The study of fungi is known as mycology. Mycology focuses on the genetic and biochemical traits of fungi as well as their taxonomy (Genetic labels) and how humanity can use them to impact their everyday lives. It originates from phytopathology, which is the study of plant diseases, and because most plant pathogens (harmful microorganisms) originate from fungi, they are closely related.

Mycology, throughout history, was a part of botany. This was corrected only a few decades ago, as it was found out that fungi were more closely related to animals than to plants. Actual collection of mushrooms, which are a type of fungi, started around 480 B.C when it was first documented, but it is assumed they were collected in prehistoric times as well.

The first person to try and classify plants systematically was Theophrastos of Eressos (371-288 B.C). Back then, mushrooms were considered plants that were just missing organs. Later, in 23-79 AD, Piliny the Elder would write an encyclopedia Naturalis historia, which was 10 volume, 37 book encyclopedias, and would document many fungi, including truffles.

In many places throughout Asia, like China, Russia, and Japan, there is documented evidence of folk remedies using certain mushrooms. There is evidence of it being used in other places such as Poland, but it primarily existed in Asia. Current studies of medical mushrooms exist all around the world, like City of Hope National Medical Center, or the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

There are many uses mushrooms have for research into medical purposes. Some of those include anti-cancer, anti-pathogenic, and even immune system enhancing traits that various fungi can give to humanity. For example, the oyster mushroom contains a cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin, or the fact that mushrooms produce large amounts of vitamin D when exposed to UV (ultra violet) light.

There have been many valuable medicines created with the help of fungi. Penicillin, arguably the most useful medicine ever created, is used in a very large range of medicines. It is extremely effective against many bacterial infections, especially ones caused by staphylococci (staph infection) and streptococci. Though most variations must be taken intravenously (through an IV), there are certain kinds that can be taken orally.

Mycology is at the center of medical advancement. Without it, we would not have the wonders of penicillin, which has helped humanity since it was first discovered in 1928. Because there is still new research being conducted every day, there is a constant need for mycologists. With more information, we will be able to fight more bacteria with the help of something that is often found on our dinnerplates: mushrooms.

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