Articles tagged with Fungi
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.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers has developed genetically modified fungi that can kill malaria-causing parasites in mosquitoes, significantly reducing parasite development. The transgenic fungi block the development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes, preventing transmission to humans.
A University of Maryland-led team has developed a transgenic fungal approach that targets malaria-causing sporozoites, reducing disease transmission by at least five-fold. The method uses a fungus naturally attacking mosquitoes and inserts genes for human anti-malarial antibodies or scorpion toxins.
Children living on farms are significantly less likely to develop asthma than others due to exposure to a greater variety of microorganisms. The physiological mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear, but researchers have identified several species that may be responsible for the reduction in asthma risk.
Researchers found that Texas leafcutter ants can maintain winter gardens thanks to cold-tolerant fungus crops, but the fungus limits their ability to spread farther north. The ant's symbiotic relationship with the fungus constrains their ecological niches.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology discovered a unique chemical signaling system in tropical seaweed that may provide new pharmaceutical compounds for treating malaria. The team found concentrated antifungal molecules at specific locations on the seaweed surfaces, which could be used to develop effective treatments.
A study found that Texas leaf-cutter ants use a fungus as an external digestive system to survive the cold, and the fungus's resistance is based on genetic differences. The ants' ability to manage fungal crops prevents them from spreading farther north than their current range.
A collaborative effort by 102 lichenologists from 37 countries reveals 100 new species of lichens, including those found in arctic tundra and tropical rain forests. The study highlights the vast unexplored diversity of fungal life on Earth.
A mathematical model suggests culling will not control the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus threatening North American hibernating bats. The fungal pathogen occurs in caves and mines where bats live, making contact rates high among colonial bats.
A recent study on the leafcutter ant genome has shed light on its unique fungus-farming abilities, revealing how the insect's lifestyle has remade its genetic blueprint over time. The research provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between ants, fungi, and bacteria in this mutualistic relationship.
A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has discovered a large cluster of genes that appeared to jump directly from one fungus species to another, significantly strengthening the argument for a mosaic theory of evolution. The finding was made possible by comparing the genomes of nearly 100 species of fungi.
Researchers have isolated a key hormone that allows the Phytophthora fungi to reproduce and developed a synthetic version of this hormone. This breakthrough could lead to an effective method to combat this ancient scourge, which has caused devastating potato crop failures and food shortages globally.
The American Thoracic Society has released a new statement on the treatment of fungal infections in adult pulmonary and critical care patients, taking into account new medications and treatment approaches. The guidelines cover traditional antifungal agents, newer agents, and rare and emerging fungi.
A study investigated the in vitro development of decay caused by 12 major root-rot and trunk-rot fungi in nine ornamental tree species. Strains like Armillaria mellea and Ganoderma lucidum exhibited high decay potential, with gymnosperm wood generally more resistant than angiosperm wood.
A recent study published in HortScience found that Bounce fabric softener sheets can repel adult gnats, with a mean proportion of fungus gnat adults collected being significantly lower in sample compartments containing dryer sheets. The study attributed the effect to volatile compounds such as linalool and beta-citronellol.
Scientists have identified new genes in smut fungi that play a crucial role in infecting maize plants. The study reveals an evolutionary arms race between the plant and parasite, with each side developing new molecules to outsmart the other.
Researchers at University of Missouri identify valuable genes in Norton grape for resistance to powdery mildew, a fungal pathogen affecting winemaking grapes worldwide. The goal is to transfer these traits into other grapes to decrease fungicide use and increase global production.
Scientists search for chemical solutions to combat the fungus without harming bats, highlighting their ecological importance.
Researchers have isolated a key hormone, alpha-1, that allows Phytophthora to reproduce, leading to extensive damage to food crops and ornamental plants. The synthesis of a synthetic version of the hormone offers a promising basis for developing an effective method to control the fungus.
Research in Tanzania found a significant association between fumonisin exposure and stunting/underweight in infants, highlighting the need for food screening. The WHO maximum tolerable daily intake is often exceeded, especially with maize-based complementary foods.
Researchers found that tobacco bio-oil, produced through pyrolysis, is effective against various insect pests and microorganisms. The oil killed all tested Colorado potato beetles and blocked growth of bacteria and fungi.
Researchers have identified a natural substance in a fungus that infects a common weed, showing potential as the first stinkbug repellent. The substance repelled up to 90% of stinkbugs and was almost twice as effective as naphthalene, a gold-standard for measuring insect repellents.
A Texas Tech University biologist has identified a possible cause of the sudden death of bee colonies across North America: a combination of an insect virus and a fungus. The researchers' study published in PLOS ONE found an association between the two pathogens and high mortality rates among bees.
A new study reveals that fungal spores travel farther by forming a plume that reduces drag to nearly zero, creating a wind that carries them up to 100 millimeters. By hydrodynamic cooperation, thousands of spores are ejected simultaneously, reaching speeds of 60 centimeters per second and covering distances of over a centimeter.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio identified Ume6 as a key transcriptional regulator involved in Candida albicans' hyphal filament-development mechanism. This finding may lead to targets for antifungal therapies, which could help combat hospital-acquired infections caused by this fungus.
A fungus-based biological control agent, Beauveria bassiana, is enhanced with a sunscreen made from soybean oil and ferulic acid to protect its spores from sunlight. The 'soyscreen' successfully protects the spores for 28 weeks, improving its effectiveness in wiping out insect pests.
Fungal growth on film reels can lead to degradation of historic film and pose a risk to archivists. Common mold species Aspergillus and Penicillium are released into the air, exceeding safe exposure levels.
Fungus-farming ants use multiple antibiotics produced by actinomycete bacteria to control unwanted fungi and bacteria in their cultures. This discovery has identified a new antibiotic with potential medical applications, highlighting the importance of studying insect agriculture.
A recent study has discovered that even brief periods of light exposure can significantly impact a fungus's biological functions, including reproduction, pigmentation, DNA repair, and stress response. The research also found that specific metabolic pathways can be directly activated by light in this fungus.
Researchers create 'soyscreen' oil to protect fungal spores from sunlight, expanding use of fungus as insecticide alternative. The substance successfully protects spores for 28 weeks without harming them.
A USDA study uses near infrared light technology to quickly evaluate individual kernels of wheat and barley for resistance to scab disease. This allows breeders to rapidly select for resistant varieties, minimizing yield losses and promoting international food security.
A new infectious disease, white-nose syndrome, is killing millions of bats and predicted to cause regional extinction of the little brown myotis. The disease affects hibernating bats and disrupts their hibernation, causing them to wake early and lose critical fat reserves.
A new study predicts that the little brown myotis bat population in the Northeast will decline by over 99% within 20 years due to White-Nose Syndrome. The disease has already affected at least seven species of bats, with millions dying from its effects.
Researchers pretreated polycarbonate with UV light and heat before exposing it to three types of fungi, including the white-rot fungus. The fungi broke down the plastic, using its BPA as energy, resulting in substantial decomposition without releasing toxic chemicals.
SRNL is working with universities to develop prevention and cleanup methods for flooded homes, analyzing common mold types and identifying toxic strains. The research aims to determine the best ways to clean structures, prepare materials to prevent mold growth, and assess health risks.
Scientists have discovered how fungi subvert a single gene in wheat, triggering programmed cell death, which protects plants from pathogens. Researchers also developed DNA molecular markers to rapidly screen commercial cultivars for the gene, allowing for its elimination through selective breeding.
Dr. Helene Fung, a Chinese University of Hong Kong associate professor, is the recipient of the 2010 Baltes Foundation Award for her work on goal changes across adulthood and their impacts on social relationships, emotional regulation, and cognition. The award recognizes her efforts to promote psychology and aging research in China.
Fungal pathogens spread quickly through gypsy moth cadavers, while viruses disperse slower via parasitoid flies and predators.
Scientists discovered a fungus that produces oils suitable for biodiesel production, providing an alternative to edible oilseed plants. The fungus-based biodiesel meets commercial specifications and can be scaled for commercial production.
Aphids have evolved two unique traits: producing essential carotenoids and breaking genetic barriers between kingdoms. They acquired carotenoid-producing genes from fungi through a rare gene transfer process.
A newly discovered strain of virulent airborne fungi has caused several deaths in Oregon and is expected to spread to California and other areas. The fungal disease, Cryptococcus gattii, typically affects transplant recipients and HIV-infected patients, but the new strain appears to be a threat to otherwise healthy individuals.
A six-year study by ecologists at Rice University and Indiana University found that a symbiotic fungus living inside fescue can have far-reaching effects on plant, animal, and insect communities. The research suggests that cooperative microorganisms play a significant role in ecological diversity.
Researchers found that a cocktail of compounds from the beneficial fungus Muscodor albus can effectively control destructive pests in crops like wheat and apples. The fungus' volatile organic compounds killed or repelled up to 100% of certain pest species, offering a biologically based solution for pest management.
A recent study resolves a long-standing mystery surrounding the giant fossil Prototaxites. Researchers propose that these ancient organisms were mixotrophic liverworts associated with fungi and cyanobacteria. The findings support previous hypotheses that microbial associations and mixotrophy are ancient plant traits.
Agricultural Research Service scientists analyzed over 160 sugarcane samples from 25 countries to identify genetic resistance to deadly orange and brown rusts. The study provides valuable resources for plant breeders and pathologists, supporting international food security.
Bdelloid rotifers have evolved to avoid parasites and pathogens by desiccating and drifting away on the wind. This mechanism allows them to establish new, uninfected populations and evade biotic enemies without sex.
A recent study found that midwife toads living in mountain regions are highly susceptible to a serious fungal infection called chytridiomycosis, which can lead to up to 100% mortality rates. Conservationists may be able to limit the impact of the disease by ensuring tourists do not transfer it between lakes.
John Leslie, K-State professor, receives International Professorship for Latin America from the American Society for Microbiology. He will present his Fusarium Laboratory Workshop and offer a scientific writing workshop in Argentina.
Two Kent State University assistant professors, Christopher Blackwood and Andrea Case, have received $890,000 in National Science Foundation grants to study the environment. Their research projects focus on understanding the importance of fungal communities during leaf decomposition and the factors that regulate the frequency of female...
The study found that mammals are protected from the majority of fungal pathogens due to their elevated body temperature, which is too high for most fungi to survive. This theory could help explain why mammals rose to dominance after the dinosaur extinction event.
Scientists believe ancient fungi thrived in dead wood after forests were devastated, providing conditions for Reduviasporonites to proliferate across the planet. Fossil records show a massive spike in fungal population as the Permian period ended, suggesting a global catastrophe led to widespread forest loss.