Nate Rott

But in terms of the debate, I think this is still very much up for discussion.

Like everyone I talk to thinks this will show up again at the next big IUCN meeting.

And everyone I talk to thinks that's a good thing.

Because one of the concerns I heard here is that there's the potential that this could fundamentally change our relationship with nature.

Like, if a butterfly is genetically modified, would we still care for it the same way we would for one that's just fluttering around now?

Like, would you?

Right.

It's a tough question.

Anthony Waddle, the frog scientist we started with, hears that argument.

But his response is that we've already fundamentally changed nature.

Yeah, thank you so much for letting me talk about something that I am endlessly geeked about.

Toby Kears focuses on a specific type of fungus that penetrates plant roots, creating what's essentially an underground economy.

The fungus gives plants things it needs like nitrogen and phosphorus.

The plant gives the fungi sugars and fats.

It's a symbiotic relationship that's existed for millions of years that Kears says underpins healthy ecosystems.

And she says winning a MacArthur changes how she sees the world.

She says the $800,000 award will help further her research and our understanding of the world beneath our feet.

The MacArthur Foundation is a funder of NPR.

Nate Rott, NPR News.

Emily, hello.