Linnean Society Courses

Cracking the Code on Zombie Cicadas

Uncover the fascinating world of Massospora fungi and their zombifying effects on cicadas. Explore groundbreaking research, including amphetamine production in fungi and the largest fungal genome discovered to date.

• YouTube
• 35 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Molds, Mushrooms, and Medicines - Our Lifelong Relationship with Fungi

Explore the fascinating world of fungi, from gut microbiomes to ecological impacts. Discover their roles in health, food, medicine, and human history with mycologist Nicholas Money.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Botanical Architecture: Plants, Buildings and Us

Explore how plants can inspire sustainable architectural design and create living structures that harmonize with nature, challenging traditional building approaches while emphasizing human-plant interdependence.

• YouTube
• 38 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Can a Vegetable Be a Monster? - Plant Horror in Biology and Literature

Explore the fascinating intersection of botanical teratology and horror genres, examining how plants challenge our understanding of monstrosity and threaten human dominance in literature and film.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 4 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Life: A History of Mergers - Exploring Symbiosis and Evolution

Explore life's evolutionary history through symbiosis, gene transfer, and mergers. Challenge traditional views and discover how partnerships shaped Earth's biodiversity from ancient times to modern pangenomes.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The "Curious" Life of Elizabeth Blackwell - Botanical Book History

Explore Elizabeth Blackwell's "Curious Herbal," a remarkable 18th-century botanical book. Discover its creation, historical significance, and the author's determination in overcoming financial hardship.

• YouTube
• 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Sea Cucumbers - The Janitors of the Sea and Their Role in Coral Reef Health

Explore the crucial role of sea cucumbers in coral reef health and their potential to combat coral diseases through sediment cleaning, based on research from French Polynesia and Palmyra Atoll.

• YouTube
• 44 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Return of Britain's Wild Boar - Groundbreakers

Explore the controversial return of wild boar to Britain, their ecological impact, and the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence through Chantal Lyons' insightful journey across Europe.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 6 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Wondrous Birds of Elizabeth Gould - 19th Century Bird Illustration

Discover Elizabeth Gould's overlooked artistic legacy in 19th-century bird illustration. Explore her significant contributions and examine magnificent books preserved in the Linnean Society's Library.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Tenacious Beasts - Wildlife Recoveries and Hope

Explore wildlife recoveries and their impact on our understanding of animals, ecology, and conservation with philosopher Christopher Preston. Gain insights into the positive effects of animal returns on biodiversity and climate.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Community-Based Conservation - Safeguarding the Snow Leopard in Kyrgyz-Alai

Explore community-based conservation efforts for snow leopards in Kyrgyz-Alai. Learn about local rangers' dedication, challenges faced, and the importance of grassroots initiatives in protecting this majestic species.

• YouTube
• 48 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Unravelling Diversification in Cassidine Beetles

Explore the fascinating evolution of cassidine beetles, their unique adaptations, and diverse defense mechanisms. Gain insights into phylogenetic hypotheses and evolutionary transitions within the Chrysomelidae family.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• On-Demand
• Free Video

What Can Birds' Nests Teach Us About Evolution?

Explore bird nest diversity and its role in avian evolution. Discover surprising insights on nest adaptations, ecological impacts, and future challenges in a changing world.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Tree of Life Motif - Honouring Nature in the Home

Explore the "tree of life" motif in design, its cultural significance, and scientific relevance. Learn how this symbol connects nature, mythology, and biology across time and cultures.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Drawn to Extinction - Depicting the Thylacine

Explore the thylacine's extinction, its portrayal in art and science, and how colonial ideals shaped our understanding of Australian mammals. Gain insights into museum practices and their impact on wildlife perception.

• YouTube
• 56 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video