Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
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Plant scientists have discovered a sophisticated RNA defense system that plants use to attack gray mold cells, sending mRNA molecules that disrupt fungal cellular processes. This innovative approach could lead to the development of eco-friendly fungicides with minimal environmental impact and no harm to humans or animals.
Researchers discovered that eutypine activates plant defense mechanisms, primarily due to its phenolic moiety, which triggers a rapid calcium influx and increases the expression of defense-related genes. The study also found that different chemical groups in these compounds play varying roles in plant defense mechanisms.
Photodynamic action weakens resistance to antibiotics in bacteria that attack airways, reducing the persistence of both standard and clinical strains. The study found that five cycles of PDI were sufficient to break the resistance of resistant bacteria.
A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.
A fungus-based biopesticide is less lethal to mammals than synthetic insecticides but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants by feeding on pests and performing pollination. The study found that infected wasps are not detected by nestmates, potentially threatening the survival of these species.
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.
Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi can significantly improve crop yields by up to 40% in fields with high levels of fungal pathogens. The inoculation was most effective when the soil had already been contaminated with pathogens, serving as a protective shield against further damage.
Researchers found that 1,8-cineole inhibits inflammatory pathways in the gut, while ginsenoside Rk2 alleviates liver inflammation and restores intestinal barrier function. Another compound, specnuezhenide, modifies gut microbiota and has potential to inhibit colorectal tumor growth.
A Phase II clinical trial has demonstrated that fosravuconazole is effective in treating mycetoma, a chronic disabling disease. The new oral treatment has been shown to have significant advantages over existing treatments, including a lower pill burden and minimal interactions with other medications.
Scientists at the University of Kansas have identified a previously unknown gene cluster responsible for producing sartorypyrones, a chemical made by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. This discovery could lead to new therapies for fungal infections and eco-friendly industrial uses.
Researchers at CSU and the University of St. Andrews created an effective antimicrobial material that slowly releases nitric oxide, killing bacteria and fungus over time.
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.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new antifungal molecule that targets fungal cells without harming human kidney cells or other tissues. The molecule, dubbed AM-2-19, has shown significant efficacy against various fungal infections in vitro and in vivo studies.
A team from IRB Barcelona identifies Candida orthopsilosis, a hybrid fungus, as a potential pathogen that could infect humans and cause disease. The study suggests that climate change may have facilitated the emergence of this new microorganism, which has already been linked to several outbreaks and fatalities.
A recent study has provided significant genomic insight into tar spot of corn, a destructive disease causing $1.2 billion in yield loss. The researchers identified over 100 novel effectors that play a crucial role during infection, warranting further investigation.
Candida albicans requires proline metabolism to mount virulent infections, according to a new study. Proline is an important source of energy for the fungus, and its breakdown in the mitochondria generates chemical energy similar to glucose.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology has made significant progress in understanding autophagy and lipid recycling. Researchers used yeast as a model organism to identify key players in the process, including Atg15, Pep4, and Prb1, and demonstrated that Pep4 and Prb1 activate Atg15 to break down phospholipid bilayers.
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.
A new study finds that certain gut-dwelling fungi amplify excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19 and cause long-lasting changes in the immune system. Patients with these fungi may benefit from specialized treatments targeting the fungi or immunological changes they instigate.
Researchers urge caution due to harmful fungi that contaminate cannabis and hemp flowers, which can cause infections in susceptible individuals. The authors recommend developing a two-tier system to distinguish products intended for medical and recreational use to reduce harm to medical users.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have received a $423,500 grant to study molecular pathways in Aspergillus fumigatus that mediate inflammatory host responses. The team aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for patients suffering from Aspergillus infections.
Researchers discovered how the fungus Candida albicans enters the brain, activates mechanisms to clear itself, and generates amyloid beta-like peptides, contributing to Alzheimer's disease development. The study highlights the importance of understanding fungal involvement in neurodegenerative conditions.
A study by UMSOM researchers found that nearly 31% of patients on ventilators in Maryland hospitals harbored Acinetobacter baumannii, while nearly 7% carried Candida auris. The study highlights the need for improved infection control measures to contain the spread of these pathogens, which pose a significant risk to vulnerable patients.
A research team from Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf has clarified an important mechanism in how fungal infections are regulated at the molecular level. They discovered a single RNA-binding protein called Khd4 that controls the growth of infectious hyphae by determining mRNA stability, which in turn regulates membrane trafficking.
A major European study found that almost all patients with skin diseases face embarrassment, leading to a huge psychological toll. The study also revealed that stigmatization is a major impact of skin diseases on personal and professional life.
Researchers have discovered a unique adhesin in Candida auris that enables it to stick to surfaces and cause disease. The study found that this adhesin, SCF1, is essential for colonization and virulence, suggesting a potential target for anti-fungal therapy.
Researchers found that blueberries infected with Colletotrichum fioriniae emit odors repelling spotted-wing drosophila. By recreating this aroma, farmers can trick flies into perceiving healthy fruit as infected, reducing the need for insecticides.
This study reveals Aspergillus fumigatus can cause life-threatening invasive infections in those with weakened immune systems. The fungus produces an unprecedented number of meiotic crossovers, highlighting its potential as a virulent pathogen.
A study of nearly 20,000 patients found that the color of their phlegm can indicate the degree of inflammation in their lungs and predict future outcomes. Patients with darker green or brown-colored sputum were at a higher risk of exacerbations, hospitalizations, and death.
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
Research reveals that T-cell infiltration into the brain is the primary cause of pulmonary dysfunction in Cryptococcus-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (C-IRIS). The study provides new insights into the condition and potential treatment pathways.
University of Louisville researchers have received a five-year, $11.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to investigate the connection between microorganisms and disease. The study will focus on various chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, periodontitis, and colorectal cancer.
Researchers have identified an essential stage in the takeover of rice cells by a fungus, which could accelerate treatment or prevention of rice blast disease. The discovery involves a modification in tRNA molecules that aid in protein construction, and its absence leads to reduced virulence.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have successfully tested a new oral antifungal therapy, Lipid Nanocrystal Amphotericin B, against cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive individuals. The treatment demonstrated improved survival rates and reduced toxicity compared to conventional intravenous amphotericin B.
Dr. Yeaman will apply state-of-the-art science to understand and solve antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans infections. The new U19 Center program aims to predict individuals at risk of such infections and inform best antibiotic regimens for cures.
A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma's Natural Products Discovery Group have identified a broad-spectrum antifungal molecule called Percephacin. This breakthrough treatment shows promise for treating fungal infections that are resistant to existing treatments.
Researchers found that clinical strains of Aspergillus fumigatus differ significantly from environmental strains in amino acid synthesis. The fungus appears to shape the lung microbiome to its advantage, surviving on vital metabolites produced by other microorganisms.
Researchers discovered that PYY prevents the fungus Candida albicans from turning into its more dangerous form while allowing commensal yeast forms to flourish. This peptide functions as an antimicrobial agent, playing a vital role in maintaining fungal commensalism in the gut.
Gray mold is a fungus that causes billions of dollars in crop losses each year, but researchers have discovered a way to control it without using toxic chemicals. The discovery reveals that gray mold uses lipid 'bubbles' to deliver RNA molecules that silence plant immune systems.
A study published in Nature found no link between the pancreatic microbiome and the development of pancreatic cancer, contradicting earlier findings that suggested a potential method for preventing the disease. The researchers reanalyzed data from an original study and used pancreatic cancer tissue samples to confirm their results.
Scientists have identified a promising biological solution to control dollar spot, a devastating disease on golf courses and other turfgrass areas. The beneficial microbe UD1022, patented by the University of Delaware, shows potential in preventing the fungus' growth and may even trigger systemic resistance.
Researchers have discovered a new way to combat fatal fungal infections by blocking the production of fatty acids, a major component of fats. The breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against species-resistant fungi.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have characterized the structures of several powdery mildew effectors, revealing a common scaffold that allows them to evade recognition by plant immune receptors. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular arms race between plants and fungal pathogens.
Researchers found that honeypot ant honey is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and two species of fungi, including Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. This discovery validates the therapeutic use of ant honey by Indigenous peoples for sore throats and skin infections.
A multidisciplinary team will investigate six antibiotic-resistant organisms, including MRSA and VRE, in 50 nursing homes using computer simulation models and scientific methods. The research aims to elucidate detection methods, spread drivers, and risk factors for MDROs, informing infection prevention policies.
Researchers found that mutations in the Pro1 protein enable the rice blast fungus to thrive through increased conidia release. This finding suggests an adaptive advantage for the pathogen, potentially linked to its loss of female fertility.
Researchers discuss treatment refractory forms of chronic sinusitis, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary diagnostics and therapy. Fungal infections are a rare cause, yet crucial to consider when treating this condition.
Researchers have identified a new trichothecene, NX, produced by Fusarium graminearum, which contributes to the pathogen's ability to infect wheat and spread disease. Deleting the gene responsible for NX production reduces toxin levels and disease severity, providing potential control methods.
A study analyzing bloodstream infections by Candida fungi reveals persistently high mortality rates in Brazil, despite therapeutic advances. The authors warn that diagnostic techniques must improve to address this issue.
A recent study has shown that the mutual symbiosis between bacteria and fungi can be fragile, as a specific protein maintains the balance. When this protein is absent, the bacteria are trapped within fungal hyphae and die.
A recent study found that seven per cent of Aspergillus fumigatus samples from the Three Parallel Rivers region in Yunnan, China were drug resistant, capable of propagating quickly and taking over local populations.
A new gene variant, RBL1, has been identified in a type of rice that can be modified to improve performance without yield penalties. This breakthrough could lead to more disease-resistant rice crops with high yields, addressing a major threat to the industry and meeting growing global demand.
Researchers found commercially available antifungal tests perform inadequately in identifying Candida auris susceptibility to various treatments. The findings highlight the need for improved testing methods to aid clinical decisions and improve patient care.
Researchers found a significant increase in Candida auris bloodstream infections between 2021 and 2023, rising from 0.014% to 0.057%. The discovery highlights the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial-resistant C. auris and emphasizes the need for continued public health interventions.
Researchers discovered that ants sniff out diseased fungus by detecting chemicals called peptaibols, which are produced by the fungus. This finding suggests that the ants may be responding to a disease of their beneficial symbiotic partner rather than their own body, highlighting an extended defense response.
Researchers have identified a key protein in the body's innate ability to fight systemic fungal infections. The study found that C5a and its downstream effects are crucial for immune cells to clear the fungus Candida albicans when it overtakes natural defenses.
A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.
Researchers discovered that ants preferentially groom the individuals carrying the highest amount of fungal spores, which are the greatest disease risk. This unique combination of simple rules leads to highly efficient colony-level disease control and 'social immunity' in ant colonies.
The Sooty Bark Disease, caused by Cryptostroma corticale, is a growing threat to European maples and human health. Researchers have developed a DNA-based diagnostic method to detect the pathogen in air samples using volumetric air samplers.