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WVU Student Uncovers Elusive Fungus Long Sought by LSD’s Creator
- West Virginia University student Corinne Hazel and Professor Daniel Panaccione made a groundbreaking discovery of Periglandula clandestina, a fungus producing LSD-like compounds within morning glory plants.
- The fungus was identified through Hazel's keen observations and genetic sequencing efforts, shedding light on its therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders and addiction treatment.
- Periglandula clandestina's production of ergot alkaloids, similar to those in LSD, presents opportunities for novel drug development and pharmaceutical research.
- The symbiotic relationship between the fungus and morning glories reveals an evolutionary mechanism with potential implications for natural product discovery.
- This discovery unravels a long-standing mystery in ethnobotany about the psychedelic properties of morning glories and signifies a significant advancement in mycology and plant-fungal symbioses.
- Hazel's research journey exemplifies the value of student-led scientific exploration and highlights the integration of molecular biology in studying fungal biology.
- The identification and characterization of Periglandula clandestina open avenues for developing innovative psychedelics and pharmaceuticals for psychiatric disorders, paving the way for future drug research.
- Understanding the diversity of Periglandula fungi among morning glory species could transform agricultural biotechnology and pharmacology, offering insights into alkaloid biosynthesis pathways.
- Ongoing investigations aim to enhance culturing techniques for Periglandula clandestina, facilitating large-scale biochemical extraction for further analysis and drug development.
- This breakthrough in fungal biology and drug studies may inspire a resurgence in natural product drug discovery derived from plant-fungal symbioses, steering scientific exploration towards therapeutic advancements.
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