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.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
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.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 17, 2012
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.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJan 1, 2012
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.
SourceThe New York Botanical Garden·JournalPhytoKeys·DateDec 21, 2011
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.
SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2011
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
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.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2011
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.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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.
SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhytopathology·DateOct 17, 2011
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.
SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 3, 2011
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.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 2, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 14, 2011
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.
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.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateSep 8, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
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.
SourceOregon State University·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 25, 2011
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.
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011
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.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
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.
SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 13, 2011
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 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.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 12, 2011
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.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2011
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.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateJun 20, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
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.
SourceDurham University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 2011
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.
SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalHortScience·DateMay 17, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPlant Disease·DateMay 16, 2011
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.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 13, 2011
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.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
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.
SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2011
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.
SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateApr 26, 2011
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.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 19, 2011
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.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
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.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateMar 21, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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.
SourceConcordia University·JournalDigital Investigation·DateMar 8, 2011
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.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2011
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.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2011
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.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2011
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.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2011
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.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
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.
SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 14, 2011
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 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.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 10, 2011
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.
SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2011
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.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJan 19, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
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.
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011
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.
SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 29, 2010
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.
SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 15, 2010
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.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.