Articles tagged with Fungi
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.