Mushroom experts Christiane Baschien and Harry Andersson on Wednesday (13.09.2023) in the editorial office of the Braunschweiger Zeitung in Braunschweig. Photo: Florian Kleinschmidt

They both share a passion for mushrooms, although they focus on different manifestations. What we do not see in the forest, for example, are the mycelia of the mushrooms. Dr. Baschien deals with these at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ (German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures). However, these have not yet been well researched. “We know xy species so far…..” However, what is already certain is that mushrooms are also threatened by environmental changes and toxins, which has an impact on their role in nature. It is not yet possible to foresee what the consequences of their absence will be, because mushrooms play an elementary role in nature.

Harry Andersson is an expert on the fruiting bodies of mushrooms. Probably what most people think of when they hear the term. Namely the brown creatures with umbrella and style. As a certified expert, Andersson is available to hospitals in our region as a consultant. His knowledge and experience are particularly in demand when patients are admitted to the emergency room with suspected mushroom poisoning. In such critical moments, his expertise can be life-saving, as he helps to identify the type of mushroom and recommend the correct treatment.

In the current episode, he gives valuable tips on what consumers should look out for when buying mushrooms in the supermarket.

The podcast “Forsch! – Science in Conversation” is a cooperation between the ForschungRegion Braunschweig and the Braunschweiger Zeitung. The moderators from ForschungRegion and Braunschweiger Zeitung talk to actors from the region about their research, their person – and about current social, political and ethical questions and debates. Now directly here to listen or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer stream.