Genome sequencing of hallucinogenic Yunnan bolete reveals unknown compound behind visions
By
News Team
Crispy enough to crunch, soft enough to enjoy. A good bake.
Summary
Researchers at the University of Utah have sequenced the genomes of 53 specimens of the Yunnan bolete mushroom, which causes hallucinations (seeing "little people") in hundreds of people annually. The study, published in Mycologia, built a phylogeny from 1,515 single-copy orthologous genes, mapping the genus at unprecedented resolution. The team reorganized the genus by renaming six species into new combinations, identifying four new species, and finding that the compound responsible for the visions is not a known psychedelic substance.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledEvery major branch in the resulting tree has full statistical support.
It is the first time the genus has been mapped at this resolution.
Hundreds of people a year are hospitalised seeing little people after a meal of a prized Yunnan bolete.
Its genome has now been read in full, and whatever causes the visions is nothing science recognises.
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