Articles tagged with Lichens
The study confirms that ancient lichens played a key role in forming the first soils and structuring terrestrial ecosystems. Researchers identified the presence of chitin, nitrogen compounds, and calcium microparticles compatible with modern lichen minerals.
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
Researchers have demonstrated that certain lichen species can survive Mars-like conditions, including ionizing radiation and harsh temperatures. The study suggests that lichens could potentially survive on Mars despite high doses of X-ray radiation.
Researchers found significant concentrations of persistent organic compounds in lichens and mosses in the Irati forest, exceeding those in similar environments. The study suggests that urban and agricultural practices have impacted local air quality, emphasizing the need for controlling combustion processes to reduce PAHs.
Researchers have identified a targeted therapy that could bring relief to people living with lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The treatment, baricitinib, selectively blocks specific inflammatory pathways, reducing inflammation and suppressing the overactive immune response that contributes to the disease.
A new study reveals that a type of lichen, Lepraria, has genes for sexual reproduction, defying decades of scientific assumption. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the mysterious reproductive habits of these unique organisms.
Researchers have discovered 48 lichen species at two Mars analog sites in North America and Canada. The study provides valuable information about the diversity of life on Earth as an analogue for understanding potential life on Mars.
Researchers have discovered that melanins play a crucial role in protecting lichens from harmful UV radiation and herbivores. In the lichen species Toniniopsis dissimilis, two-thirds of polyketide synthases are involved in melanin production, suggesting their importance for this species' survival.
A study published in Frontiers in Fungal Biology reveals that microcolonial fungi and lichens on petroglyphs in the Negev desert can cause gradual erosion and damage. The researchers identified multiple species of these fungi and lichens, which are known to thrive in hot and cold deserts.
A team of scientists has discovered over 1,000 new plant and lichen species in Agguttinni Territorial Park, including rare species found nowhere else in Canada. The comprehensive checklist provides valuable information for park managers and botanists, aiding in the conservation and management of the protected area.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
A new study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to all listed plant and lichen species, with only a minority of conservation plans taking direct action to address this issue. The researchers urge policymakers to use their findings to inform conservation planning and recovery efforts for these endangered species.
Scientists from the Institute of Botany discovered a widespread phenomenon called alcobiosis, where algae live inside fungal tissue and engage heavily in photosynthesis. The coexistence is common among corticioid basidiomycetes and is distinct from lichens.
Researchers have discovered that fungi in orange lichens can transport toxic pigments out of their cells, creating a 'sunscreen effect'. This mechanism allows the lichens to reflect harmful radiation while still allowing some solar radiation to pass through for photosynthesis.
Lichen-forming fungi have evolved unique gene clusters to produce orange 'sunscreen' pigments, allowing them to thrive in sunny environments. The discovery of a critical ABC transporter gene within the pigment gene cluster provides a potential hypothesis for toxicity avoidance in these organisms.
A University of Alberta research team has rewritten the biology of lichen, a textbook case of symbiosis. The study found that lichens do not use sugars produced by algae for growth, but instead store them to preserve cellular content when dry.
A new study found that algae in common lichens can't adapt to temperature changes as fast as the Earth is warming, putting them at risk of extinction. The researchers' analysis suggests it could take hundreds of thousands or millions of years for these algae to evolve and adapt to modern climate change.
Frequent fires may narrow the recovery window for lichens in chaparral ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. The study found that most chaparral lichen taxa could be lost if fire intervals shorten to less than 20 years, emphasizing the importance of old-growth chaparral and sustainable land management practices.
Researchers have discovered four new lichen species in Kenyan cloud forests, showcasing the region's unique biodiversity. The isolated ecosystem is home to previously unknown Micarea genus species, highlighting the importance of preserving native forests.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have identified over 70 new species of jelly lichens in East African mountain forests. The study reveals that many previously thought to be single species are actually distinct entities with narrow ranges, significantly increasing the genus diversity of Leptogium.
Researchers found that reindeer lichens have unexpected levels of genetic diversity, indicating more gene-mixing among individuals. This contradicts the long-held assumption that these organisms mainly reproduce asexually.
Scientists have found a new species of fleshy verdigris lichen, named Cora timucua, unique to North and Central Florida scrubland. The critically endangered lichen is considered possibly extinct, but researchers hope it may persist in undisturbed pockets of the state's dwindling pine scrub habitat.
Researchers have identified biosynthetic genes involved in producing usnic acid in lichens, a compound showing antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The study reveals why some lichens lack this compound and identifies new biosynthetic genes with unknown functions.
Researchers from UPV/EHU used spectroscopy to explore how the environment impacts on degradation of new stone construction materials. They discovered that lichens play an active role in biodegradation processes and can be used to measure environmental contamination.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville Herbarium is part of a $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to image and digitize metadata for over 1.2 million lichen and bryophyte specimens. Researchers will access specimen metadata and photos to study cryptobiotic communities.
A new study reveals that Alaska's rainforest fjords have an incredibly high concentration of lichen diversity, with over 1300 species found in the region. The research team, led by Toby Spribille, identified more than 900 species of lichen, including 27 previously unseen species.
A comprehensive analysis of UK biodiversity over 45 years reveals concerning declines in terrestrial non-insect invertebrates, but strong recoveries in freshwater insects. Overall occupancy of invertebrates increased by 11%, with freshwater insects surpassing 1970 levels after a 47% decline.
Lichens are now known to have evolved millions of years after complex plants, contradicting the long-held theory that they were among the first organisms to colonize land. This new understanding sheds light on the early evolution of ecosystems and the role of lichens in shaping the environment.
Researchers found DNA from pyrophilous fungi inside the surface-sterilized mosses and lichens from burned and unburned areas. The team also discovered fungal DNA in soils from both within and outside burn zones.
A new study reveals that lichens, organisms made of fungi and algae, seized the opportunity to evolve and diversify rapidly after the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. The research found that some lichens grew sophisticated structures similar to plant leaves, filling the niches left vacant by extinct plants.
Researchers propose using lichens to assess old-growth forest conservation value, offering a more nuanced approach to measuring biodiversity. This method, developed by Dr. Troy McMullin and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, uses suites of lichen species associated with old-growth areas to develop an index of ecological continuity.
Researchers found biocolonization by lichens, algae, and cyanobacteria causing progressive loss of the Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu. The study highlights the role of these micro-organisms in degrading the granitic material, posing a risk to the conservation of this UNESCO-listed site.
A recent study found that wolf lichens may harbor multiple fungi, challenging the long-held view of a single fungus and alga. The research team used genome sequencing to analyze the composition of these organisms.
A new genome-wide analysis of the rock gnome lichen reveals its genetic distinctiveness across different locations and informs conservation efforts. The research highlights the importance of preserving habitat and geography in maintaining biodiversity.
Researchers found that lichen communities in severely burned areas showed significantly lower abundance and diversity, even 16 years after the fire. The loss of tree canopy and hot, dry microclimate left in the forest post-fire hindered lichen growth, suggesting that recolonization may not occur until mature trees regrow.
A novel lichen-patterned spider species, Araneus bonali, has been found on oak trunks in central Spain. The species' remarkable mimicry with lichens allows it to blend into its surroundings, raising questions about its behavior and habitat.
The Alps boast an impressive array of lichens, comprising over 3,138 entries in the first ever comprehensive checklist. The publication sheds light on the ecology and taxonomy of these organisms, providing a valuable tool for research and further exploration.
Researchers discovered molecular evidence of obligate symbiosis in lichens, where fungal organisms streamline their genomes to coexist with algae. This finding suggests a genetic division of labor that makes the resulting lichen more efficient, potentially conferring an ecological advantage.
A new study reveals how a specific lichen species, Lobaria scrobiculata, changes its reproductive strategy depending on rainfall levels. In dry places, the lichen reproduces with greater intensity and smaller volumes to ensure population persistence.
Researchers found that lichen samples from Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod had higher free radical concentrations than those from cleaner towns. The study suggests using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to monitor air quality in cities without traditional stations.
Université Laval researchers have discovered two unique molecules and several antibacterial compounds in a species of lichen growing in northern Quebec. The lichen, Stereocaulon paschale, has been found to contain compounds with potential applications in medicine and industry.
An international team of researchers has spatially mapped molecules produced by an intact, complex microbial community for the first time. They used imaging mass spectrometry to track and plot metabolites made by both bacterial and fungal lichen members.
Researchers discovered yeast living in the cortex of lichen species, suggesting a possible role in creating large structures and solving the mystery of why macrolichens are hard to grow in the lab. The study found a variety of yeast species associated with different lichen species from around the world.
Researchers at the University of Montana discovered a previously unknown second fungus that is part of the symbiotic relationship between an alga and a fungus in many common lichen species worldwide. The findings, published in Science, suggest that the definition of lichen should be revised to include multiple fungal partners.
Researchers have uncovered yeast as a hidden third partner in lichen symbiosis, producing chemicals that help ward off predators and repel microbes. This discovery explains the genetic similarities between genetically identical lichens with distinct physical features.
A new study has revealed that lichens form a complex symbiotic relationship involving three species, including yeast and fungi, which produces the toxic substance vulpinic acid. The research found that the yeast cells are vital to the lichen's health and may play a crucial role in its shape.
The Boreal felt lichen, a critically endangered species, is expected to decline by 49% within 25 years if conservation efforts are not increased. Human impacts such as air pollution and habitat destruction are major contributors to the decline.
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.
European scientists sent Antarctic fungi to the International Space Station for 18 months in conditions similar to Mars. More than 60% of their cells remained intact with stable DNA, indicating their ability to survive harsh Martian environments. Lichens from Spain and Austria also showed resilience under simulated Martian conditions.
Moths have developed ears sensitive to bat echolocation cries as a defense mechanism, but also use their hearing and avoidance behavior to communicate sexually. Researchers found that different moth species employ varying methods to court females with sound.
A study reveals that lichen fungi can colonize different ecosystems by choosing from a diverse array of algal partners. This adaptation allows them to thrive in various environments, including polar and Mediterranean regions.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting genital areas, causing significant discomfort. The EMAS clinical guide provides advice on early recognition and treatment to prevent delay in management.
Researchers discover high genetic diversity in lichens growing on trees in Norway's boreal rainforests, challenging assumptions about species' ability to spread and survive. The findings suggest that even in small fragments of habitat, genetic material can be exchanged between neighboring populations.
Researchers have found a natural dye from lichens that reduces the abundance of small toxic protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease, promoting their conversion into large non-toxic plaques. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness for therapy development and potential benefits for patients.
USGS research suggests that certain lichens can break down the infectious proteins responsible for chronic wasting disease, a prion disease fatal to wild deer and elk. The study found that some lichen species contain a protease enzyme capable of significantly breaking down prions in the lab.
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.
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.
Spanish scientists have identified three new species of lichens in the Iberian Peninsula, including one previously unknown to science. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting areas with stable ecological conditions, which may serve as indicators of climate change.
Researchers find novel cyanobacterial lineage in lichens, with implications for ecosystem research and the study of symbiotic relationships. The discovery suggests that photobionts are selected based on their compatibility with mycobionts, leading to an increase in certain strains.