131: Discovering New Mushrooms with DNA Barcoding Featuring Molecular Mycologist Mandie Quark

Sep 24

Written By KK

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by a special guest, Mandie Quark, a renowned molecular mycologist and rare fungi collector. Known for her passion for mushroom photography, genome sequencing, and DNA barcoding, Mandie is a trailblazer in the field of fungal research. You might have seen her work alongside the iconic Alan Rockefeller, but she’s made a name for herself through her unique contributions to the study of fungi.

** She was the first person I wanted to interview back when I first started Flora Funga Podcast in 2019**

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fungal research, discussing why we need more experts like Mandie in this field, and what DNA barcoding really is. We explore some of her top locations for foraging and research, and how she identifies new species of fungi that haven't been documented before.

What is DNA Barcoding and Why Does It Matter? DNA barcoding is a method used by scientists to identify species by sequencing a short section of DNA from a standardized region of the genome. For fungi, this process helps determine if a species is new by comparing the DNA sequence to existing databases. This is crucial in a field like mycology, where new species are frequently discovered but often go undocumented due to a lack of research. Mandie explains how DNA barcoding is used to fill gaps in our knowledge and contribute to global conservation efforts.

Highlights of Our Discussion:

How Mandie’s background in molecular biology led her to become a molecular mycologist
The importance of DNA barcoding in identifying new fungal species
The value of citizen science in mushroom research
Mandie’s favorite places to forage for rare fungi
Upcoming mushroom festivals and events where you can meet Mandie

We also talk about the exciting Common Descent podcast, which is all about paleontology, evolution, and the history of life on Earth, hosted by two passionate paleontologists. If you love deep dives into science, this is another show you’ll want to check out.

If you learned something new today, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the Flora Funga Podcast. Plus, take part in the Top Mycologists to Follow nomination by voting for your favorite fungal experts using the links provided in the show notes!

Thank you for joining us today. Stay curious, scientists, and keep exploring the wonders of the natural world!

Related Keywords: Molecular Mycologist, DNA Barcoding, Fungal Research, Mushroom Identification, Fungi Conservation, Flora Funga Podcast, Mandie Quark

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Follow Her and Her Events:
mycena (@mycena.media) • Instagram photos and videos
Stephen Russell (@mycota.lab) • Instagram photos and videos
Rainforest Foray Series Ecuador 2024 — mycena LLC
The Mushroom Hunters Can’t Stop Finding Mysterious Fungi - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
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