Help with culturing slime mold

[Moriah Barrow]

So, I am fairly new to slime mold, and I've been trying to get it into the plasmodial stage so I can use it for some experiments in the lab. It was under my impression that the place where I ordered the slime mold from would send it in that phase already, but that was not the case. Anyway, they sent it in the sclerotium stage, and gave instructions of how to culture it, but I just can't seem to get it right. Here are some images of what I've been dealing with:

I've been keeping the dishes in a closed paper bag, usually in a closet or cool room. If anyone has any tips or could tell me what I'm doing wrong, that would be great! Not many people in my lab are familiar with it (I'm still a novice myself), so any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[Heather Barnett]

I often find the lab supplies of sclerotium are reluctant to grow, perhaps depending on how long it's been in a dried state. I have found the best action is to place face down on damp tissue paper (kitchen towel or similar) and don't feed until it starts to reform and grow. If you feed too early the oats can go mouldy, as in your pictures, which may discourage growth. You can purchase live cultures from some biological suppliers, mostly in the States. Where are you based?

[Moriah Barrow]

Hm, I hadn't thought of that. Should I just remove the oats altogether and start again? I'm based at North Carolina State University.

[Heather Barnett]

I'd try again, adding food only when you see growth occurring.

Also you might want to buy a live culture from Carolina Biological or a Physarum kit.

I really should be on commission from them, the number of recommendations they get!

;)

[Moriah Barrow]

Thanks! We actually ordered the live culture from them yesterday (just in time, too!). I plan to get it on on Thursday. Fingers crossed it'll work!