Articles tagged with Fungi
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Atlas of Living Australia has added over half a million records, including those from 17th-century Dutch navigators, to reach its 30-millionth species occurrence record. This milestone is made possible through collaborative efforts between museums, universities, and the CSIRO.
Researchers found that human presence causes a substantial increase in airborne bacterial and fungal particles, with sizes affecting filtration and recirculation. The study, led by Yale University engineers, aims to improve air quality by understanding the dynamics of indoor biological aerosols.
A comparative genomic analysis of two white rot fungi found substantial differences among the sets of genes involved in lignocellulose degradation. C. subvermispora was found to selectively break down lignin at an efficient rate, making it a potential game-changer for the pulp and paper industry.
Researchers have found that bacteria help decompose the leaves and turn them into nutrients for both ants and fungi. The study, published in The ISME Journal, reveals a new understanding of the symbiotic relationship between leafcutter ants, fungi, and bacteria.
A research team has found that opportunistic fungi like Candida albicans can sense the immune status of host cells and adapt to evade immune system defenses. The study reveals that these fungi bind to a key immune signaling molecule, Interleukin 17A, allowing them to survive and even cause disease in immunosuppressed patients.
Researchers found that grass smut fungi can form hybrids with other species, which could lead to new plant diseases and accelerated evolution. The discovery was made possible by the collaboration of RUB Geobotany Laboratory and Heinrich Heine Universität in Düsseldorf.
The open access journal PhytoKeys is pioneering electronic publication of new plant species, supported by strong practices from publishers and authors. The journal's completion will be archived on the 7th of January 2012 and share biological data with international databasing initiatives.
The International Botanical Congress approves new rules allowing electronic publication and English translations for plant species names, facilitating faster discovery and conservation. This change aims to accelerate the process of documenting biological diversity before it is lost due to environmental issues.
Scientists found that hot chilies in dry areas produce fewer seeds due to reduced water efficiency, while non-pungent plants dominate in wetter regions where the fungus thrives. Pungency increases along a 185-mile line from dry to wetter regions.
New research reveals that Candida tropicalis can mate sexually, contrary to its long-held reputation as an asexual organism. This discovery may allow the species to evolve faster and develop increased virulence or drug resistance.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that bacteria and fungi work together to aid movement and survival. Fungal spores can attach to bacteria, allowing them to travel further, while the bacteria use fungi as natural bridges to overcome obstacles.
A team of researchers, led by Tufts University scientists, discovered a new species of fungus in an invasive paper wasp nest. The fungus, named Mucor nidicola, is fluffy and fast-growing, resembling bunny fur.
A research team led by Virginia Tech's Lisa Belden is studying the role of microbial communities on the skin of frogs in defending against a devastating fungal disease. The goal is to develop probiotics that can help amphibians resist the disease and potentially even release endangered species back into nature.
The DOE JGI's 2012 Community Sequencing Program allocates over 30 trillion bases for researchers to study plant-microbe interactions and environmental genomics. This includes projects on rhizosphere microbial communities, Casuarina trees, and microbial communities in extreme environments.
A University of Tennessee researcher has discovered that the fungus Geomyces destructans is the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease decimating North America's bat population. The study found that exposure to G. destructans causes WNS in healthy bats and can be transmitted through direct contact.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Yulin Jia characterized the molecular mechanism of some plants' ability to resist rice blast, a fungal disease affecting cereal grain crops. He also mapped two major blast-resistance genes from a Chinese rice cultivar, which have been reported in several scientific journals.
International scientists have decoded the genetic makeup of two heat-loving fungi that can degrade biomass at high temperatures, accelerating the breakdown of fibrous plant materials. The findings may lead to faster and greener development of biomass-based fuels, chemicals and other industrial materials.
Researchers identify enzymes from fungi like Thielavia terrestris and Muceliophthora thermophila, which thrive at high temperatures, to accelerate biomass breakdown and improve biofuel production. The discoveries have great promise for significant improvements over existing systems.
The XVIII International Botanical Congress approved sweeping changes to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, allowing e-publication and using Latin or English descriptions. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2012, and are being disseminated in five languages through leading academic journals.
The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants is set to undergo significant changes allowing scientists to publish new species discoveries entirely online. This shift aims to increase the efficiency and accessibility of scientific research in the digital age.
A team of Chinese researchers analyzed 4793 publications to identify potential host species for the Tibetan medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis. The study found 57 recognizable potential hosts, 8 indeterminate hosts, and 26 non-hosts, providing basic information for managing insect resources and conserving the fungus.
Fungi such as Candida albicans are resisting the latest antifungal drugs due to their ability to alter cell wall structure. The use of echinocandins, which target beta-glucan enzyme, is being re-evaluated in light of this resistance.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a freshwater species of zooplankton, Daphnia magna, that can eat the B. dendrobatidis fungus devastating amphibian populations worldwide. The finding offers a promising biological control method to combat this deadly disease.
A new survey of the deadly fungus chytridiomycosis in Asia has found very low levels of infection among amphibians, with only 2.35% prevalence across 15 countries. However, researchers warn that this could be a sign of emerging disease or other factors preventing invasion.
Whitehead Institute researchers uncover a novel association between dectin-1 and galectin-3 in macrophages, enabling the immune system to discriminate between non-pathogenic and pathogenic fungi. This discovery may lead to the development of more effective antifungal drugs.
The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants will allow electronic publication of new taxa names, making the process more efficient and rapidly available for all.
A University of Vermont scientist has developed a bio-pesticide using an insect-killing fungus and sweet whey to reduce the growth rate of hemlock woolly adelgid. The treatment showed promising results in trials, with a 50% reduction in pest population in infested trees.
The new journal MycoKeys offers a linked environment for publishing and disseminating information on fungi and lichens. It provides mandatory registration of new taxa in MycoBank and automated cross-linking with major biodiversity platforms.
A subset of fungus-farming ambrosia beetles is in the early stages of a global epidemic threatening economically important tree species. The beetles kill trees by triggering a strong immune response from the tree's own system, causing it to die of thirst.
Researchers discovered that colonizing rice plants with fungal spores from naturally salt-tolerant plants enhances their ability to withstand cold, salt, and drought. This emerging strategy, called symbiogenics, could help mitigate climate change impacts on global food security.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified two proteins in barley that powdery mildew takes advantage of during its attack. The RACB protein, a molecular switch, supports the fungus by increasing plant cell surface area, while MAGAP1 prevents this effect and limits the fungus's entry into plant cells.
A recent study on leaf-cutting ants has sequenced their genome, revealing key adaptations behind their unique social behavior and fungus farming lifestyle. The research found that specific genes are involved in mating system adaptations and symbiotic food processing with the fungus.
Researchers from the University of Zurich propose using bacteria and fungicides to fight the chytrid fungus, a major killer of amphibians worldwide. The study suggests two promising methods: using skin-borne bacteria to block the fungus or treating infected frogs with fungicides.
A new study reveals that prolonged heavy snowfall in the Arctic can trigger rapid growth of killer fungi, devastating plant life and disrupting local food chains. This unexpected finding highlights unforeseen climate change effects on vegetation and ecosystems.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a fungus-based process that improves the economics of ethanol production by producing high-quality animal feed and cleaning water for recycling. The MycoMeal process has the potential to save US ethanol producers up to $800 million per year in energy costs.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have identified several blueberry cultivars with high resistance to mummy berry disease, caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi. These cultivars, including 'Brunswick' and 'Bluejay,' can withstand both stages of the fungal infection.
A new Q-PCR assay technique enables precise quantification of fungal DNA in soybean leaf tissue to assess resistance to soybean rust. This method improves upon traditional visual assessments, allowing for more accurate mapping of quantitative resistance genes.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences of two Aspergillus niger strains to improve biofuel production. They found unique genes in each strain that contribute to their characteristics, including high citric acid yields and efficient enzyme production.
Scientists have found a hitherto unknown type of fungi, cryptomycota, which has significantly expanded our knowledge of fungal diversity. The discovery was made possible by analyzing DNA samples taken from the University of Exeter's pond, revealing a previously hidden branch in the fungal tree of life.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two rust fungi that infect poplar trees, a promising bioenergy feedstock. The study reveals the characteristics of these pathogens and their methods of attacking host plants, providing key findings for developing disease control strategies.
Researchers are testing a fungal pathogen and releasing non-stinging wasps to control the emerald ash borer, which has devastated forests and tree-lined neighborhoods. The fungus, Beauveria bassiana, kills beetles when applied to infested trees before wasps are released.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a crucial component in the signaling pathway that regulates phytoalexin production, allowing plants to defend against fungal diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of phytoalexins as natural defense mechanisms for plants.
Storing fruits and vegetables in ozone-enriched environments significantly reduces microbial spoilage, with up to 95% disease prevention after 8 days. Ozone treatment is a viable alternative to pesticides, leaving no residues on foods.
Scientists and volunteers are working together to track the spread of a deadly amphibian fungus across the UK. The survey aims to identify the most at-risk species and develop strategies for conservation.
A study found that contaminated fungi attached to ryegrass roots help plants absorb toxic contaminants like acenaphthene. This process affects not only plant health but also poses risks to human health through environmental exposure.
A recent census led by Robert Lücking documented 432 different lichens within one square kilometer of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, including 18 never before identified and nearly 100 previously not known from North America. The discovery highlights the remarkable biodiversity of lichens in this tropical environment.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the 2011 GSA 26th Fungal Genetics meeting. Three awards totaling $4,950 were conferred to underrepresented minority students and scientists. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel technique for identifying anonymous email authors with high accuracy. By analyzing unique patterns in a suspect's emails, they can create a 'write-print' that is like a fingerprint, allowing investigators to determine the author's gender, nationality, and education level.
Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.