Mushroom enthusiast Professor Richard Fortey explores the strange and surprising science of fungi, unlocking the story of their evolution, their mysterious life-cycle, and their value to both the planet and ourselves. He and mycologist Dr. Patrick Hickey investigate the secret life of fungi, revealing why they have the power to heal and to kill, how mushrooms can form the biggest living organisms on earth, and why they are vital to the survival of all life on our planet. The program reveals why mushrooms are at the forefront of research, from penicillin to cancer and environmentally friendly packaging. A BBC Production.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on November 25, 2014. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Introduction: The Magic of Mushrooms(2:13) -- Fungus in Foods (2:06) -- Fungi Evolution (3:43) -- Spore Prints (2:07) -- First Antibiotic (2:45) -- Birth of Fungi (4:28) -- Buller's Drop (1:19) -- Hat Thrower Fungus (1:37) -- Life of Fungi (3:50) -- Fungal Feeding Network (2:32) -- Deadly Honey Fungus (1:58) -- Ash Dieback Disease (2:47) -- Environmentally Friendly Packaging (3:06) -- Saprotrophic Fungi (3:35) -- Nematode Eating Mushrooms (2:07) -- Death of Mushrooms (1:46) -- Amatoxins (2:00) -- Cordyceps Unusual Life (1:08) -- Treating Breast Cancer with Cordycepin (2:28) -- Connection Between Fungi & Animals (2:02) -- Credits: The Magic of Mushrooms (0:49).