A newly identified mushroom species contains both psychedelic and toxic compounds.

Phys.org, Daily Mail, Live Science · Science & Medicine

13 Nov 20263 outlets

What it means

Scientists have discovered that the mushroom species , nicknamed the 'dark magic mushroom,' produces both psychedelic compounds () and deadly toxins () — a combination never before seen in a single fungus. This means the mushroom could cause unexpected poisoning if consumed for recreational purposes, as it contains both the desired psychoactive effects and lethal liver-damaging toxins. The finding was made by University of Florida students and published in Current Biology.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on a peer-reviewed study in Current Biology, a reputable scientific journal, and has been reported by multiple credible science news outlets including Phys.org, Live Science, and Science News. The provenance is strong: the reporting directly cites the primary research and the university press releases.

How new

This is genuinely new research, reported in November 2026, with the paper published online around the same time.

A newly identified mushroom species contains both psychedelic and toxic compounds.

What it means

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

How new

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