Life on the Antrim Shale, and a conversation with Bart Stupak

By Up North Lowdown | Northern Michigan News

Published August 6, 2026 at 9:21 AM EDT

A research team led by University of Michigan isolated and grew more than 200 kinds of fungi from the deep subsurface to help researchers better understand how fungi survive in extreme environments, how underground ecosystems function and what happens to carbon stored in the Earth's crust. (Photo courtesy of Ronan Montgomery-Taylor, University of Michigan) — A research team led by University of Michigan isolated and grew more than 200 kinds of fungi from the deep subsurface to help researchers better understand how fungi survive in extreme environments, how underground ecosystems function and what happens to carbon stored in the Earth's crust. *(Photo courtesy of Ronan Montgomery-Taylor, University of Michigan)*

Bart Stupak represented northern Michigan in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011. He's been in touch with Callie Barr throughout her campaign. Now that she has the nomination, he talks to IPR about the road ahead as she has a rematch with 10-year incumbent Rep. Jack Bergman.

But first, Vivian La tells us about a whole world of rock-eating fungi on the Antrim Shale.

Reporting for this episode by Vivian La.

Producer: Austin Rowlader
Editor: Steve Junker
Host: Ed Ronco
Music: Blue Dot Sessions