Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
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A recent study published in Phytopathology reveals that fungicide applications on corn are unlikely to produce yield increases unless fungal diseases are present. Farmers should weigh the cost of treatments against potential benefits and consider the price of corn when making decisions.
A study found 62% of dishwashers contain fungi on the rubber band in door, including polyextremotolerant black yeasts that can tolerate high temperatures, salt concentrations, and detergents. These extremophilic fungi pose a significant risk to human health due to their potential for causing fatal infections.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that larger fungal spores are more virulent and can cause worse infections. The study suggests a new way to categorize fungi based on spore size, which could lead to developing new treatments for mucor infections.
Researchers at Purdue University have sequenced the genome of Mycosphaerella graminicola, a devastating wheat pathogen. The study revealed that the fungus has fewer genes related to producing enzymes that break down plant cell walls, suggesting it may evade detection by plant defenses.
Researchers found that extracts from six Indian wild plants effectively killed bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida. These natural remedies offer hope against resistant species, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have identified several blueberry cultivars with high resistance to mummy berry disease, caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi. These cultivars, including 'Brunswick' and 'Bluejay,' can withstand both stages of the fungal infection.
A parasitic fungus infects tropical carpenter ants, causing them to become zombie-like and die in ideal conditions for the fungus. The fungus affects the ant's muscles, nervous system, and behavior, leading to a loss of coordination and death.
Researchers investigated zombie ants in Thailand's rainforest, finding they were manipulated by the fungus into dying at optimal conditions for reproduction. The fungus causes muscle atrophy, central nervous system damage, and 'lock jaw', forcing infected ants to bite leaves to release spores.
Scientists have developed a new test that can diagnose Aspergillus infection and spot signs of antifungal resistance to azoles. Using this test, the team found 55% of aspergillosis patients had telltale signs of resistance to azoles.
Research sheds light on origins of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal infection that causes meningitis in HIV patients. The study reveals the pathogen evolved and spread from Africa to Asia over 7,000 years ago.
A study using DNA from museum specimens reveals a clear pattern of amphibian decline linked to the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The researchers found that the fungus first appeared in southern Mexico in the early 1970s, spreading southward to Central America and causing mass extirpation of neotropical amphibians.
Cedars-Sinai researchers discovered how white blood cells identify invading fungi, using the molecular receptor Dectin-1. This finding sheds light on the immune system's ability to mount a response against pathogens.
Researchers discovered a protein in a single-celled fungus that helps it survive in low-oxygen settings, which may aid humans with compromised immune systems. The discovery identified key genes responsible for the protein's cutting mechanism, offering potential targets for new fungal infection treatments.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a crucial component in the signaling pathway that regulates phytoalexin production, allowing plants to defend against fungal diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of phytoalexins as natural defense mechanisms for plants.
Storing fruits and vegetables in ozone-enriched environments significantly reduces microbial spoilage, with up to 95% disease prevention after 8 days. Ozone treatment is a viable alternative to pesticides, leaving no residues on foods.
Scientists and volunteers are working together to track the spread of a deadly amphibian fungus across the UK. The survey aims to identify the most at-risk species and develop strategies for conservation.
Researchers have developed an innovative diagnostic algorithm using a protein named HBHA in combination with IGRA, allowing for rapid identification of those infected but not yet showing symptoms. The new test has the potential to improve TB diagnosis and control strategies worldwide.
Research found that used woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi, including species of Staphylococcus and molds. Proper sanitation and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent the spread of illness and infection in children who play these instruments.
Illicit drug users are more susceptible to serious infections due to exposure to microbial pathogens. Unsterile injection practices, contaminated needles, and the use of cutting agents can facilitate the spread of bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center developed a corn variety resistant to fungal infection using a naturally found killer protein made by a virus. The single gene approach offers hope for effective solutions to control other pathogenic fungi and reduce crop losses.
Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.
A University of Maryland-led team has developed a transgenic fungal approach that targets malaria-causing sporozoites, reducing disease transmission by at least five-fold. The method uses a fungus naturally attacking mosquitoes and inserts genes for human anti-malarial antibodies or scorpion toxins.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Blackleg fungus, revealing unique compartmentalisation and genetic diversity that enables it to cause devastating disease in canola crops. This discovery will aid in developing molecular markers to predict disease outbreaks and inform crop protection strategies.
Scientists have discovered that lavender oil has a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The essential oil was found to be lethal to dermatophytes and various species of Candida, making it a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A deadly fungus is decimating bat populations across North America, killing over 1 million bats. Researchers are racing to combat the disease, which infects and invades the living skin of hibernating bats, causing frequent arousals from hibernation and potential fat reserves depletion.
A new fungus has killed over 1 million bats in the eastern US, with the disease expected to spread to California in the next several years. UC Davis experts are calling for a national response to combat the threat, which could have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
A UBC study has identified genes that allow the blue stain fungus Grosmannia clavigera to bypass lodgepole pine's natural fungicide, enabling it to infect and kill trees. This knowledge could inform strategies to prevent future outbreaks of mountain pine beetles.
A new study finds that Candida albicans responds to pheromones from multiple species, not just its own, leading to same-sex mating and biofilm formation. This adaptability could increase drug resistance or altered pathogenic properties, making it a potential target for infection prevention strategies.
Researchers discovered a defect in hair follicle stem cells conversion to progenitor cells in AGA. Aspirin-derived resolvins reduced pro-inflammatory molecules and cells in a mouse model of inflammation. A new approach to vaccine design against systemic fungal infections requires inducing Th17 cells.
The American Thoracic Society has released a new statement on the treatment of fungal infections in adult pulmonary and critical care patients, taking into account new medications and treatment approaches. The guidelines cover traditional antifungal agents, newer agents, and rare and emerging fungi.
Scientists develop a new DNA technique to screen for natural resistance in crops affected by the honey fungus, a devastating disease of trees and shrubs. The technique allows for easy identification, measurement, and study of the fungus in a lab setting.
A decade of refinements in marrow and stem cell transplantation significantly reduced the risk of treatment-related complications and death. The study observed a 60% reduction in the risk of death within 200 days of transplant and a 41% reduction in overall mortality at any time after transplant.
Scientists search for chemical solutions to combat the fungus without harming bats, highlighting their ecological importance.
A gene-silencing pathway in fungi protects their genomes from unwanted genetic mutations during mating, which could be used to develop new treatments for fungal infections. The discovery of this pathway may also provide insights into the mechanisms of fungal disease.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified a mutant gene that links powdery mildew resistance to plant fertility. Plants with this gene are resistant to powdery mildew but infertile, highlighting a crucial trade-off in plant defense mechanisms.
A fungal infection caused by Fusarium solani has been found to be a major contributor to the decline of Atlantic sea turtles. The fungus can infect turtle eggs, causing high hatching failure rates and driving population numbers down.
Researchers from Hopkins, Baylor, and Stanford discovered that arsenite affects the TCP protein folding machine in yeast cells, which is also present in humans. This knowledge could lead to developing safer therapeutic alternatives to arsenite-based medicines.
Researchers have identified a natural substance in a fungus that infects a common weed, showing potential as the first stinkbug repellent. The substance repelled up to 90% of stinkbugs and was almost twice as effective as naphthalene, a gold-standard for measuring insect repellents.
A team of scientists from Mayo Clinic, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and J. Craig Venter Institute are investigating the relationship between vaginal microbiota and preterm birth. They aim to identify microbial risk predictors for preterm birth using genomic information from the Human Microbiome Project.
A new study reveals that fungal spores travel farther by forming a plume that reduces drag to nearly zero, creating a wind that carries them up to 100 millimeters. By hydrodynamic cooperation, thousands of spores are ejected simultaneously, reaching speeds of 60 centimeters per second and covering distances of over a centimeter.
Recent research suggests that some TB vaccines under study may not be effective in older people, as the molecule responsible for immune response activation remains relatively inactive. The study's findings highlight the need for a new approach to vaccine development to ensure protection against tuberculosis for the elderly.
Research found high glucose levels can form a 'sugar coating' that blocks immune receptors, increasing the risk of chronic bacterial and fungal infections in diabetes patients. This can lead to increased risks of viral infections like influenza and inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular disease.
A 48-million-year-old fossilized leaf has revealed evidence of a fungus taking control of ants to turn them into zombies. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of parasitic manipulation in animals.
Scientists have isolated an improved variant of yeast Cryptococcus flavescens that tolerates fungicide and is being evaluated as a biocontrol agent. This yeast has shown promise in reducing scab damage by up to 85% when combined with other fungicides.
A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered a fundamental entry mechanism for fungal microbes to infect plants and cause disease. Special disease-related proteins, known as effectors, bind to a specific lipid molecule found on the cell surface before entering the cell.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin B3 can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, two major human pathogens. The study found that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce virulence in both normal and drug-resistant strains of C. albicans.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides two-year funding to Innovotech to expand the applications of its Agress seed treatment and plant spray, aiming to increase crop yields and improve quality while minimizing environmental impact. The funding will also support regulatory approval submissions for Agress.
Gerald R. Fink receives the prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on yeast genetics, enabling gene manipulation and advancing biomedical science. His discoveries have led to life-saving drugs and vaccines, as well as a deeper understanding of disease-causing fungi.
Geneticists have identified a wild potato species, Solanum verrucosum, with resistance to late blight and early blight. Researchers are working to crossbreed this resistant gene into cultivated potatoes to improve disease resistance.
Scientists have discovered that CCL5 plays a protective role in warding off tuberculosis by attracting immune cells to infection sites. The protein may lead to new therapies that help the immune system resist TB, providing hope for treating this global disease.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute found that yeast produce a plant hormone called indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that can trigger fungal cells to become more infectious. The hormone is known to regulate plant growth, but its presence in sufficient quantity within the yeast's environment also triggers morphogenic transition...
Researchers found nearly 20% of cryptococcosis patients had mixed infections with multiple strains of C. neoformans, evolving during infection. This challenges the traditional concept of a single pathogen causing disease.
Researchers identified GRP78 as a key protein facilitating fungal invasion of blood vessels in diabetes-related infections. Mice treated with GRP78-specific immune serum showed protection from mucormycosis.
Ecological speciation is a main route for the emergence of new fungal diseases in plants, according to researchers. Fungi account for 30 percent of emerging infectious diseases in plants.
New research reveals that Chytrid fungus kills frog populations when infection intensity reaches a critical threshold. The study found that mass mortalities occur beyond this point, while continuous re-infection causes the disease to reach the threshold.
Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation on silicone surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of new antimicrobial drugs and additives to prevent hospital-acquired fungal infections.
A study of 10,514 children found that 6.6% were infected with the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans, which can lead to permanent hair loss and worsen asthma and allergic rhinitis. Infection rates varied by age and race, with African American kids at highest risk.
Researchers found that only about 30% of the genes in the corn smut genome are always activated, while the other 70% is tissue-specific, with different parts of the maize plant activating different genes. This discovery could lead to new approaches to fighting disease in plants and humans.
Cryptococcus fungi have an expanded set of genes encoding sugar transporter molecules, allowing them to efficiently move sugar inside cells and thrive. The fungi's love for sugar may be a potential weakness, as scientists can target them by developing low-carbohydrate strategies to block infections.