Paul Stamets is a visionary. While others looked at the forest floor and saw nothing but a simple mushroom, Paul saw an opportunity to expand his knowledge. He began researching mushrooms, and his research lead him to mushroom mycelium, the root-like structures that grow below ground. Soon, this trailblazer discovered that mycelium was the immune system for the mushroom. That discovery lead to another: the idea that mycelium could not only be used to support the immune system of humans, but that it also supported the health and immunity of its natural habitat. It was a cellular bridge that connected bees, trees, bears, plants and humans to the ecosystem. Paul quickly realized that he needed to raise awareness and help build a healthier world through the power of mushrooms, and thus, Host Defense was born.