Scientists have discovered that fungi and bacteria can work together by managing copper in their shared environment, forming larger and more active biofilms. A finely balanced copper environment is crucial for the cooperation between the two species, making it a potential target for new infection treatments.
Researchers identified CREP1, a pectinase-like effector protein from Fusarium lateritium, as a key regulator of plant immunity. CREP1 interacts with receptor protein NbEIX2 to activate immune responses, including ROS burst and cell death.
A NASA-funded project is testing whether fungi can be grown into building materials for construction on the moon and Mars. Researchers are exploring in-situ resource utilization, using local materials to support exploration and long-term habitation.
Co-infection of Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases risk of death significantly compared to fungal infection alone. The fungus changes its cell density, diversity, and capsule size in response to the bacterial pathogen.
Candida auris is a highly virulent fungus spreading globally, affecting 6.5 million people annually with high mortality rates. New review highlights strategies for combating its spread, including vaccination and treatment, as well as improving diagnostics and surveillance mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a genetic process in Candida auris that could unlock new ways to treat the deadly fungal infection. The study found that genes activated during infection include those that code for nutrient pumps, potentially making it vulnerable to iron-based drugs.
Researchers identified multiple well-supported clades corresponding to known genera and detected previously unrecognized lineages. They described two new genera and three new species, including Proxiconiothyrium yunnanense and Periconia longibrachiatum, expanding knowledge of Pleosporales diversity.
Researchers have identified a key immunoregulatory mechanism in aspergillosis, where the dendritic cell receptor limits the host's response to fungal infections. Neutrophils play a crucial role in clearing fungal hyphae, and Dcir regulates their degranulation activity, which is essential for killing pathogens.
Scientists discovered a molecular interplay between Shiraia fungus and its bacterial partners, where VOCs boost HA production by 3.86-fold. The bacteria counter-response with antioxidant carotenoids, creating a feedback loop.
Researchers have discovered ancestral evolutionary links of Aspergillus latus strains through genome sequencing analyses, revealing potential for reduced susceptibility to antifungal medications. The study highlights the need for improved molecular diagnostic tools to accurately identify A. latus strains and manage aspergillosis.
This study reveals the critical roles of Rho GTPases Cdc42 and RacA in Aspergillus flavus growth, development, and metabolism. The proteins regulate aflatoxin synthesis, pathogenicity, and oxidative balance by controlling morphogenesis, energy metabolism, and fatty acid β-oxidation.
Researchers discovered ten new fungi species in the Xizang Autonomous Region, including one new genus and nine new species, highlighting the region's significant fungal diversity. The study addresses classification challenges and underscores the importance of continued exploration in this plateau region.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene duplication in the fungus Madurella fahalii enables it to neutralize medication, leading to effective treatment challenges. This study highlights the potential of molecular techniques to uncover drug resistance mechanisms and pave the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers identified specific gene expansions that enable Microsporum canis to thrive on human skin, including proteases, chitinases, and carbohydrate metabolism genes. These adaptations may enhance the fungus's immune evasion and environmental adaptation capabilities.
The flagship journal of the International Mycological Association has been published on the new ARPHA platform by Pensoft. The first ten manuscripts have now been published, featuring a broad spectrum of mycological subdisciplines and including articles on fungal evolution, ecology, and conservation.
A new global guideline has been published to manage fungal infections caused by Candida, affecting millions worldwide annually. The guideline establishes standards for prevention, diagnosis, and innovative treatment approaches.
Researchers identified ten new Geoglossomycetes species and confirmed four known ones through genetic analysis and ecological comparisons. The study also shed light on the sexual morph characteristics of two major genera, Geoglossum and Trichoglossum.
A new compound, V-161, has been discovered to effectively inhibit the growth of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) by targeting a crucial enzyme. The study reveals that V-161 not only disrupts the enzyme function but also reduces VRE colonization in the mouse small intestine.
A study led by Dr. Yi Li and colleagues identified 6 new species of Cortinarius fungi from subtropical China, increasing the region's known species count. The discoveries were supported by phylogenetic data and morphological observations.
The FAILSAFE project aims to combat fungal antimicrobial resistance by promoting innovative solutions and supporting researchers globally. The initiative has already awarded over £1.7 million in grants to 78 researchers across 13 countries.
The International Mycological Association has partnered with Pensoft to transition its flagship journal, IMA Fungus, to the ARPHA publishing platform. The new collaboration aims to improve and streamline the publication process, providing faster review cycles and more efficient communication.
Scientists have discovered a new genus, Neodiderma, with 11 new species within the Didymiaceae family. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that Neodiderma represents a transitional group between Didymiaceae and Physaraceae.
Thirteen new species of Ramaria fungus were identified in Shanxi Province, northern China, through multigene phylogenetic analysis. The species are characterized by intricately branched and vividly colored basidiomata, and were described and illustrated in the study.
Researchers identified 339 fungal species, including 15 new species, from a field trip in southern Xizang, China. The discovery highlights the region's vast fungal diversity and underscores the need for further exploration.
Researchers have discovered a new regulator affecting immune cells, which could lead to treatments reducing inflammation in diseases such as arthritis and severe COVID-19. The study found that the regulator, MICL, plays a key role in regulating inflammation in these diseases.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, a fatal fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs and brain. It provides practical guidance for medical staff to recognize and manage invasive fungal infections, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.
Researchers have found that zinc can block the production of an inflammatory molecule in Candida albicans, preventing inflammation and burning symptoms associated with thrush. Studies in mice and women with recurrent yeast infections suggest that zinc treatments may be effective in preventing reinfection.
A study by Chiba University researchers found that combining pitavastatin with azoles significantly reduces Aspergillus infections in silkworm models. The results suggest a potential new treatment strategy against Aspergillus fumigatus, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings.
In Eritrea, a new artemisinin-resistant variant has been detected, accompanied by gene deletions that render rapid diagnostic tests ineffective. This emergence poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a novel method to grow pure mycelium sheets that can be layered into different uses, including fire-retardant cladding for buildings. The fungal-based material is biodegradable, non-toxic and produces naturally occurring water and carbon dioxide.
A new review paper highlights the potential of fungal biotechnology to advance various industries. By manipulating fungal genomes, researchers can develop bioinformatic tools and create sustainable biomaterials, such as machine learning algorithms for predicting mycological patterns or fungal batteries.
Researchers demonstrate a model for developing probiotic therapies to modulate the microbiome by targeting intestinal biofilms and identifying beneficial microbial strains. The study showed positive effects in reducing GI symptoms and improving overall well-being in healthy individuals.
A new review by CABI-led experts highlights the organization's decade-long battle against emerging fungal diseases caused by climate change. CABI has developed a powerful toolset of techniques, including DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF analysis, to identify disease-causing microorganisms.
A fungus infecting salamanders has evolved to contain multiple copies of jumping genes, which contribute to its increased virulence. The 'copy and paste' mechanism allows the fungus to amplify skin-destruction genes, making it more deadly.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new treatment for Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast that causes serious infection and death. The five-year NIH grant will enhance an antifungal drug developed by SCYNEXIS to prevent the spread of the fungus.
A study reveals that porcini mushrooms have evolved in different ways across the globe, with local ecological factors playing a stronger role in maintaining genetic distinctiveness than genetic flow. The findings challenge traditional notions of species development and suggest multiple evolutionary strategies for this organism.
A new paper by an Oregon State University-led research team provides a scientific framework to shape the rollout of a program in Oregon allowing the use of psilocybin for therapeutic reasons. The research highlights the importance of Indigenous traditions and safety guidelines for using psilocybin-containing fungi.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Candida glabrata, a deadly yeast infection that's resistant to antifungal drugs. The study found genes associated with virulence and drug resistance, shedding light on how the pathogen spreads and evolves.
Three University of Exeter researchers Dr Jasmine Ono, Dr Luis Yanez Guerra and Dr Jane Usher have been awarded BBSRC Discovery Fellowships for innovative research in biotechnology and biological sciences. They will focus on improving scientific knowledge to develop better treatments for human fungal pathogens and understanding the ori...
Research from the University of Georgia reveals that compounds used to fight fungal diseases in plants are causing resistance to antifungal medications used to treat people. The study found 12 strains of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant to both agricultural and clinical azole fungicides, suggesting a link between environmental and human...
The University of Texas at San Antonio has established a San Antonio-based Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Center (SA-CCRC) focused on developing therapeutics and vaccines against coccidioidomycosis. The center will support applied clinical research and house an extended network of experts from partnering institutions.
The four-year programme will investigate the chemical signatures that trigger immunity in fungal infections, which kill an estimated 1.6 million people worldwide annually. By understanding these signatures and how fungi disguise them, researchers hope to uncover the origins of antifungal immunity.
A multi-center study assesses medicinal mushrooms and Chinese herbs for therapeutic benefit in treating acute COVID-19 infection. The MACH-19 trial evaluates the safety and feasibility of two investigational compounds, one in capsule form and another as a Chinese herbal formula.
A recent study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in mental health, with disruptions in beneficial microorganisms linked to depressive disorders. The researchers propose a multifaceted approach to manage depression through rebalancing and maintaining the gut microbiome using diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes.
Researchers have detected Candida auris, a microorganism with high drug resistance, in Brazilian hospitals. The fungus can cause severe infections and mortality rates of up to 60%, posing a significant threat to patients with severe COVID-19.
The International Culture Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi will be relocated to the University of Kansas due to a grant from the National Science Foundation. WVU researchers will duplicate the collection and send it to Jim Bever at KU for cultivation, with the goal of sustaining cultures in perpetuity.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a novel transdermal mixture of terbinafine and clotrimazole to combat Candida auris, a highly resistant fungus. The study found that this formulation can effectively reduce the presence of C. auris on skin and prevent its spread.
Researchers Matt Kasson and Angie Macias are studying the association between millipedes and fungi, revealing tremendous fungal diversity among colobognathan millipedes. The team plans to document fungal diversity associated with half of the US species, potentially uncovering new undescribed fungal species.
A new study suggests that mammalian immune cells may be less effective at detecting and responding to microorganisms from other planets, potentially posing a threat to space missions. The researchers tested the immune response of mice to peptides containing amino acids rare on Earth but common on meteorites.
A new software tool called Fungal Feature Tracker can analyze images of filamentous fungi to quantify their spores, branch networks and growth patterns, enabling faster data collection than traditional manual techniques. This advancement could improve our understanding of fungal biology and morphology.
A new analysis found that the current annual US sales of new antibiotics to treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is $101 million, significantly short of the needed $1 billion. This shortfall threatens the financial viability of new antibiotic development and may lead to reduced treatment options for patients. Researchers...
A new compound derived from eushearilide has shown significant antibacterial properties against various disease-causing bacteria, including MRSA. This finding offers relief for immunocompromised people who are susceptible to life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections.
New antibiotics are prescribed in only about a quarter of CRE infections due to high costs, despite being classified as the best choice by pharmacists. The slow adoption is attributed to concerns about accelerating antibiotic resistance and limited data on their effectiveness.
A recent grant from the National Institutes of Health will support a study investigating the interaction between gut bacteria and fungi in Crohn's disease. The research aims to identify genetic mechanisms underlying these interactions and develop novel antifungal and probiotic strategies to decrease symptoms.
Researchers found that natural compounds isolated from Nectandra leucantha can kill parasites causing these neglected diseases. The neolignans displayed bioactivity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, which affect millions of people in Brazil and other developing countries.
Researchers discovered that lung macrophages in mice act as 'Trojan horses' carrying fungal spores into the bloodstream. The study sheds light on why certain strains of a fungus are deadly while others are harmless.
Researchers identified four simple rules to contain Candida auris infection: double personal protective equipment (PPE), work buddy system, disinfection, and biomonitoring. These procedures can effectively limit exposure in hospitals and nursing homes.
A team of researchers studied the evolution of plants and fungi over 1 billion years to find that their coexistence played a key role in shaping their biodiversities. The study found that fungal colonization of land was associated with the emergence of terrestrial green algae, which preceded the origin of land plants.
Researchers have developed a new technique using antibodies cloned from patients who recovered from Candida infections, showing potential in treating and diagnosing these life-threatening fungal infections. The discovery could lead to the development of novel antifungal drugs through mycoBiologics, a spinout company.
A new checklist of North American fungi reveals 44,488 known species, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting discovery. The comprehensive list includes both large macrofungi and tiny microorganisms, highlighting their crucial roles in ecosystem balance and human well-being.