Risk to consumers from fungal toxins in shellfish should be monitored
Research reveals that contaminated bivalve molluscs contain toxins at higher levels than the surrounding environment, posing a risk to human health.
Fungi
Articles tagged with Fungi
Salamanders under threat from deadly skin-eating fungus
A new species of fungus has ravaged fire salamander populations in the Netherlands, killing over 90% of the original population. The fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, can rapidly kill fire salamanders and is thought to have originated from elsewhere in the world.
SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2013
Spread of crop pests threatens global food security as Earth warms
A new study reveals that global warming is causing crop pests to spread towards the North and South Poles at an alarming rate. Currently, 10-16% of global crop production is lost to pests, with losses from fungi alone amounting to enough to feed nearly nine percent of today's global population.
Gene makes some HIV-infected patients more at risk for fungal disease
Researchers have identified a genetic link between HIV infection and increased susceptibility to cryptococcal disease, which can cause devastating fungal meningitis. Patients with the high-affinity Fc receptor gene are up to 20 times more likely to develop the disease, highlighting the need for a predictive test to save lives.
Microbial team turns corn stalks and leaves into better biofuel
A fungal-bacterial consortium converts tough plant materials into isobutanol, producing 1.88 grams per liter of fluid, with 62% energy conversion rate. The system reduces capital investment and operating cost, making biofuel production economically viable.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013
Traditional forest management reduces fungal diversity
Research in Navarre's beech groves reveals traditional forestry management reduces fungal diversity, with some species disappearing and families affected. The study highlights the importance of decomposing dead wood for fungal populations, contradicting current forest management practices.
Scientists identify key fungal species that help explain mysteries of white nose syndrome
Researchers identified non-disease causing fungal relatives of WNS-causing fungus, which live in bat hibernation sites and on bats. This discovery may aid in understanding the molecular toolbox used by the deadly fungus to kill bats.
Vascular complications of fungal meningitis after contaminated spinal injections
Researchers identified fungal meningitis cases with ischemic stroke after contaminated methylprednisolone injections. The condition presents with varying incubation periods, requiring better recognition of clinical characteristics for efficient care.
Avocado farmers face unique foe in fungal-farming beetle
Researchers have identified nine fungal lineages associated with ambrosia beetles threatening avocado production in the US and Israel. The unique fungi adaptability poses a threat to global farms and forests.
This only looks like the 405 freeway
Research by UCLA mathematician Marcus Roper reveals that fungus cells use a dynamic movement of nuclei to keep them well mixed, benefiting the organism's infectiousness. The flow is propelled by pressure gradients across the colony, optimizing nuclear mixing for maximum advantage.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2013
Sexual reproduction only second choice for powdery mildew
Research reveals that powdery mildew fungi favor asexually produced offspring for infection, while sexual reproduction is crucial for adaptation to host defense mechanisms. The study suggests an ancient co-evolutionary history between the fungus and its hosts, highlighting the complex dynamics of plant-fungus interactions.
Unraveling the largest outbreak of fungal infections associated with contaminated steroid injections
A massive fungal meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated steroid injections has been reported in the US, with over 13,000 people affected. Researchers found that a dark-colored environmental mold, Exserohilum rostratum, infects humans mainly through cerebrospinal fluid migration.
Rice blast research reveals details on how a fungus invades plants
Researchers have found that the rice blast fungus uses two distinct secretion systems to invade plant tissue, shedding light on a devastating crop disease. The discovery is a step towards controlling blast disease, which destroys enough rice to feed 60 million people annually.
Scientists discover new details about rice blast, a deadly plant fungus
Researchers have shed light on how the rice blast fungus invades plant tissue by evolving two distinct secretion systems. Understanding this process is crucial in controlling the disease and will help prove pivotal in blast disease control.
Bullfrogs may help spread deadly amphibian fungus, but also die from it
A two-year study by Oregon State University and the University of Pittsburgh found that bullfrogs can both carry and die from a deadly chytrid fungus. The research suggests that bullfrogs may not be the primary hosts for this pathogen, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers unearth bioenergy potential in leaf-cutter ant communities
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology identifies new fungal enzymes that can break down cellulose, a key component of plant biomass. The researchers found that the fungi and bacteria in leaf-cutter ant gardens work together to convert plant biomass into energy-rich compounds.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 14, 2013
Deep biosphere harbors active, growing communities of microorganisms
Researchers found evidence of actively metabolizing and proliferating bacteria, archaea, and fungi in the deep biosphere, with implications for global biogeochemical cycles. The study revealed diverse biochemical pathways and movement mechanisms, including flagellar-driven locomotion and gliding.
Detection of apple juices and cereals which exceed permitted levels of mycotoxins
Researchers found over 50% of commercial apple juice samples exceeding patulin limits, with one sample having 162.2 μg/kg. Mycotoxins were also detected in beers, cereals, and products like gofio flour, highlighting the need for better control measures.
To catch a cyber-thief
A new technique developed by researchers at Concordia University has slashed data-crunching time for law enforcement, allowing investigators to extract hidden knowledge from large volumes of text. The new method automatically identifies criminal topics and provides visualization of social networks among participants.
Frogs in California harbor deadly amphibian pathogen, Stanford researchers find
African clawed frogs in California are found to carry a deadly fungal infection that has led to the decline or extinction of some 200 amphibian species worldwide. The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatis, is transmitted through water and can cause skin thickening, electrolyte imbalance, and brain swelling.
Revealing hidden fungal species using DNA: The importance of recognizing cryptic diversity
A recent study uses DNA sequencing to identify five new species of lichen-forming fungi, highlighting the importance of recognizing cryptic diversity in various ecosystems. The research also provides a reference database for specimen identification, enabling more accurate and reliable species recognition.
Flexible partnership allows lichens to occur in different habitats
A study reveals that lichen fungi can colonize different ecosystems by choosing from a diverse array of algal partners. This adaptation allows them to thrive in various environments, including polar and Mediterranean regions.
New techniques reduce the complications of spinal cord stimulator implant
Researchers developed two innovative techniques to minimize lead migration and anchor site pain in spinal cord stimulators. Advanced anchoring and multiple lead placement through a single port reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.
Bioscience to battle ash dieback
The BBSRC has awarded funding to two projects: the Nornex consortium, studying the molecular and cellular basis of interactions between the fungus and ash trees, and Professor Christopher Gilligan's team, developing computer models to predict the spread of ash dieback in the UK.
Research update: Chemists find help from nature in fighting cancer
Researchers at MIT synthesized and tested 60 fungal compounds, finding some to be potent against human cancer cells. The most effective compounds had specific sulfur atom arrangements and larger attached rings.
Biologists explore link between amphibian behavior and deadly disease
A new study investigates the connection between amphibian social habits and a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes Chytridiomycosis. The researchers aim to understand how behavior affects the spread of the disease in California's slender salamander populations.
Fungi offers new clues in asthma fight, say Cardiff scientists
Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered hundreds of fungal particles in the lungs of asthma sufferers and healthy individuals alike. The study reveals that asthma patients have a distinct array of fungal species not present in healthy lungs, potentially leading to new treatment avenues.
The secret sex life of the penicillin-producing fungus could make it more productive
Researchers have discovered a method to induce sexual reproduction in Penicillium chrysogenum, leading to the development of new strains with improved industrial characteristics. This breakthrough aims to increase penicillin production, making it cheaper to produce, and potentially applicable to other economically important fungi.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013
Unlike we thought for 100 years: Molds are able to reproduce sexually
Researchers have discovered that the penicillin-producing fungus Penicillium chrysogenum reproduces sexually through a two-gender cycle. This leads to strains with new properties, including high penicillin production without contaminating genes.
Algae can draw energy from other plants
Biologists at Bielefeld University have confirmed that certain algae species can draw energy from other plants by digesting cellulose, a previously thought exclusive trait of fungi and bacteria. This groundbreaking discovery has significant implications for bioenergy production.
White rot fungus boosts ethanol production from corn stalks, cobs and leaves
Researchers have found that treating corn stover with white rot fungus can extract up to 30% more sugar from leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ethanol production and reduce the need for corn-based supplies.
News from Annals of Internal Medicine
A hospital in Roanoke, VA established a treatment protocol for dozens of patients with suspected fungal meningitis, using IV voriconazole and amphotericin-B. The clinical course and long-term neurological consequences are still being studied.
Neutrons help explain why antibiotics prescribed for chemotherapy cause kidney failure
Neutron scattering experiments have provided new insights into the origin of AmB's side effects, revealing that it interacts differently with fungal and animal cell membranes. The study suggests that AmB can open up holes in fungal cells but is unable to do so as readily in human cells, leading to harmful side effects.
Mold exposure at home could increase risk for sarcoidosis
Researchers found that levels of IL-6 and IL-12 were higher among patients with sarcoidosis compared to controls. Mold/fungi levels in the home also showed a significant relation to β-glucan levels. The study supports the hypothesis that exposure to fungi increases the risk of sarcoidosis.
Some 500 scientists have created a Top 10 list of plant-damaging fungi
A ranking system of the ten most important phytopathogenic fungi has been developed by 495 international researchers. The rice blast fungus is at the top of the list, followed by Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMolecular Plant Pathology·DateOct 18, 2012
What we know and don't know about fungal meningitis outbreak
The 2002 Exophiala dermatitidis meningitis outbreak highlights the dangers of contaminated injectable corticosteroids. Without proper sterility, fungus can grow aggressively and cause invasive mycosis with a potentially long incubation period.
Online First in Annals of Internal Medicine
A physician warns of the dangers of fungal meningitis due to contaminated injectable corticosteroids, emphasizing the importance of sterility in compounding processes. The author advocates for a case-by-case approach to treatment and calls for increased regulation to prevent future outbreaks.
Online First article posted to www.annals.org
A recent fungal meningitis outbreak has highlighted the aggressive nature of this condition, particularly after joint or bone injections. The researchers report on a clinical observation involving a patient who died due to severe brain and spinal cord damage.
Genetic activity in the entire genome of multicellular fungi analysed at a stroke
Biologists at Ruhr-Universität used a combination of laser microdissection and RNA-seq to analyze gene activity in the entire genome of certain fungi. They found that gene expression differs between tissue types, with some genes active only in specific tissues.
Treatment with fungi makes a modern violin sound like a Stradiavarius
The fungi treatment process modifies the acoustic properties of the instrument, making it sound indistinguishably similar to a Stradivarius. The research could soon make high-quality wood available for violin making.
DNA sequences need quality time too - guidelines for quality control published
A new article provides simple guidelines for establishing basic authenticity and reliability of fungal ITS sequences, targeting traditional DNA sequencing. The guidelines aim to assist researchers in sharpening their datasets and reducing noise in public sequence databases.
New Danish fungal species discovered
A new fungal species, Hebelomagriseopruinatum, has been officially classified as a novel species after discovery on Zealand in Denmark. The fungus has been found to coexist intimately with plants, similar to edible fungi like chantarelles and truffles.
Beetle mating requires strong grip as defensive behavior
A new study investigates the relationship between beetle body size, horn size, and grip strength in males. The researchers found that male beetles have a stronger grip than females, likely due to their larger limb size.
Differences in the genomes of related plant pathogens
Researchers analyzed fungal genomes and transcriptomes to understand how lifestyle affects gene expression and host specificity. They discovered new functions for fungal infection organs, including sensing the presence of plants.
To clean up the mine, let fungus reproduce
Harvard researchers found that a fungus produces superoxide, which oxidizes manganese, forming reactive minerals used for water cleanup and nutrient control. The discovery lends insight to environmental remediation and raises questions about the role of fungi in biogeochemistry.
White rot fungus boosts ethanol production from corn stalks, cobs and leaves
Scientists have discovered a white rot fungus that can break down tough cellulose in corn stover, releasing sugars for ethanol fermentation. The study found that the fungus extracted up to 30% more sugar from corn leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs.
2 species fused to give rise to plant pest
Scientists discovered that a widespread plant pest arose from the fusion of two unknown parent species just a few hundred years ago. The study reveals new insights into fungal evolution, showing that hybridization can lead to rapid speciation in plants and fungi.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2012
A group of fungi marked the end of the coal age 300 million years ago
A group of highly specialized fungi, identified through comparative analysis of 31 fungal genomes, developed a mechanism to efficiently decay plant biomass. These ancient organisms produced peroxidases that acted in synergy with other oxidative enzymes to degrade lignin, a polymer present in wood.
New £340,000 investment into asthma and allergy research at University of Leicester
The University of Leicester will receive £340,000 in funding to support its asthma and allergy research. The Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association has funded the study, which aims to better understand fungal allergies and develop new treatments.
Microbial communities shifted dramatically after Deepwater Horizon spill
The study found that microbial eukaryote communities shifted from diverse nematode-dominated communities to an almost exclusively fungal community post-spill. Fungal taxa found post-spill are suspected to utilize hydrocarbons and thrive in hostile, polluted conditions.
U of A maps vaccine for deadly pathogenic fungus
Researchers at U of A used 3-D magnetic resonance to map the structure of Candida, a deadly pathogen with a 40% mortality rate. This breakthrough could pave the way for an effective vaccine development.
Children failing asthma therapy may have severe asthma with fungal sensitization
A new study suggests that a significant proportion of children with asthma failing Step 4 or greater therapy may have severe asthma with fungal sensitization. Children with this condition were found to be older, have higher serum IgE levels, and perform worse on pulmonary function tests compared to those without the condition.
Tiny plants could cut costs, shrink environmental footprint
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that a widely available fungicide can inhibit steroid production in plants, resulting in smaller, more efficient varieties. These 'dwarfed' plants could significantly reduce agriculture's environmental footprint and costs for seed producers.
The zombie-ant fungus is under attack, research reveals
A hyperparasitic fungus has been found to effectively combat the zombie-ant fungus, limiting its spread and survival. The research model shows that only about 6.5% of spore-producing organs were viable, suggesting a smaller threat to ant colonies.
Blood samples show deadly frog fungus at work in the wild
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that the fungal infection leads to deadly dehydration in wild frogs, causing cardiac arrest and death. The research confirms what researchers have seen in lab experiments, providing a better understanding of how the disease progresses and suggesting potential treatments for infected frogs.
Blood samples show deadly frog fungus at work in the wild
A new study by University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University researchers reveals that a deadly fungal infection causes severe dehydration in wild frogs, disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. The study provides valuable insights into the disease progression and offers hope for potential treatments.
A new 'Achilles' heel' in fungus that causes dandruff
Research identifies enzyme essential for M. globosa's growth, making it a prime target for developing better anti-dandruff medicines. Sulfonamides show greater effectiveness than ketoconazole in preventing the fungus's growth.
Weeding out invasive species with classical biological control
Researchers at UOG are using classical biological control with Puccinia spegazzinii to combat the aggressive climbing vine, which threatens plant biodiversity on Pacific islands. The rust fungus is highly damaging to Mikania's leaves, petioles, and stems, eliminating the need for toxic herbicides.
Bristol researchers solve 70-year-old mystery
Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the 70-year-old mystery of stipitatic acid synthesis by identifying genes responsible for its production. The discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding organic chemistry and potentially leads to new drugs with antibacterial and antimalarial properties.
Tackle fungal forces to save crops, forests and endangered animals, say scientists
Fungal infections destroy over 125 million tonnes of crops annually, equivalent to $60 billion in damages. New fungal diseases also threaten the extinction of over 500 species of amphibian and endangered animals, posing a significant threat to global food security and biodiversity.