Scientists studied the Chinese caterpillar mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) to find the best genes to use as reference points when measuring other gene activity. They tested sixteen potential reference genes under various stress conditions and growth stages using a technique called RT-qPCR. They found that two specific genes (18S rRNA and beta-Tubulin) were the most reliable to use as standards, which will help researchers accurately study how this medicinal mushroom responds to different conditions.