Articles tagged with Fungi
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism used by brown rot fungi to break down biomass, using chelators and generating hydroxyl radicals to produce simple building-block chemicals. This method has potential use in bio-refineries for biomass conversion into platform chemicals.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and Stanford University have created a soft robot that can extend its tip and control its growth direction based on external sensors, enabling it to navigate complex environments. The robot has potential applications in endovascular surgery, search and rescue operations, and construction.
Research shows that being watched while making sensitive purchases inhibits sales; providing privacy measures like shopping baskets can alleviate this issue. Retailers must balance customer privacy with shoplifting control.
A global study has identified the evolutionary steps leading to the spread of the wheat blast fungus, a pathogen causing significant yield losses in Asia and South America. The fungus emerged through host jumps from a weed pathogen and its distribution was initially restricted to South America before re-emerging on the Eurasian continent.
Researchers found hundreds of new species of fungi living in association with algae in mesophotic coral ecosystems. The discovery reveals the remarkable ability of some fungi to tolerate and thrive in extremely different habitats.
A NASA study found that human presence in closed habitats increases fungal diversity and changes the composition of the mycobiome. Fungi, known for their ability to thrive in harsh environments, can become opportunistic pathogens in humans.
A recent study found that exposing baby cacao plants to healthy adult plant microbes reduces the risk of disease. Microbes from mother trees strengthen the immune system of baby trees, making them less susceptible to pathogens. This discovery has significant implications for the global chocolate industry.
Researchers identified a gene in wheat that protects against a deadly fungus, which was lost from many wheat crops in the 1980s. Restoring this gene could limit impacts of the fungal pathogen.
New research suggests ancient, dormant fungi could aid trees in migrating due to rapid climate warming in Canada's boreal and tundra ecosystems.
Three species of fungus can produce aerosolized toxins that can be inhaled, raising concerns about indoor air quality. Researchers found that mycotoxins are present on fungal spores and tiny particles, which could be easily inhaled.
Researchers at FAU investigated the formation of rot in grapes and found that certain mould fungi can produce a range of aromas, including fruity and floral notes. The study suggests that wine producers may be able to harness these alteration processes to create new, desirable flavors.
Researchers have developed a genetically engineered mosquito-killing fungus that can target disease-carrying mosquitoes with high efficiency, while being safe for humans and other insects. The fungus uses spider and scorpion toxins to block calcium and potassium channels in the mosquito's nervous system.
Scientists have developed a systematic approach to screen for molecules produced by molds, finding 17 new natural products in three species. The technology, called FAC-MS, uses genomics and data analytics to identify gene clusters that produce valuable chemicals.
Researchers at KIT discovered how fungi grow by extending tubular cells, contrary to conventional cell division. The growth process is controlled by calcium concentration and involves the transport of construction materials on rails.
Researchers have discovered a new complex of enzymes in herbivore gut fungi that can break down plant biomass into sugars, offering potential for sustainable fuels and chemicals. The unique structure of these enzymes, called cellulosomes, has the potential to be engineered for industrial use, reducing the need for current enzyme mixtures.
Researchers have discovered that early lineages of fungi can form protein complexes capable of degrading plant biomass, teaming up to work more efficiently. The findings, enabled by a collaborative science initiative, could help advance sustainable biofuels production.
Researchers have discovered three new species of fungus gnats in Indian amber, closely resembling their European fossil relatives. This discovery disproves the concept of a strongly isolated Indian subcontinent, suggesting regular faunal exchange between India and Europe.
A new study by Yale researchers found that maintaining a diverse collection of species in fungal communities not only safeguards weaker species but also protects the genetic diversity of the larger community. This phenomenon, known as biodiversity begetting biodiversity, can help protect threatened ecosystems like coral reefs.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have uncovered a molecular mechanism that coordinates growth spurts in filamentous fungi. The team discovered that cellular calcium levels oscillate, triggering the assembly of actin chains that guide vesicles to the site of growth.
Researchers have identified a new major gene expression regulator in fungi, which is preferentially deposited based on gene function and conservation. The discovery was made using DNA sequencing data from 16 fungal genomes, revealing high levels of DNA base modifications, including the methyl group addition to adenine (6mA).
A newly published study documents an orchid fossil trapped in Baltic amber, shedding light on the family's evolutionary history. The discovery, published in Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, pushes the record for oldest orchid fossil to over 45 million years.
Scientists discover three new species of fungus-farming ants, including Sericomyrmex radioheadi, which grows a unique crystal-like layer on its body. This layer may play a role in protecting the ant's fungus garden from parasites.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered over 1000 pathways in fungi to produce natural and bioactive chemicals. The findings show vast potential for fungi to produce new antibiotics, efficient production of existing ones, and potentially more effective versions.
The invasive Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans fungus has led to mass mortality of fire salamanders in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Only 13% of infected salamanders survive over a 10-day period, highlighting the high risk of extinction.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that termite gut efficiently breaks down lignin, a hard-to-degrade polymer. The termites' symbiotic system with fungus breaks down biomass in just 3.5 hours, holding a key to improving biofuel and paper production.
Ants cultivated and maintained vast subterranean farms producing fungi, dating back to 30 million years ago. These ancient agricultural ants have evolved complex societies, with crops dependent on ant farmers for survival.
A team of scientists has identified a transcription factor called MYB1 that regulates the lifespan of arbuscules in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular basis of balance in AM symbiosis and could lead to more effective symbiosis, potentially improving crop yields.
A new study found that certain bacterial species and fungal families are present in both land-based sources and coral reefs, suggesting invasion. The researchers used high-throughput DNA sequencing to analyze water samples from coastal inlets, sewage treatment plants, and coral tissues.
Scientists discovered a novel virus that weakens fungal incompatibility, allowing for transmission of unrelated viruses. This breakthrough could aid in controlling fungal diseases using viruses as a strategy.
A fungal biopesticide called Aprehend has been shown to be effective against bedbug populations with insecticide resistance. The study found that Aprehend achieved mortality rates of 95.5-99% in 14 days, compared to 16-40% for resistant strains exposed to pyrethroid insecticides.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a promising method to prevent aflatoxin contamination in crops, which could improve food security in developing countries. The transgenic corn plants produce small RNA molecules that suppress toxin production when infected with a fungus.
Leaf-cutting ants can identify unsuitable plants for their fungus gardens based on colony waste cues, a study shows. Foraging ants avoided wasteful privet leaves after exposure to treated leaves' waste.
A new species of fungus gnat has been discovered in Finland, with the scientific name Sciophila holopaineni honoring Tuomas Holopainen. The insect thrives in shadowy environments and is part of a larger group of insects that can indicate the state of natural biodiversity.
The study sequenced 10 novel Aspergillus species, more than doubling the number of sequenced species, revealing greater genomic and functional diversity. This increased understanding will aid in developing enzymes for biofuels, paper, textiles, food, feed, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers used a temperature gradient to levitate ceramic, polyethylene spheres, glass bubbles, ice particles, lint strands and thistle seeds in a vacuum chamber for over an hour. The method achieved radial and vertical stability, expanding possibilities for particle dynamics and interactions in microgravity environments.
Scientists found that resistant ash trees have low levels of chemicals defending against insects, highlighting a potential trade-off in tree resilience. Researchers warn against selecting trees for fungal resistance at the expense of insect protection.
A newly discovered virus infecting the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats could help scientists track its spread. The variation in the viral genome provides clues about how the disease is moving, enabling researchers to better understand its epidemiology.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich have discovered an important mechanism in the body's defenses against fungi. Vav proteins play a key role in regulating the innate antifungal immunity pathway, particularly when CARD9 is present.
UC researchers have identified a new drug pathway to combat Pneumocystis pneumonia, which affects immune-compromised individuals and is often fatal. The study found that inhibiting the fungus's inositol transporter could be an effective treatment, offering hope for patients with HIV/AIDS and those on immunosuppressive drugs.
Research finds small populations of little brown bats in New York have lower infection levels, suggesting host resistance to white-nose syndrome. This is good news for some bat colonies, but other species show no sign of being able to persist with the disease.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a combination of beneficial soil microbes that can boost rice plant defenses against both arsenic and fungal diseases. By applying a 'health cocktail' of these microbes, plants can better withstand stresses, providing a natural solution for addressing global food security concerns.
A new study warns that the UK's fungal asthma problem is much worse than previously thought, with an estimated 300,000 adult cases. Invasive fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis and Candida bloodstream infections, are common and often fatal if left untreated.
A new bioinformatics tool has revealed that the evolution of white rot wood decay strategies in fungi involves a general elaboration of the decay apparatus, including numerous enzymes with unknown functions. The study found 409 genes associated with white rot wood decay, shedding light on the complexity of this process.
A new species of fungus-parasitizing orchid, Lecanorchis tabugawaensis, has been discovered in Japan. The orchid obtains its nutrients through a special symbiotic relationship with fungi, a phenomenon known as mycoheterotrophy.
A new species of fungal disease, Curvularia malina, has been identified on short-cut Bermuda and Zoysia grasses in southern US golf courses. The disease can cause black spots and reduce turf aesthetic quality, but proper diagnosis and management practices can mitigate its impact.
Researchers discovered a fungus, Piriformospora indica, that colonizes plant roots and suppresses their immune defense through the protein FGB1. This allows the fungus to avoid being attacked like disease-inducing fungi, facilitating a long-term symbiotic relationship.
A new study published in mSphere found that the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus behaves similarly in space as it does on Earth. The research, led by Benjamin Knox, compared fungal isolates from the International Space Station to reference isolates from earth and found no significant changes in growth or virulence.
Researchers identified MIG1 gene controlling root cortex development and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi symbiosis. This enables plants to extract nutrients from the ground, leading to improved growth and health.
Researchers have created a cost-effective method for producing lithium-ion battery electrodes using brewery wastewater, reducing costs for beer makers and providing a renewable fuel source. The unique partnership between breweries and batteries could lead to significant waste reduction and energy savings.
Researchers identified Mp1p as a key virulence factor in Talaromyces marneffei, allowing it to survive in macrophages and cause disease. The protein's homologs were also found to contribute to pathogenicity, highlighting a potential target for treatment.
Researchers are using naturally occurring fungi to extract valuable materials from waste batteries, including cobalt and lithium. The process uses oxalic acid and citric acid generated by the fungi to leach out the metals, with results showing up to 85% lithium and 48% cobalt extraction.
A study published in the journal mSphere found that a deadly bat fungus in Washington state is genetically similar to strains found in the eastern United States, suggesting it did not originate in Eurasia. The findings have implications for resource managers battling white-nose syndrome in North American bats.
A team of scientists discovered that ants first switched to farming fungi 55-60 million years ago, marking the beginning of a mutual adaptation. Leafcutter ants have since developed industrial-scale farming, producing protein-rich bulbs and thriving on an enormous scale.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have identified a new prebiotic, derived from fermented burdock root, that improves colon health in rats by increasing beneficial bacteria. The enzyme, produced during fermentation, has a stronger effect on Bifidobacterium in the colon than previous varieties of prebiotics.
Researchers found that commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana were effective in reducing house fly and stable fly egg-laying. The most effective product, Met52 EC, reduced oviposition by more than half and inhibited house fly development.
Scientists found 25 million-year-old fossil termite nests in East Africa with evidence of fungus gardens, a form of agriculture not by humans but by insects. This discovery provides the oldest known examples of agricultural practices and sheds light on how termites evolved to cultivate fungi.
Researchers discovered evidence of the world's oldest known fungus gardens within fossil termite nests from the Great Rift Valley of Africa, dating back approximately 25 million years. This finding pushes back the beginning of the termite-fungus symbiotic relationship to at least 31 million years ago.
Researchers are studying how microbes control ant behaviors using $2.56 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The goal is to understand the complex collective behavior of fungi, which can precisely control their hosts' actions.
Researchers identified and recorded over 50 species of fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, and vascular plants at the Mars Desert Research Station. The study provides a first-line reference for identifying these organisms and serves as a starting point for future floristic and ecological work.
Researchers have devised a new method for synthesizing communesins, a group of fungal compounds with anticancer properties, by transforming carbon atoms into radicals and joining them together. This approach enables the production of designed variants with potentially greater potency.