The Beginning and End in Nature - Fungi's Role in Biodiversity

Explore the fascinating world of fungi and their crucial role in the natural cycles of life and death in this 19-minute TEDxAmazônia talk by mycologist Noemia Kazue Ishikawa. Discover how fungi break down deceased organisms to nourish new life, enabling the rich biodiversity of plants and animals in the Amazon rainforest. Follow Ishikawa's journey from the laboratories of Hokkaido University in Japan to her work in the Amazon, where she combines academic science with indigenous knowledge. Learn about her passion for fungi, inspired by her grandfather's love of mushroom cultivation, and her efforts to disseminate scientific knowledge through research, children's books, and culinary exploration. Gain insights into Ishikawa's contributions to mycology, including her leadership of a mushroom research group at the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) and her award-winning work on Yanomami food culture.