Articles tagged with Fungi
Researchers have identified fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures, making them a potential alternative to toxic silver iodide in cloud seeding. The discovery could lead to safer weather modification and improved food preservation techniques.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified four Fusarium species causing potato dry rot in the San Luis Valley, including one not previously found in the US. This study will help improve disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as guide cultivar selection and breeding for disease resistance.
The study found that the extract reduced cell damage compounds by over 75% and preserved skin health with over 60% of cells remaining alive. The researchers developed a natural dye, produced by Talaromyces amestolkiae fungus, which can be used in cosmetic formulations while maintaining safety and functionality.
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial found that a natural fungal supplement, FoTv, reduced short-term vaccine side effects and helped antibodies last longer in people who had not previously been exposed to COVID-19. The study suggests that FoTv may help strengthen vaccine protection without increasing side effects.
Scientists discovered that a single, 2,400-year-old alerce tree protects hundreds to thousands of underground fungal species. These fungi help forests function by funneling water and nutrients to trees and assisting plants in fighting stressors like drought and pathogens.
A partnership between Goethe University Frankfurt and Universidad de Costa Rica aims to deepen scientific understanding of Costa Rica's biodiversity, with a focus on conservation. The €450,000 funding will support joint research initiatives, including pilot projects on fungal diversity and the establishment of a culture collection.
Researchers from Cornell University discovered that fungi can convert low-value agricultural byproducts into nutritious foods through fermentation. The
A recent study analyzed environmental DNA from the largest global dataset of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal and found a striking gap: more than 70% of ecoregions lack sequencing data. This underrepresentation threatens biodiversity surveys, plant productivity, soil aggregation, and climate mitigation predictions.
Climate change alters high-elevation meadows, causing plant communities to shift towards shrub-dominated landscapes. The changes also affect the soil ecosystem, with declines in mycorrhizal fungi and increases in decomposers.
Researchers found that fungi recycle mycelium based on two clear strategies: wasteful and frugal. The 'wasteful' group leaves behind inactive mycelium, while the 'frugal' group quickly recycles nutrients to preserve them and reduce losses to other organisms. This discovery provides new insights into the carbon cycle and climate.
Researchers have established that Candida albicans fungus makes melanoma more aggressive by activating signaling pathways and creating conditions for malignant cells to acquire oxygen and energy. The study's findings suggest potential new avenues for cancer treatment using antifungal therapies.
Fungi have evolved unique strategies to digest charcoal and other pollutants, including gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. These discoveries could lead to new methods for cleaning up contaminated environments.
A new study using AI-powered BioBERT model accurately identifies fungal lifestyles, switching between helpful partner for plants to aggressive decomposers. The tool has nearly 90% accuracy and can scan thousands of papers in minutes, flagging species that may switch roles.
Researchers found viable spores of mycotoxigenic fungi, DNA fragments, and traces of toxins remained after gamma irradiation, highlighting the need for stricter testing and better safeguards in the cannabis industry. This is particularly concerning for immunocompromised individuals who may be at higher risk.
A large-scale population genomic study has shed new light on the evolutionary history of the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), one of the most widely cultivated edible fungi in the world. Climate dynamics and a key gene for adaptive evolution and domestication jointly shaped the mushroom's diversity.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown interplay between wheat's resistance genes and fungal disease factors. The study found that powdery mildew fungus overcomes resistance by modifying recognized effectors, but a new approach could slow down its development by combining targeted resistance genes.
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.
Research suggests soil microbial communities are a top predictor of childhood allergic disease rates, with certain assemblages appearing linked to better health outcomes. The study found that specific soil microbes promote health, while others negatively impact disease prevalence.
A study by University of Zurich researchers has shed light on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis with mucosal fungi. The team discovered that the fungus Candida albicans uses a toxin called candidalysin to survive in the mouth, and that interleukin 17-mediated immunity prevents it from growing out of control.
A team of researchers from Yokohama National University has discovered a previously unknown species of marine fungus that can kill harmful, bloom-forming algae. The new species, Algophthora mediterranea, was found to be a destructive parasite in a species of algae known to cause toxic blooms with adverse health effects on humans.
A new study reveals that the genus Escovopsis emerged 56.9 million years ago but didn't start associating with leafcutter ants until 38 million years ago, suggesting a complex evolutionary history. The fungus's adaptations to its ant hosts likely contributed to its success as a symbiont.
Research highlights the connection between fungi and cancer, revealing that fungal microbiome can promote tumour progression and activate immunosuppressive pathways. Modulating the fungal microbiome may enhance antitumour immunity, with preliminary validation from preclinical and clinical trials.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
Researchers used CRISPR to increase fungal production efficiency and cut environmental impact by 61% without adding foreign DNA. The genetically tweaked fungus tastes like meat and is easier to digest than its naturally occurring counterpart.
The Applied Microbiology International (AMI) society has issued a warning about the threat of antimicrobial resistance in viruses and other pathogens. AMI is urging policymakers to strengthen the revised Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including all types of pathogenic organisms.
A study found that fungal oxalic acid (OA) regulates the extracellular domain (ECD) of CERK1 through site-specific deamidation, impairing chitin-triggered plant immunity. This mechanism enables fungal pathogens to suppress host defenses.
The increasing use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms poses a pressing need for public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment. Existing clinical data are insufficient to guide harm reduction or policy, highlighting the need for real-world research on psilocybin use.
Researchers found that fungal species from warmer sites in Baltimore had lighter pigmentation and greater heat resistance compared to cooler sites. This study suggests that urban fungi may be adapting to higher temperatures, potentially leading to new disease-causing pathogens like Candida auris.
Researchers from Ohio State University have developed shiitake-based devices that can act as organic memristors, a type of data processor. These devices demonstrated similar reproducible memory effects to semiconductor-based chips and showed potential for creating low-cost, environmentally friendly brain-inspired computing components.
An international team has discovered 30 novel fungal lineages using eDNA long-read sequencing techniques, shedding light on the unknown diversity of eukaryotic organisms. The researchers developed innovative taxonomic approaches to describe and communicate these unseen microeukaryotes.
Researchers discovered that stinkbug females possess a novel symbiotic organ on their hindlegs, which nurtures specific fungi that provide physical defense against wasp parasitism. The fungus-covered eggs exhibit lower parasitism rates, highlighting an impressive example of evolutionary adaptation.
A new study by Boston University researchers examines the impact of urban environmental stressors on tree growth and ecosystem services. The study found that urbanization disrupts the tree microbiome, leading to a loss of symbiotic relationships and an accumulation of pathogens, which can have negative effects on human well-being.
New research reveals fungi's deep timeline, dating back 1.4-0.9 billion years, which influenced ancient terrestrial ecosystems and shaped the evolution of life on land. The study uses rare genetic 'gene-swap' clues to overcome the fungal fossil record gap.
Researchers have found a fungus, Marquandomyces marquandii, that can grow into hydrogels with unique structural properties, such as high water absorption and elasticity. These properties make it a potential candidate for biomedical uses like tissue regeneration and flexible wearable devices.
A study on Aspergillus oryzae found that increased cell volume and nuclear number contribute to its high enzyme production capacity. The fungus's hyphae thicken, resulting in a tenfold increase in cell volume, while the number of nuclei per hyphal cell also rises tenfold.
Researchers Prof David Julian McClements and Prof David L. Kaplan propose hybrid foods as a solution to reduce industrial animal use's carbon footprint and boost health. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration to optimize protein combinations balancing nutrition, taste, sustainability, and affordability.
A study has identified a novel photomorphogenetic factor BcAMT1 that regulates light-dependent development in Botrytis cinerea. The findings suggest that BcAMT1 plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of light on fungal morphogenesis.
Researchers found 270 genera of fungi in Beijing subway stations, with dominant species varying by season and station type. The study highlights the importance of considering fungi in public health initiatives and air quality management.
Researchers discover two distinct methods for producing psilocybin in mushrooms, one in Psilocybe species and another in fiber cap mushrooms. The finding sheds light on convergent evolution and the unique biochemical strategies employed by fungi to produce the same molecule.
Researchers identified 27 species of bacteria and fungi that collectively increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 3.5 times. The study analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy individuals and found that boosting the mouth's microbiome may protect against cancer.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene disruption led to the change in color, allowing the fungus to conserve energy. This process, called relaxed selection, is common among organisms adapting to dark conditions, influencing food security and health.
Researchers found 148 fungi-associated genetic variants linked to 9 fungal taxa and associated with chronic disease risk. The study sheds light on the human genetic determinants of the mycobiome, a previously understudied group of gut microorganisms.
Researchers have successfully increased the susceptibility of Candida albicans to drug treatment through light-activated therapy. Combining photodynamic inactivation with antifungal amphotericin B reduced fungal growth by up to 87.5% and demonstrated potential as an alternative to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that MtABCB1 plays a crucial role in promoting arbuscule development during AM symbiosis. The protein's auxin efflux activity is essential for modulating auxin distribution and homeostasis within symbiotic cells.
A new study found that global climate conditions affect the spore traits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, influencing their survival, spread, and interaction with plants. The research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of microorganisms, which could guide soil restoration and food production.
Researchers revived historical fungal strains to understand the evolution of fungicide resistance and environmental adaptation in modern agriculture. The study provides critical insights into plant disease dynamics, paving the way for more sustainable agricultural strategies.
Scientists have released high-resolution maps revealing 90% of mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity hotspots outside protected areas, posing a threat to carbon drawdown and ecosystem resilience. The research highlights the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi in regulating Earth's climate and ecosystems.
Researchers found that cultivating bread wheat with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis increases grain size and micronutrient levels, especially phosphorus and zinc. This process enhances the bioavailability of these essential nutrients in bread wheat.
The study reveals diverse microbial profiles within different tumor types, with notable diversity in species composition and spatial localization. Functional effects of intratumoral microbiota on the tumor microenvironment range from immunostimulatory to protumor.
A new Korea University study provides the first species-specific health risk estimates for indoor airborne microbes based on animal toxicity data. The research determines that exposure to fungi may be unsafe even at levels below current guidelines, while bacteria are within existing regulatory limits.
Researchers from Michigan State University have discovered how Candida auris uniquely reconstructs its cell wall to survive antifungal treatments. The findings show that C. auris increases production of β-1,6-glucan to preserve structural integrity, providing a roadmap for designing more effective therapies.
Research reveals rainfall dramatically affects planktonic fungal communities in urban lakes, reducing species richness and evenness. Parasitic fungi emerge as key biomarkers, with changes in their abundance and distribution observed following precipitation.
Research led by the University of Michigan finds fungal spore seasons advancing three weeks earlier in the US over two decades due to climate change. The study reveals significant implications for both ecosystem processes and human health.
A new study reveals that natural selection is driving the evolution of resistance in ash trees against the fungal disease ash dieback. The research found that younger generation ash trees exhibit greater resistance than their predecessors, offering hope for the survival of ash trees.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound. The new compound, called asperigimycins, has shown promising results against leukemia cells, rivaling FDA-approved drugs.
A new study suggests that monitoring airborne fungal spore levels can predict short-term outbreaks of flu and COVID-19 infections. High levels of fungal spores were strongly linked to increases in flu and COVID-19 cases, particularly in the fall season.
Researchers discovered that fungal enzymes cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) can efficiently degrade plant biomass, allowing for the extraction of valuable components. This breakthrough suggests a promising method for using diverse, non-edible plant biomass in biotechnology applications.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute and University of Georgia discover how Cryptococcus neoformans thrives, identifying over 300 potential targets for novel antifungal drugs. The study provides an atlas for developing new therapies to combat this lethal fungus.
Chinese researchers found well-preserved fossil fungal hyphae in a Jurassic petrified wood sample, providing the earliest evidence for this fungal group. The discovery suggests that blue-stain fungi originated during the Late Paleozoic or early Mesozoic era.
A new article published in Crop Science journal provides comprehensive information on the disease's pathology, progression, and management of large patch, a fungal disease that can compromise turfgrass health. Effective management strategies include proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices.