Ideas worth spreading

Could fungi actually be the key to humanity's survival?

929,099 views | David Andrew Quist • TEDxOsloMet

After a billion years of evolution, fungi are masters of invention and resilience. What wisdom can we draw from their long, remarkable existence? Mycologist David Andrew Quist explores how fungi's innate biointelligence, penchant for collaboration and incredible regeneration abilities can show us new ways to think about complex problems -- and may hold the secret to humanity's survival on Earth.

After a billion years of evolution, fungi are masters of invention and resilience. What wisdom can we draw from their long, remarkable existence? Mycologist David Andrew Quist explores how fungi's innate biointelligence, penchant for collaboration and incredible regeneration abilities can show us new ways to think about complex problems -- and may hold the secret to humanity's survival on Earth.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxOsloMet, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Get involved with local researchers in your area to explore the underground world of fungal networks as mycorrhizae (plant-fungus partnerships).

Check out this science-based initiative to ensure conservation efforts for flora and fauna also include funga as critically important for biodiversity.

About the speaker

David Andrew Quist

Mycologist, entrepreneur and food creator

See speaker profile

David Andrew Quist is a mushroom researcher and restauranteur. His current work combines both his passion for gastronomy and science; by exploring the culinary potential of fungal mycelium as an innovative new category of food -- nutritious, delicious and sustainable. Should the future be fungal? At TEDxOsloMet 2021, David will take us on a journey through the amazing world of fungi and their potential as innovative, next-generation sustainable technologies. As we collectively navigate an uncertain future, learning from fungi can provide us with new mental models and metaphors on what it means to be an individual, our relationship with the natural world, and our place in it.

Merlin Sheldrake | Random House, 2020 | Book

Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

Sheldrake’s work illuminates the fascinating world of fungi and what they can teach us about how we look at life, the planet and ourselves.

Ed Yong | Ecco, 2018 | Book

I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life

A fascinating look at our collective
interconnectedness through our intimate relationships with the microbial world.

Doug Bierend | Chelsea Green Publishing, 2022 | Book

In Search of Mycotopia: Citizen Science, Fungi Fanatics, and the Untapped Potential of Mushrooms

A thoughtful layperson’s introduction to the science of fungi, with bottom-up perspectives of the hopeful role for “citizen science."

| Explore

Fantastic Fungi

A beautiful time-lapsed journey of the world of mushrooms and fungi, their power to connect, inspire regenerate life on earth.

Documentary Area | 2018 | Watch

“The Kingdom: How Fungi Made Our World”

A fascinating look at fungi and how the shaped life on land as we know it, through the eyes and ears of some of the leading scientists discovering the amazing histories of microbial life.

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxOsloMet, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Get involved with local researchers in your area to explore the underground world of fungal networks as mycorrhizae (plant-fungus partnerships).

Check out this science-based initiative to ensure conservation efforts for flora and fauna also include funga as critically important for biodiversity.