Researchers trying to explain how some mushrooms became 'magic'February 28, 2018 - 17:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - They’ve gained notoriety for their hallucinogenic side-effects – but, so-called magic mushrooms may have developed their mind-altering properties as a way to protect themselves. Scientists have long remained perplexed by the ‘biological mystery’ of psychedelic mushrooms, which contain the compound psilocybin but appear to have little in common between the different species, The Daily Mail reports. Now, new research on several types of mushrooms, both hallucinogenic and not, has revealed a cluster of genes that could explain the link. According to the experts, the genes responsible for psilocybin may have emerged to trick fungus-eating insects into feeling less hungry, to prevent them from devouring the mushrooms. In the new study, researchers from Ohio State University compared three species of psychedelic mushrooms, each containing the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, and three related mushrooms that do not produce the compound. Given the variations in the biological lineage of magic mushrooms, experts suspect genetic material may have crossed between the species in a process known as horizontal gene transfer, in response to stress or environmental opportunities. The study pinpointed a cluster of five genes that appear to link the different psychedelic mushrooms. "But our main question is, ‘How did it evolve?'" said lead researcher Jason Slot. "What is the role of psilocybin in nature?" Upon further investigation, the researchers found what they say could be an ‘evolutionary clue’ on the emergence of the mind-altering compound. According to the study, the genes responsible for the production of psilocybin may have been exchanged in an environment dominated by fungus-eating insects – primarily, in animal manure. Photo. Wikipedia Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |