Articles tagged with Fungi
Researchers at UCLA found the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis proliferates in Yosemite toads' winter burrows, infecting previously healthy toads. The discovery challenges current thinking on the infection season, suggesting the fungus grows and spreads during harsh winter hibernation.
The World Beneath Our Feet wins the British Ecological Society Book of the Year 2026 for its engaging and accessible exploration of soil biodiversity. The book takes readers on a journey through the subsoil, introducing them to strange and fascinating organisms that play critical roles in nutrient cycling, agriculture, and carbon storage.
Researchers developed sensors to detect Sclerotinia blight in peanut plants, providing early warning for treatment. The sensors can detect oxalic acid, a chemical produced by infected plants, and have been validated in greenhouse trials.
A new, simplified amoeba-inspired computing model streamlines information-processing while enabling physical implementation, breaking volume-conservation law constraints. The model enables diverse materials and physical phenomena, solving combinatorial optimization problems with improved efficiency.
Scientists struggle to define fungal age due to the complex life cycle of fungi, which can live for hundreds to thousands of years. Leveraging new technologies like 'fungi-on-a-chip' and genetic tracking may provide unprecedented insights into fungal longevity.
Researchers from Adelaide University study how fungal diseases spread across crops by analyzing the location where infection begins — a leaf's waxy surface. They found that mimicking this coating can help understand how it functions and its recognition signals can be turned off, potentially leading to practical crop protection strategies.
A new study reveals that the 'zombie-ant' fungus harbors a hidden stage inside forest mosses, indicating a dual lifestyle with one life stage as an insect parasite and another endophytic stage. This discovery reshapes our understanding of the life cycle of these fungi.
A University of Michigan study finds that fungi are far more abundant deep below ground than previously thought, with over 689 unique species identified. The researchers also discovered complex underground food webs and found evidence of carbon sequestration in the Earth's crust.
A study found that the gut microbiota of Helicoverpa armigera caterpillars harbors fungi with the potential to degrade expanded polystyrene. Four fungi were isolated and demonstrated to break down polystyrene using scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Researchers Cong Trinh and Seunghyun Ryu receive US Department of War funding to analyze fungal genes and develop new synthetic biology tools for mitigating fungal contamination in critical systems. The grant focuses on Candida species, which can degrade materials used in electronics, vehicles, and fuel systems.
A study reveals that forests and rivers work together to strengthen amphibian microbiomes and protect them from a deadly fungus. The research found that disconnected habitats impair the ability to recruit defensive microbes.
Researchers have identified a new fungal species, Semicentenialea rex, representing a new class of fungi called Semicentenialomycetes. The fungus was isolated from roots in Sweden and has unique characteristics that set it apart from other rust fungi.
A study found that some toad populations recover from a deadly fungus due to the early maturation of antimicrobial peptides in their tadpole stage. This immunity allows them to survive as adults, suggesting that environmental factors such as temperature may play a role in disease progression.
A study by Chiba University researchers confirms Gentiana squarrosa obtains carbon through both photosynthesis and fungal symbiosis. The U-shaped pot cultivation system developed for this study enables the verification of carbon transfer between plants via AM fungi in various plant species.
Researchers have developed a gene-editing tool that unlocks the secrets of fungi, a kingdom rich in antibacterial compounds. The tool, called fPE7max, enables precise control over DNA sequences and has identified three novel molecules with anti-cancer properties.
Researchers found that a fungus's metabolic breadth, or range of nutrients it can use, links its ability to kill insects, partner with plants, and thrive in different ecological roles. Strains capable of using a wider range of nutrients were faster and deadlier at killing insects and more effective at colonizing plant roots.
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.
Two studies found that certain fungal species in the gut play a key role in immune dysregulation and pediatric allergic diseases, positioning the infant mycobiome as a promising target for therapies. Infants' early-life antibiotic use may have a direct impact on these fungi, leading to immune dysregulation and allergic asthma.
Researchers found mycorrhizal fungi in desert moss, unlike those found in less harsh conditions, suggesting a deliberate relationship. The discovery could rewrite moss biology and offer clues about the origins of life on land.
Researchers created the first global maps of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi's distribution and mass, estimating ~110 quadrillion kilometers of network length and ~300 megatons of carbon. The networks support plant life and regulate climate by drawing in CO2 from atmosphere.
Researchers detected pathogenic species of Sporothrix in the internal organs of mammals, birds, and reptiles that were killed by vehicles on Brazilian roads. The study reveals a new reservoir for fungi, highlighting the need for surveillance.
A new study by Agbonma Onyeka and colleagues demonstrates that Lentinus squarrosulus can be cultivated using locally available agricultural waste, reducing waste management issues and creating a safer alternative protein source. The researchers successfully grew the mushroom on different sawdust species types, producing edible biomass ...
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.
Researchers discovered that spider webs, particularly those with environmental debris, can collect viable fungi from agricultural ecosystems. This approach allows for the recovery of living organisms that can be further studied, providing a supplementary sampling surface for capturing biologically relevant particles.
Researchers found a clear spike in fungal microfossils following the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. This global event, occurring tens of thousands of years before the extinction, suggests that volcanism may have contributed to the mass extinctions in that period.
Research found that Western honey bees and myrtle rust fungus have formed an invasional mutualism, where the fungus is nutritious for bees. The fungus remains viable in beehives for over a week, potentially spreading human-assisted to other areas.
Researchers have used fungal light-producing enzymes to track processes like tumor progression and inflammatory responses. The study reveals the role of caffeylpyruvate hydrolase (CPH) in breaking down oxyluciferin, allowing for sustainable bioluminescence.
Researchers found that powdery mildew disease caused by different fungi infects strawberries in North America and Europe differently, indicating the pathogens jumped hosts over millions of years. This discovery can aid understanding of plant diseases and their spread.
Researchers found that soil fungi are essential for native forest re-growth and ecosystem health on Palmyra Atoll. The symbiotic relationship between Pisonia trees and fungal partners is critical for the atoll's unique ecosystem.
Researchers found that connected habitats enhance the ability of amphibian skin microbiome to defend against diseases by increasing beneficial bacteria presence. This study highlights a critical link between environmental disturbance, microbial defenses, and disease dynamics.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that a fungus strain called Aspergillus calidoustus can survive the harsh conditions of space travel and Martian environments. The fungus was found to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressure, making it a strong candidate for surviving the trip to Mars.
A survey of Europeans reveals widespread ignorance about fungi as food, including misunderstanding of key terms like mycoprotein. Fungal-based foods face challenges in the EU market due to lack of knowledge and misconceptions.
Fungal endophytes from cacti have been found to boost drought tolerance in cacao plants by controlling stomatal conductance and retaining more water. These microbes could provide a novel strategy for addressing climate change's impact on cacao production.
A new enzyme from a fungus cultivated in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran can promote cellulose pulp bleaching. The xylanase facilitates the removal of xylan fractions associated with residual lignin, increasing brightness and efficiency in subsequent stages of pulp processing. This non-toxic alternative reduces chemical load and has gr...
Scientists have discovered two new species of fungi, Neohelicomyces coffeae and Neohelicomyces puerensis, growing on dead coffee branches in Yunnan Province. These saprophytic fungi play a vital role in the coffee ecosystem by decomposing organic matter and unlocking trapped nutrients.
Research at Tohoku University reveals that mushrooms adjust their communication levels in response to urine application, with increased flow when water is applied and decreased flow when urine is applied. The findings suggest that forest mushrooms can flexibly change their electrical information flow in response to various disturbances.
Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a new tool to quickly and accurately map fungal gene functions, even for species with no reference genomes. The tool successfully annotated over 96% of protein-coding transcripts, providing high-resolution functional detection in diverse fungal lifestyles.
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive wheat disease that can reduce yields and contaminate grain with toxins. New research in Plant Disease identified several emerging fungal pathogens, including a previously undescribed species, responsible for the severe outbreak in Ethiopia.
A new study finds that contributions from casual and highly active citizen scientists are equally valuable, with each group complementing the other. The research, led by Erin Grady, analyzed millions of observations on iNaturalist and found that both groups contribute to balancing biases in data collection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.