.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to The Web Of Us
00:18 Meet Sarah Watkinson: University Mycologist turned Poet
01:22 Sarah's Journey and Early Influences
01:59 Diving into Dry Rot Fungi
07:54 The Fascinating World of Fungal Networks
08:48 Dry Rot Fungus in Nature and Human Structures
10:53 Collaborations and Research Innovations
13:54 The Evolution of Fungal Research
24:01 Fungi's Role in Ecosystems
26:39 Exciting Advances in Soil Imaging
27:52 Biomimicry and Bio-Inspiration
29:07 Fungal Adaptations and Hydrophobic Surfaces
29:45 Fungal Reproduction and Communication
36:53 The Intersection of Science and Poetry
51:00 Advice for Aspiring Scientists
References:
Soil Fungi and Soil Fertility, S. D. Garrett
Flavr Savr tomato, BBC
The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
Read Sarah’s research publications on ResearchGate
Read Sarah’s poetry, ‘Dung Beetles Navigate by Starlight’
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