"Zombie spiders" and Darwin's HMS Beagle collection are among the fungi being digitally archived by scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Kew's Fungarium, an archive beneath the west London garden, is one of the world's biggest and most important collections of fungal diversity. It contains more than a million specimens collected over the past 175 years. Teams have been creating high resolution images, transcribing the data and uploading it onto Kew's portal, which grants researchers worldwide remote access to the collection. Operations manager of the Fungarium digitisation, Shaheenara Chowdhury, said fungi "have been overlooked by the scientific community for so long, and yet they are amongst the most wonderful and mysterious organisms on the planet". The specimens are georeferenced and span decades, meaning experts can observe how a species' range has changed over time, helping to inform conservation plans. Kew scientists have also been tapping into the genetic information stored in the Fungarium's 50,000 type specimens. The project, which is a partnership with the Natural History Museum and is backed by government funding, aims to sequence about 7,000 of these fungi, making the data publicly available online in the coming years. The hope is that this will accelerate the discovery of new chemicals and medicines. Scientists estimate there are 2.5 million fungal species in the world but only 166,000 have been described. Among the species digitised by the Kew team is Gibellula attenboroughii - or David Attenborough's "zombie fungus" - named after first being spotted on an episode of BBC's Winterwatch in 2021, having infected an orb-weaving cave spider. The parasitic fungus species belongs to a group that infects their invertebrate hosts and takes control before killing them as part of their spore-spreading mechanisms. Another was Cyttaria dawinii, a small globular parasitic fungus collected by Charles Darwin in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in South America during the HMS Beagle voyage between 1831 and 1836. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London onSoundsand follow BBC London onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas tohello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
'Zombie spider' fungi among Kew archive specimens
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Kew Gardens Initiates Digital Archive of Fungal Specimens Including Historic Finds"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is undertaking a significant project to digitally archive an extensive collection of fungi, which includes peculiar specimens such as the so-called 'zombie spiders' and items from Charles Darwin's HMS Beagle voyage. The Kew Fungarium, located beneath the west London garden, is one of the largest and most crucial archives of fungal diversity worldwide, boasting over a million specimens that have been collected over the past 175 years. The digitization initiative involves creating high-resolution images of the specimens, transcribing associated data, and making it accessible through Kew's online portal. This effort not only democratizes access to this vital collection for researchers globally but also addresses the long-standing neglect of fungi within the scientific community. Operations manager Shaheenara Chowdhury emphasized the importance of fungi, noting their fascinating and often mysterious nature, which has yet to be fully appreciated by science. The archived specimens are georeferenced to provide insights into how various species' ranges have evolved over time, which is crucial for informing conservation strategies.
In addition to the digitization efforts, Kew scientists are tapping into the genetic information contained within the Fungarium's 50,000 type specimens, aiming to sequence approximately 7,000 fungi as part of a collaborative project with the Natural History Museum, supported by government funding. The anticipated outcome is the creation of an online database that could spur the discovery of new chemicals and potential medicines. Current estimates suggest that there are about 2.5 million fungal species globally, yet only around 166,000 have been formally described. Among the notable species being digitized is Gibellula attenboroughii, commonly referred to as 'David Attenborough's zombie fungus,' which was first documented during a 2021 episode of BBC's Winterwatch. This parasitic fungus infects orb-weaving spiders, taking control of their hosts before ultimately leading to their demise as part of its reproductive cycle. Another specimen of interest is Cyttaria dawinii, a parasitic fungus collected by Darwin in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago during his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle, highlighting the intersection of natural history and contemporary scientific research.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the efforts of scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to digitally archive fungal specimens, including unique species such as "zombie spiders." This initiative showcases the importance of fungi in biodiversity and the need for better understanding and conservation of these organisms. By making the data publicly accessible, the project aims to foster global scientific collaboration and expedite discoveries in medicine and biochemistry.
Purpose of the Report
The intention behind this article seems to be to raise awareness about the significance of fungi, which are often neglected in scientific research. By featuring intriguing specimens and the history behind them, the article aims to capture public interest and highlight the innovative work being done in the field of mycology.
Public Perception
The article likely aims to create a sense of fascination and curiosity about fungi among the general public. By referencing the popular figure David Attenborough and presenting fungi as "wonderful and mysterious organisms," it seeks to elevate the public's perception of this often-overlooked kingdom of life.
Possible Concealments
There is little indication that the article is attempting to conceal or distract from other issues. Instead, it appears to focus on promoting scientific research and biodiversity conservation, which are timely and relevant topics in today's environmental discourse.
Manipulative Elements
While the article is informative, it may have a slight manipulative aspect by sensationalizing certain elements, such as the term "zombie fungus." This choice of words is designed to attract attention and evoke curiosity, but it might oversimplify the complexity of these fungi's ecological roles.
Credibility Assessment
The article appears credible, as it is based on a reputable source (the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) and involves scientific research backed by government funding. However, the sensational language could lead some readers to question the seriousness of the subject matter.
Broader Connections
In the context of other news, this article aligns with ongoing discussions about biodiversity loss and conservation efforts globally. It could serve as a reminder of the importance of lesser-known organisms amid larger environmental issues.
Community Support
This article likely resonates with environmentalists, educators, and those interested in science and nature. It appeals to communities that value biodiversity and conservation efforts, as well as those who admire historical figures like Darwin and Attenborough.
Economic and Market Impact
While the article itself may not have immediate implications for stock markets, it could influence sectors related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and conservation funding. Interest in fungal research could lead to investments in these areas.
Geopolitical Relevance
Although the news is primarily focused on scientific research, it implicitly underscores the global importance of biodiversity and conservation, which are relevant to discussions of climate change and international cooperation in environmental protection.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is possible that AI technologies were used in the digitization process of the fungal specimens, especially in creating high-resolution images and data transcription. However, the article does not specifically mention AI, which suggests that the focus remains on the scientific and historical aspects rather than technology.
In conclusion, the article serves to inform and engage the public about the significance of fungi and the efforts being made to study and preserve them, ultimately reflecting a broader commitment to understanding biodiversity.