Articles tagged with Fungi
A team of researchers has isolated a new defensin, plectasin, from fungi that is highly effective against drug-resistant bacteria. Plectasin targets specific strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, including those resistant to conventional antibiotics.
A study by Alex Woods and colleagues suggests that climate change may be behind an unprecedented epidemic of dothistroma needle blight in forests. Increased summer precipitation is believed to have spread the pathogen, which typically thrives in moist conditions.
A recent study found that infected tall fescue grass outcompetes native plants more quickly when herbivores are present. The symbiotic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum produces alkaloids that harm livestock, but also contributes to the spread of infected fescue.
Researchers found that low temperatures trigger a specific splicing mechanism in frq mRNA, excluding the l-FRQ translation initiation site and modulating circadian rhythmicity. This temperature-dependent inhibition of translation by uORFs effectively regulates FRQ levels and circadian rhythms.
The study found that Bermudagrass lawns support twice as many fungal spores as St. Augustine grass, which can trigger allergic reactions. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is also recommended to reduce potential allergens.
Biologists discovered a common corn fungus can launch its spores at incredible speeds of up to 80 miles an hour. The spore travels only two-tenths of an inch before landing due to atmospheric drag, which plays a significant role in the physics of scaling.
Researchers discover Aspergillus fumigatus has genes required for sexual reproduction, affecting disease control and potential antifungal drug resistance. The fungus's common presence in compost heaps may be a hotbed of fungal sex.
Researchers found nearly equal proportions of two different sexes in a worldwide collection of 290 specimens, indicating recent evolutionary history of sexual activity. This discovery could lead to new strains with increased ability to cause disease and infect humans.
Researchers found evidence of a 600-million-year-old fungi-algae symbiosis in fossilized specimens from the Doushantuo Formation in South China. The discovery suggests that this symbiotic relationship may have evolved independently on land and in marine environments.
Fungus-farming termites cultivated fungi as a food source inside their nests, with the relationship representing an impressive example of mutualistic symbiosis. Researchers suggest that termite agriculture originated in the African rainforest and gave rise to various fungus-cultivating termite species.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that members of the same sex can mate and produce offspring in the infectious fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This novel type of sexual cycle allows for genetic exchange between individuals, potentially providing an advantage for the fungus.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully created an artificial version of mother of pearl, a naturally occurring compound that is several times stronger than nylon. By layering molecules on top of each other, scientists can engineer the mechanical properties of the material to suit specific applications.
A team of researchers, led by UCR scientist Michael Allen, investigated the response of a mycorrhizal fungal community to CO2 concentrations over six years. The findings suggest that previous work has overestimated the magnitude of community and ecosystem responses to carbon dioxide changes.
Researchers have mapped the genome of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes severe inflammation of the brain in people with HIV and those taking chemotherapy or steroid treatments. The study identified 30 new genes involved in the fungus's biosynthesis, offering potential targets for treatment.
Botrytis cinerea, a major problem in horticulture and viniculture, uses ABC transporters to pump toxic substances out of the fungus. The research reveals that this mechanism is comparable to multiple drug resistance in humans, with the protein BcatrB playing a key role.
Evolutionary adaptation leads to permanent antibiotic resistance in fungi, making it difficult to prevent its spread. Researchers focus on reducing dependence on antibiotics to combat this growing issue.
Researchers discovered Cf-4 and Cf-9 resistance genes in wild tomato species, likely retained against the fungus C. fulvum.
Researchers found that certain species of airborne fungus trigger abnormal immune responses, leading to congestion and inflammation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The study suggests that reducing fungal exposure through treatments like nasal irrigations or antifungal medicines could provide relief.
Chronic sinusitis sufferers exhibit abnormal immune responses to harmless fungal spores, releasing cytokines that can cause persistent inflammation. This study provides a possible immunologic basis for the condition and supports antifungal therapy as a potential treatment option.
Researchers found evidence of chytrid fungus persistence in surviving populations of Taudactylus eungellensis, a species that had suffered a massive decline. The study suggests that frog populations can persist with an endemic infection of the fungus, challenging the assumption that infected populations are wiped out.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has secured a $9 million grant to study Neurospora crassa, a fungus with significant animal, human and plant pathogens. The research will focus on understanding the genetic functions of this model organism.
Chronic sinusitis is an immune disorder caused by fungi in the mucus lining of the sinuses. Antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and nasal swelling. The study suggests a new potential treatment approach for this common disease.
Researchers have reconstructed the event month by month, finding that fungi and saprophytes took over within a few months to couple of years. The layer of fossil fungi is followed by a recovery flora, which re-established relatively quickly.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to combat Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum, two fungi responsible for serious diseases. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) utilizes designer antibodies coupled with radioactive isotopes to deliver targeted radiation, demonstrating superior efficacy over external gamma radiation.
Researchers discovered that fungi infecting healthy plant tissues can provide protection against pathogens, increasing survival rates for cacao leaves. Field tests are underway to cultivate such fungal armies as biological control agents.
Researchers observed that snails scrape and fertilize grass tissue, stimulating fungal growth. The result is an infestation of fungi, slowing marsh grass growth. This study establishes the mechanism behind snail-mediated fungus farming in marine environments.
A study by Duke University researchers found that a fungus's ability to breach the immune system is linked to an enzyme called flavohemoglobin. The team discovered that this enzyme plays a crucial role in defending against nitric oxide produced by the immune system, and that disabling it can significantly reduce fungal virulence.
Research reveals microbes under Colorado snowpack drive tundra ecosystem's short-growing season productivity, and are key to nitrogen cycling. The study also identifies previously unknown fungi species.
The completed genomic sequence of Fusarium graminearum, a fungus causing widespread damage to wheat and barley crops, offers a roadmap for developing new control methods. Researchers will focus on understanding gene function to unravel mechanisms to combat this devastating pathogen.
The decoded Neurospora genome shows that humans share genetic similarities with the common bread mold, with around 10,000 genes. This discovery could lead to advances in genetic-based medical treatments and the development of new materials.
Researchers studied DNA sequences to understand co-evolutionary system between ants, garden fungi and parasitic fungal weeds. They found that the system has been locked in an evolutionary 'arms race' for millions of years.
A K-State microbiologist has developed a new instrument called the PULSIFIER to detect bacteria and pathogens in food samples without breaking them down. The device shakes pathogens into the liquid instead of pulverizing the food, resulting in cleaner samples that are easier to analyze.
A new water mold fungus, Sudden Oak Death, is killing oaks in California and poses a threat to Eastern US forests. The fungus can spread through plant transportation or infected mud, and has already killed over 100,000 trees.
A new study on Neurospora crassa reveals a gene silencing mechanism called MSUD, which could have implications for human reproduction and speciation. The process involves the scanning of paired chromosomes before they separate, and can eliminate deleterious genes in organisms.
Researchers analyzed wood samples from the King Midas tomb, finding that a soft-rot fungus was fueled by nitrogen from the king's body and meat-based food sources. The study may provide insights into preserving historical sites from fungal degradation.
Victor Snieckus has invented more efficient methods for creating organometallic compounds, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics. His research has led to the development of a new painkiller, fungicides for wheat crops, and conducting materials.
A new gene study reveals that early land plants and fungi evolved much earlier than thought, around 700-1300 million years ago. These organisms likely played a crucial role in changing the Earth's climate by increasing oxygen levels and decreasing carbon dioxide.
Hydrogenosomes evolved from mitochondria in response to drastic ecological changes, displaying both species-specific and conserved features. The research team found that the contents and form of hydrogenosomes differ across species, with some resembling mitochondria.
Jan Kohlmeyer and his team have identified a new order of marine fungi, Lulworthiales, which includes species that break down dead seaweed, marsh plants, and wood in oceans and estuaries. These microorganisms are crucial for recycling nutrients and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison uncover new process to produce lovastatin, a natural substance that lowers cholesterol in humans. The discovery may lead to more potent and affordable drugs through genetic engineering.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a 50-million-year-old association between an antibiotic-producing bacterium and fungus-growing ants. The study suggests that this symbiotic relationship may provide valuable new insights into the identification, production, and use of antibiotics.
A Penn State scientist has created a method to stimulate plants to produce valuable chemicals by mimicking their natural defense mechanisms. By using dead fungal cell fragments, the technique can increase production of desired compounds up to 500 times.