Articles tagged with Fungi
A new species of fungus-parasitizing orchid, Lecanorchis tabugawaensis, has been discovered in Japan. The orchid obtains its nutrients through a special symbiotic relationship with fungi, a phenomenon known as mycoheterotrophy.
A new species of fungal disease, Curvularia malina, has been identified on short-cut Bermuda and Zoysia grasses in southern US golf courses. The disease can cause black spots and reduce turf aesthetic quality, but proper diagnosis and management practices can mitigate its impact.
Researchers discovered a fungus, Piriformospora indica, that colonizes plant roots and suppresses their immune defense through the protein FGB1. This allows the fungus to avoid being attacked like disease-inducing fungi, facilitating a long-term symbiotic relationship.
A new study published in mSphere found that the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus behaves similarly in space as it does on Earth. The research, led by Benjamin Knox, compared fungal isolates from the International Space Station to reference isolates from earth and found no significant changes in growth or virulence.
Researchers identified MIG1 gene controlling root cortex development and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi symbiosis. This enables plants to extract nutrients from the ground, leading to improved growth and health.
Researchers have created a cost-effective method for producing lithium-ion battery electrodes using brewery wastewater, reducing costs for beer makers and providing a renewable fuel source. The unique partnership between breweries and batteries could lead to significant waste reduction and energy savings.
Researchers identified Mp1p as a key virulence factor in Talaromyces marneffei, allowing it to survive in macrophages and cause disease. The protein's homologs were also found to contribute to pathogenicity, highlighting a potential target for treatment.
Researchers are using naturally occurring fungi to extract valuable materials from waste batteries, including cobalt and lithium. The process uses oxalic acid and citric acid generated by the fungi to leach out the metals, with results showing up to 85% lithium and 48% cobalt extraction.
A study published in the journal mSphere found that a deadly bat fungus in Washington state is genetically similar to strains found in the eastern United States, suggesting it did not originate in Eurasia. The findings have implications for resource managers battling white-nose syndrome in North American bats.
A team of scientists discovered that ants first switched to farming fungi 55-60 million years ago, marking the beginning of a mutual adaptation. Leafcutter ants have since developed industrial-scale farming, producing protein-rich bulbs and thriving on an enormous scale.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have identified a new prebiotic, derived from fermented burdock root, that improves colon health in rats by increasing beneficial bacteria. The enzyme, produced during fermentation, has a stronger effect on Bifidobacterium in the colon than previous varieties of prebiotics.
Researchers found that commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana were effective in reducing house fly and stable fly egg-laying. The most effective product, Met52 EC, reduced oviposition by more than half and inhibited house fly development.
Scientists found 25 million-year-old fossil termite nests in East Africa with evidence of fungus gardens, a form of agriculture not by humans but by insects. This discovery provides the oldest known examples of agricultural practices and sheds light on how termites evolved to cultivate fungi.
Researchers discovered evidence of the world's oldest known fungus gardens within fossil termite nests from the Great Rift Valley of Africa, dating back approximately 25 million years. This finding pushes back the beginning of the termite-fungus symbiotic relationship to at least 31 million years ago.
Researchers are studying how microbes control ant behaviors using $2.56 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The goal is to understand the complex collective behavior of fungi, which can precisely control their hosts' actions.
Researchers identified and recorded over 50 species of fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, and vascular plants at the Mars Desert Research Station. The study provides a first-line reference for identifying these organisms and serves as a starting point for future floristic and ecological work.
Researchers have devised a new method for synthesizing communesins, a group of fungal compounds with anticancer properties, by transforming carbon atoms into radicals and joining them together. This approach enables the production of designed variants with potentially greater potency.
Scientists discovered new natural products in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which share similar biosynthesis pathways with plant isoquinoline alkaloids. The findings open up new roads for combinatorial biotechnology to develop novel active compounds and urgently needed new drugs.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences of fungi to understand their environmental response mechanisms. They found that whole-genome duplication led to the development of specialized genes enabling refined signal perception, which could aid in natural control of metabolic processes and biofuels production.
A newly compiled database of insect-fungi interactions has revealed that 65 percent of insect orders can be infected by fungi and Oomycetes. Sap-sucking insects, such as cicadas, are the most frequently attacked by fungi due to their specialized mouth parts for sucking sap.
Increased Arctic vegetation may counteract global warming by reducing decomposition and releasing stored carbon, according to a Lund University study. The study found that warmer temperatures trigger bacteria and fungi to break down nutrient-rich shrubs rather than moss, leading to reduced soil nitrogen.
Scientists have discovered that cells can perceive their own shapes, specifically curvature of the cell membrane, through a protein-based mechanism. This ability allows cells to organize themselves in response to changes in their environment.
Researchers have created a new machine-learning algorithm that reduces timing uncertainties in changing events by up to 300 times, allowing for more accurate dating and analysis of past events. The tool has applications in various fields, including geology, metrology, chemistry, biology, and astronomy.
Researchers discover a 'green beard' system in fungi to decide on compatibility and actively seek out favorable cells. This mechanism is necessary and sufficient to determine 'self' identity, enabling cooperation between non-genealogical relatives.
A new search function is presented to highlight the world's most undescribed fungi, with the aim of bridging knowledge gaps between fungal taxonomy and molecular ecology. The '50 Most Wanted Fungi' list provides genus-level clusters of fungal DNA sequences with unknown taxonomic affiliation.
Researchers have discovered that a specific type of bread mold, Neurospora crassa, can transform manganese into a mineral composite with favorable electrochemical properties. This process has the potential to create more sustainable electrochemical materials for use in rechargeable batteries.
Researchers discovered that volatile compounds from Pseudomonas aeruginosa stimulate the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus found in lung infections. The most potent signal was dimethyl sulfide, which is taken up by the fungus to support growth.
Researchers discovered Asian bat species have lower levels of infection and fungal loads compared to North American bats, suggesting host resistance as a possible explanation. This finding provides hope that some declining North American bat species could evolve resistance to the devastating disease.
A rare fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus deuterogatti, has lost over a dozen genes involved in RNA interference, a defense mechanism used by fungi to protect their genomes. This loss of gene silencing machinery makes the fungus more virulent and deadly to humans.
A team of Danish investigators has created a modeling system that actually mimics indoor fungal aerosols, studying the impact of residential mold on human health. The system, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, contains at least eleven species of fungus associated with water damage, found in both Danish and US buildings.
Researchers characterize primitive fungi to understand how they break down plant material and convert biopolymers into sugars. This breakthrough could lead to effective plant waste conversion and new chemical production methods, offering a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers have created a library of fungi-secreted enzymes that efficiently break down plant biomass, which could simplify and lower the costs of biofuel production. The discovery highlights the potential of symbiotic fungi from herbivore guts, particularly Piromyces, to degrade lignocellulose with enzyme synergy.
Researchers at Kansas State University have successfully identified a resistance gene called 2NS and developed diagnostic tools to detect the disease. The team is working on finding new sources of resistance to overcome the constantly evolving fungus.
European scientists sent Antarctic fungi to the International Space Station for 18 months in conditions similar to Mars. More than 60% of their cells remained intact with stable DNA, indicating their ability to survive harsh Martian environments. Lichens from Spain and Austria also showed resilience under simulated Martian conditions.
Scientists have discovered four new fungus gnat species in the Scandinavian north, shedding light on regional insect diversity. The newly described taxa represent a small fraction of the numerous undescribed northern fly species, with more awaiting formal description.
Researchers have identified more than 300 species of fungi living on coffee leaves, including 15 likely fungal parasites that could be used to combat coffee rust disease. The study suggests using natural enemies to prevent the spread of the disease rather than relying on chemical control.
A team of researchers has discovered the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in caves where bats hibernate in northeast China. The finding greatly expands the known distribution of the fungus, which has decimated bat populations in North America since its appearance in upstate New York in 2006.
Scientists have discovered that holes in Mount Baldy's sand dunes were formed by entombed oak trees that decomposed into a cementing mineral, creating hazardous voids. The study, presented at the Geological Society of America meeting, sheds light on how these living systems interact between biology and geology.
Scientists have identified the enzyme responsible for synthesizing tenuazonic acid (TeA), a well-known fungus-killing toxin that affects rice and other crops. The unique TeA synthetase 1 (TAS1) enzyme has an NRPS-PKS structure, previously thought to be exclusive to bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that a Brazilian social bee must cultivate fungus to survive, highlighting the importance of symbiotic relationships in colony health. The fungus is grown in the nest and is transferred to newly built cells, with larvae surviving 76% of the time when fed fungal mycelia.
A 15-year study discovered 61 new strains of fungal parasites in leaf-cutter ant nests, which could lead to new control strategies. The findings suggest that a single form of the parasite could be used to target multiple species of ants.
The 'Tree of Life' for 2.3 million species has been released, depicting relationships among living things over time. The collaborative effort combines smaller trees from various sources, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and editable online resource.
A deadly fungus identified in 2013 poses a significant threat to North American salamander populations. Scientists are urging the U.S. government to implement an immediate ban on live salamander imports to prevent the spread of the fatal Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) fungus.
A recent fungus, Bsal, threatens American salamanders with a 96% fatality rate, highlighting the urgent need for a U.S. ban on salamander imports. The fungus's spread could imperil North American ecosystems, which rely heavily on these small, often overlooked animals.
A new species of scarab beetle, Termitotrox venus, was discovered in Cambodia and named after the Roman goddess of beauty and love. The beetle's unique characteristics include its large size compared to its relative and its ability to coexist with termites.
The Herbarium of the University of Granada has published an online catalogue of type specimens of fungi and lichens, containing 88 specimens from western Mediterranean regions. The dataset is associated with a large image collection, providing valuable insights into the diversity of these organisms.
Researchers have identified two compounds that target the synthesis of fungal glucosylceramide, leading to highly effective antifungal activity. These new agents may pave the way for a new class of antifungals to treat serious fungal infections, which cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Li-Jun Ma's research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms underlying fungal pathogenesis and developing novel antifungal therapies. Her work aims to address the growing threat of opportunistic fungal infections, which claim over 1.5 million lives each year.
Researchers at UCSF-Brown have discovered an enzyme that breaks down bat tissue, exacerbating the spread of white-nose syndrome. They identified Destructin-1, a collagen-digesting enzyme, and found potential inhibitors, paving the way for new treatments.
Scientists have discovered a protease enzyme secreted by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that damages collagen in bats. A protease inhibitor showed a 77% reduction in collagen damage after 54 hours, offering hope for treating White Nose syndrome.
The Genetics Society of America presented 14 early career researchers with GSA poster awards for their outstanding contributions to fungal genetics. The winners, including graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, showcased innovative research in various fields.
Researchers created the first atlas of airborne microbes across the US, identifying over 110,000 bacterial species and 55,000 fungal species in dust samples from 1,200 homes nationwide. The study provides new insights into human health, animal health, and crop disease, with implications for understanding climate and soil variability.
Using data from a citizen science project, researchers created a statistical model that analyzes fungal taxa in dust samples to predict their geographic origin. The model achieved an accuracy rate of about 95%, allowing law enforcement and archaeologists to trace dust samples back to specific locations within the continental US.
Scientists have isolated bacteria that inhibit the growth of the white-nose syndrome fungus in laboratory tests. The bacteria may help protect bats from the disease when treated with a bacterial spray applied during hibernation.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found that a little bit of sugar on the surface of fungal cells triggers the death of immune cells that would otherwise kill the fungus. This discovery could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for treating Candida albicans, one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that an intensified management system increased corn yields by 28%, primarily due to the combined effects of Bt trait, strobilurin-containing fungicide, and balanced nutrition. The study suggests that no single factor is crucial, but rather the synergistic effect of all five management fa...
Researchers found that deadly frog fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been present in Illinois and Korea since the 1880s, with stable dynamics for over 100 years. This discovery helps scientists better understand the disease caused by Bd and its survival conditions.
Forest scientists at UBC have discovered the root cause of a deadly tree fungus: extra genes that produce a toxic toxin. The fungus, Mycosphaerella populorum, threatens poplar trees in plantations and eastern North America.
Researchers detect deadly chytrid fungus in Madagascar, threatening its unique amphibian population. The discovery highlights the global pandemic's impact on biodiversity and calls for continued monitoring and breeding programs.
A new surveillance technique has revealed a diverse population of wheat rust fungus in the UK, with some strains being more aggressive and virulent than others. The findings highlight the threat posed to global food security due to climate change and increased globalization.