World of fungi takes center stage in Explorations finale

NEWS RELEASE
Issued - March 31, 2010

ARDMORE, Okla. — Mushrooms are more than just pizza toppings.

In fact, mushrooms are merely a small member of the fungi kingdom that includes more than 100,000 distinct species. Together, fungi combine to play critical roles throughout nature, supporting life around the globe and in every imaginable environment.

As the finale to the Noble Foundation's 2009-2010 Explorations in Science speaker series, Noble mycologist Carolyn Young, Ph.D., will discuss the fascinating world of fungi at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the Ardmore Convention Center.

Entitled Fabulous Fungi: Not Just Rottin', Young's presentation is open to the public and offered at no cost, courtesy of the Noble Foundation. A light reception will follow.

"Most people think of fungi only as mushrooms that grow in our yard or that we eat. They might also know about their function in decaying organic matter," Young said. "While all those roles are important, fungi are much more interesting organisms. They have shaped human history. They've assisted in improving our everyday lives. They've done so much to affect us, and yet most people know so little about them."

During her presentation, Young will feature the human interest stories surrounding her favorite fungi. She'll examine the various species from mushrooms to endophytes (fungi that live inside a plant) and explain how these often overlooked organisms played a role in some of history's most shocking moments, like the Salem witch trials.

Young's presentation, which will include some hands-on demonstrations and audience participation, will also detail how scientists, such as herself, are using fungi to produce hardier crops to support production agriculture.

"Carolyn is passionate about her work with fungi, so when she talks about her work and tells amazing stories about fungi, you can't help but be passionate as well," said Marilyn Roossinck, principal investigator at the Noble Foundation and Explorations in Science series coordinator. "Her presentation promises to be an audience favorite."

For additional information about Explorations in Science, contact J. Adam Calaway, director of public relations, at 580.224.6209.

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For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact:

J. Adam Calaway

jacalaway@noble.org

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.