Articles tagged with Saprotrophs
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers have found that horizontal gene transfer contributed to the repeated evolution of fungi-like, absorption-feeding life across eukaryotes. The study identified 166 cases where genes were transferred between four groups of eukaryotes, including Fungi and Pseudofungi.
A study by Kobe University discovered that wild orchid seeds require fungi from decaying logs to germinate. The team found a consistent association between young and adult plants with coral-shaped rhizomes and wood-decaying fungi, suggesting an essential role for these fungi in the orchid's nutritional needs.
A study published in eLife reveals that larger arthropods like woodlice and beetles play a crucial role in leaf litter decomposition across diverse habitats and seasons. Decomposition rates are influenced by climate, leaf quality, and decomposer abundance, with macrofauna dominating decomposition in hot, dry regions.
Mycena fungi have been found to be consistently present in the roots of living plant hosts, suggesting an evolutionary leap from saprotrophic decomposers to invasive species. They also exhibit early signs of mutualism with trees, exchanging nitrogen for carbon and working together to benefit their hosts.
New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
A research group from Japan has found a new genus of fungus in the Kickxellales that inhabits the guts of cave crickets, suggesting the evolutionary transition between saprobes and gut-inhabiting fungi. The discovery sheds light on how fungi in the Kickxellomycotina evolved to live inside animals.
Researchers develop a trait-based understanding of fungal decomposition abilities, improving predictive power for early and mid-stage wood decay. The study identifies different fungal traits that explain wood decomposition variation, with great potential to improve carbon cycle predictions in forests.