zondag 12 juni 2016

Psilocybe cubensis The magic mushroom

http://www.mediamatic.net/381326/en/psilocybe-cubensis


Psilocybe cubensis

The magic mushroom

Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psychedelic mushroom whose principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin. Commonly called shrooms, magic mushrooms, golden tops, cubes, or gold caps, it belongs to the Hymenogastraceae family of fungi and was previously known as Stropharia cubensis. It is the most well known psilocybin mushroom due to its wide distribution and ease of cultivation.
Psilocybe cubensis is probably the most widely known of the psilocybin containing mushrooms used. Its major psychoactive compounds are:
•Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
•Psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
•Baeocystin (4-phosphoryloxy-N-methyltryptamine)
•Norbaeocystin (4-phosphoryloxytryptamine)
The concentrations of psilocin and psilocybin, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, were determined to be in the range of 0.14–0.42%/0.37–1.30% (dry weight) in the whole mushroom, 0.17–0.78%/0.44–1.35% in the cap and 0.09–0.30%/0.05–1.27% in the stem.
Individual brain chemistry and psychological predisposition play a significant role in determining appropriate doses. For a modest psychedelic effect, a minimum of one gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms is ingested orally. 0.25–1 gram is usually sufficient to produce a mild effect, 1–2.5 grams usually provides a moderate effect. 2.5 grams and higher usually produces strong effects. For most people, 3.5 dried grams (1/8 oz) would be considered a high dose and may produce an intense experience; this is, however, typically considered a standard dose. For many individuals doses above 3 grams may be overwhelming. For a few rare people, doses as small as 0.25 grams can produce full-blown effects normally associated with very high doses. For most people, however, that dose level would result in virtually no effects. Due to factors such as age and storage method, the psilocybin content of a given sample of mushrooms will vary. Effects usually start after approximately 20–60 minutes (depending on method of ingestion and stomach contents) and may last from four to ten hours, depending on dosage. Visual distortions often occur, including walls that seem to breathe, a vivid enhancement of colors and the animation of organic shapes. At higher doses, experiences tend to be less social and more entheogenic, often intense and spiritual in nature.
The effects of very high doses can be overwhelming depending on the particular phenotype of cubensis, growth method, and the individual. Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms can come in rather different sizes. It is recommended that one weigh the actual mushrooms, as opposed to simply counting them. People taking MAOIs need to be careful, as psilocybin and psilocin are metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor reduces the body's ability to metabolize psilocin and psilocybin, greatly increasing the intensity of the experience. This can sometimes produce uncomfortable or undesirably intense experiences.

Cultivation

Personal-scale cultivation of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms ranges from the relatively simple and small-scale PF Tek and other "cake" methods, that produce a limited amount of mushrooms, to advanced techniques utilizing methods of professional mushroom cultivators. These advanced methods require a greater investment of time, money, and knowledge, but reward the diligent cultivator with far larger and much more consistent harvests.
Terence McKenna and his brother Dennis made Psilocybe cubensis particularly famous when they published Psilocybin: The Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide in the 1970s upon their return from the Amazon rainforest, having deduced new methods (based on pre-existing techniques) for growing psilocybin mushrooms and assuring their audience that Psilocybe cubensis were amongst the easiest psilocybin-containing mushrooms to cultivate.
In much of the world, possession of mushrooms containing psilocybin is illegal. Inform yourself about the laws and restrictions in your country. Anne Frank was illegal too, also Martin Luther King. ;)
Contributions 

Psilocybe cubensis

The magic mushroom

Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psychedelic mushroom whose principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin. Commonly called shrooms, magic mushrooms, golden tops, cubes, or gold caps, it belongs to the Hymenogastraceae family of fungi and was previously known as Stropharia cubensis. It is the most well known psilocybin mushroom due to its wide distribution and ease of cultivation.
Psilocybe cubensis is probably the most widely known of the psilocybin containing mushrooms used. Its major psychoactive compounds are:
•Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
•Psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
•Baeocystin (4-phosphoryloxy-N-methyltryptamine)
•Norbaeocystin (4-phosphoryloxytryptamine)
The concentrations of psilocin and psilocybin, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, were determined to be in the range of 0.14–0.42%/0.37–1.30% (dry weight) in the whole mushroom, 0.17–0.78%/0.44–1.35% in the cap and 0.09–0.30%/0.05–1.27% in the stem.
Individual brain chemistry and psychological predisposition play a significant role in determining appropriate doses. For a modest psychedelic effect, a minimum of one gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms is ingested orally. 0.25–1 gram is usually sufficient to produce a mild effect, 1–2.5 grams usually provides a moderate effect. 2.5 grams and higher usually produces strong effects. For most people, 3.5 dried grams (1/8 oz) would be considered a high dose and may produce an intense experience; this is, however, typically considered a standard dose. For many individuals doses above 3 grams may be overwhelming. For a few rare people, doses as small as 0.25 grams can produce full-blown effects normally associated with very high doses. For most people, however, that dose level would result in virtually no effects. Due to factors such as age and storage method, the psilocybin content of a given sample of mushrooms will vary. Effects usually start after approximately 20–60 minutes (depending on method of ingestion and stomach contents) and may last from four to ten hours, depending on dosage. Visual distortions often occur, including walls that seem to breathe, a vivid enhancement of colors and the animation of organic shapes. At higher doses, experiences tend to be less social and more entheogenic, often intense and spiritual in nature.
The effects of very high doses can be overwhelming depending on the particular phenotype of cubensis, growth method, and the individual. Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms can come in rather different sizes. It is recommended that one weigh the actual mushrooms, as opposed to simply counting them. People taking MAOIs need to be careful, as psilocybin and psilocin are metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor reduces the body's ability to metabolize psilocin and psilocybin, greatly increasing the intensity of the experience. This can sometimes produce uncomfortable or undesirably intense experiences.

Cultivation

Personal-scale cultivation of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms ranges from the relatively simple and small-scale PF Tek and other "cake" methods, that produce a limited amount of mushrooms, to advanced techniques utilizing methods of professional mushroom cultivators. These advanced methods require a greater investment of time, money, and knowledge, but reward the diligent cultivator with far larger and much more consistent harvests.
Terence McKenna and his brother Dennis made Psilocybe cubensis particularly famous when they published Psilocybin: The Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide in the 1970s upon their return from the Amazon rainforest, having deduced new methods (based on pre-existing techniques) for growing psilocybin mushrooms and assuring their audience that Psilocybe cubensis were amongst the easiest psilocybin-containing mushrooms to cultivate.
In much of the world, possession of mushrooms containing psilocybin is illegal. Inform yourself about the laws and restrictions in your country. Anne Frank was illegal too, also Martin Luther King. ;)
Contributions 

Mushrooms are taking over the Dutch media


http://hollandurbangardening.blogspot.nl/2014/02/mushfarmer-channel-more-mushroom-types_15.html

Mushrooms are taking over the Dutch media

“Scientists, designers and dreamers are working on a revolution”.

For the last couple of months Motherboard, the technological arm of Vice have been on board to interview designers, scientists and mycelium experts about their work with fungi. The result isSchimmels. An inspiring mini documentary showcasing the work of Maurizio Montalti, Eric Klarenbeek and the Myco Design Lab, among others. Curious to learn what Mediamatic is currently doing with mycelium? Check out the interview with Willem Velthoven and Aniela Hoitink which was featured on At5 earlier this week.
Go here to see the video Schimmels, het plastic van de toekoms. (English subtitles available). And go here to see the interview Bouwmaterialen en kledingstukken straks van schimmel

Growing insulation.

Mediamatic’s Black Barn has a beautiful wooden construction, but is currently not protected from the cold winter weather. Therefore we are setting up a process to insulate the roof with Mycelium insulation panels. Both the production and insulation process will be open for the public. To see when we begin this process, keep an eye out on our calendar.
Black Barn

Myco Design Lab

Officina Copuscoli, University of Utrecht and Mediamatic are currently collaborating in a 2 year program, where we invite other artists to investigate the potential of mycelium for the development of new bio-materials. You can follow the participants of this Myco Design Lab, Aniela Hoitink, Kristel Cojak, Caroline de Roy, Marieke Broertjes and Rosalie Bak, here. This project is supported by NWO.
Inside the Laminar Flow of the Clean Lab

Workshops

We feel that everyone should experience the potential of fungus. Therefore we offer beginner and advanced mushroom cultivation workshops, for artists, designers, farmers and anyone else who is interested in growing their own culture. Are you eager to learn how to grow oyster mushrooms, or want to gain a better understanding of working in a lab? Sign up here.
Oyster mushroom
Contributions 

Workshop: Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms



Workshop: Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms

Turn your waste into food and new bio-materials

It is said that the mushroom, and especially Mycelium has the potential to replace all sorts of (harmful) materials like plastics and batteries. Here at Mediamatic we are interested in the cultural and artistic implications of this 'new' bio-material and invite you to start exploring yourself. During this introduction course you will learn how to cultivate the Oyster Mushroom at home and by doing so gain a better understanding of the potential of this organism.
Curious? Check our this video by Phil Ross.
Besides the fact they are delicious and nutritious, there is much more to discover about mushrooms and fungi. Here at Mediamatic we explore the use of fungi as a source of new natural bio-materials. So if you are an artist or designer looking to grow your own material, don't hesitate and join our workshop!

What will you learn?

You will learn how to prepare straw but also your coffee and cardboard waste in order to let the mushrooms grow. You will learn how to extract spawn from a fully grown mushroom so you can repeat the process at home. You will learn why and how we are working in our self constructed cleanroom. And you will learn about the ideal conditions for the mycelium and mushrooms to develop.
Taking home a bag filled with straw and oystermycelium

What will you do?

The workshop is lead by Marieke Broertjes and takes place at Mediamatic Biotoop. First we will pasteurize the substrate in order to prevent moulds and contaminant bacteria growing between our mushrooms. Then, in the cleanroom, we will inoculate the substrate with mushroom spawn. Meanwhile Marieke will tell you everything about mushroom cultivation and its endless possibilities. Finally you take home your own growing bag. The mycelial network needs some time to colonize the substrate, after which it will start growing its fruits, your very own cultivated mushrooms.
A full grown plate of mycelium
Information
Workshop: Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms
Wednesday June 24. 19:00 - 21:00
Mediamatic Biotoop, Dijksgracht 6, Amsterdam
Tickets: €25, 00.
Please note that this workshop is going to be given in English.
If you have questions, or you want to book a private session for a group you can send a mail toworkshops [at] mediamatic.nl
Contributions 

Workshop: Magic Mushrooms 20-09-2014


http://www.mediamatic.net/372760/en/workshop-magic-mushrooms

Workshop: Magic Mushrooms

Mushrooms are magic. Grow your own!

Fungi will play a key role in the future. Get high on your own supply and learn all about these promising organisms. In our cleanroom you will learn the secrets of the mushroom cultivation, and specifically, how to germinate spores of Psilocybe cubensis on a home-made substrate.
Buy your ticket now, an click on the "buy ticket" button in the left upper corner. After the workshop you can enjoy some delicious fermented foods at Fermentology!
With:
 

Please note that we've changed the time of the workshop from 14:00 to 16:00.

Psilocybe Cubensis

The Psilocybe cubensis is a mushroom that is relatively easy to grow. During this workshop, we will make a substrate for the mushrooms to grow on, following the famous PF Tek (Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique). This substrate will be infected with spores in our Cleanroom. The Cleanroom is a sterile space, that prevents other spores and bacteria to contaminate the substrate. Participants can take the infected substrate home, where it will turn into mycelium and eventually in mushrooms, after 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive a handout that explains exactly what to do with the substrate at home.
Information
Magic Mushroom Workshop
Saturday 20th, 16:00 - 18:00
Tickets: €50,00 incl Club Mediamatic Membership.
A Magic Mushroom Substrate Kit is included in the ticket.
The workshop will be given in English.
For further information please contact Rosa Kieft or Antoni Gandia.

Why we work with fungi

Fungi are organisms that have an enormous cultural potential that we are only just starting to discover. Some people even claim that they will save the world. For Mediamatic fungi are a source of new materials that can replace many synthetics in the 21st century. They play an important role in our food systems al well as having great symbolical value. That why we like to work with them on many levels.

Bio-me

This event is part of Bio-me, a 3-day symposium and festival that celebrates designing with organisms. By inviting artist, designers, engineers, architects, scientist, farmers, chefs and the public, Bio-me aims to create a shared knowledge environment and production space to investigate the social, technological and cultural implications and potential of Fungal and Bio-based materials through art, architecture and design. More info here.
Inflated Clean Room

Mediamatic Bio Industry is made possible by the DOEN foundation and the Mondriaan Fund.
We also would like to thank Mondo Mycologicals BV (Amsterdam), Online Musketers BV(Amsterdam) and the Mushroom Research Center Austria (MRCA) (Innsbruck) for the lab equipment and the fungal strains provided for this workshop.

zondag 15 mei 2016

Plants tell you what they want

http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/05/28/plants-tell-you-what-they-want/


Plants Tell You What They Want


Growing plants would be a lot easier if plants could express what it is they need from you. Fret not because that’s what the Pet Plant by Junyi Heo does. The very sleek looking pot measures soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and water – calculates those variables based on the need of said plant, and expresses its condition via a series of pictograms on an LCD display.
It’s also smart enough to know if you’ve over watered and will systematically drain itself into a water vessel. All this high tech goodness does mean it needs power but a simple USB interface does double duty by charging and transmitting pertinent information to and from computer software.
Designer: Junyi Heo




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