ScienceDaily: Fungus News

First genomic survey of human skin fungal diversity

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:11:11 EDT

In the first study of human fungal skin diversity, researchers sequenced the DNA of fungi at skin sites of healthy adults to define the normal populations across the skin and to provide a framework for investigating fungal skin conditions.

Frog once imported for pregnancy testing brought deadly amphibian disease to U.S.

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:43:43 EDT

African frogs, originally imported for early 20th century pregnancy tests, carried a deadly amphibian disease to the US, according to new findings. African Clawed Frogs have long been suspected of spreading a harmful fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The earliest known case of the fungus was found in these frogs in their native South Africa. Now scientists have found the first evidence of the disease among introduced feral populations in the US.

Revealing hidden fungal species using DNA: The importance of recognizing cryptic diversity

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:45 EDT

In contrast to traditional approaches using morphological characters to delimit species, five new lichen-forming fungal species were described from what was traditionally considered a single species using genetic data exclusively. The new species can be identified using DNA barcoding. This pioneering study marks an alternative approach for discovering species and will promote effective research through correct specimen identification in closely related species groups.

Endogenous antibiotic discovered in the brain

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:52:52 EDT

Scientists have discovered that immune cells in the brain can produce a substance that prevents bacterial growth: namely itaconic acid. Until now, biologists had assumed that only certain fungi produced itaconic acid.Scientists have now shown that even so-called microglial cells in mammals are also capable of producing this acid.

Flexible partnership allows lichens to occur in different habitats

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:51:51 EDT

A group of researchers has discovered the survival secrets of a lichen that occurs in polar regions of the northern and southern Hemisphere, but curiously also dwells in the warm climate of the Mediterranean. The lichen is able to form symbiotic associations with different algae which helps to colonize successfully areas with vastly different climates.

Enzymes from horse feces could hold secrets to streamlining biofuel production

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:46:46 EDT

Stepping into unexplored territory in efforts to use corn stalks, grass and other non-food plants to make biofuels, scientists have now described the discovery of a potential treasure-trove of candidate enzymes in fungi thriving in the feces and intestinal tracts of horses.

Scientists have unravelled a mechanism critical for fungal virulence

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:19:19 EDT

Metallothioneins, proteins able to capture metal ions, play a major role in the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen which causes severe infections in immunodeficient and immunocompetent individuals (AIDS patients, transplant receivers, etc.)

Fungus uses copper detoxification as crafty defense mechanism

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:11:11 EDT

A potentially lethal fungal infection appears to gain virulence by being able to anticipate and disarm a hostile immune attack in the lungs, according to a new article.

Scientists map genome of fungus that causes Dutch elm disease

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:02:02 EDT

Researchers have successfully mapped the genes in the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease. The researchers believe this is the first time the 30 million DNA letters for the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi have been mapped. The findings could help scientists figure out how to prevent the fungus from destroying elm trees in the future.

Bat disease: More accurate, sensitive DNA test allows early identification of fungus causing white nose syndrome

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:09:09 EDT

Scientists are identifying additional species of Geomyces and describing development of a highly sensitive DNA-based technique for early identification of Geomyces destructans on bats as well as in soils and on cave walls.

Fungi may be able to replace plastics one day

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:08:08 EDT

Fungi, with the exception of shitake and certain other mushrooms, tend to be something we associate with moldy bread or dank-smelling mildew. But they really deserve more respect, say researchers. Fungi have fantastic capabilities and can be grown, under certain circumstances, in almost any shape and be totally biodegradable. And, if this weren’t enough, they might have the potential to replace plastics one day. The secret is in the mycelia.

Deadly fungus detected in Southeast Asia's amphibian trade

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:38:38 EST

Scientists have revealed in a new study, for the first time, the presence of the pathogenic chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in amphibians sampled in Singapore. And the American bullfrog may be a central player in the spread of the disease.

Help from nature in fighting cancer: Compounds based on a fungal chemical show potent anti-tumor activity

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:19:19 EST

Inspired by a chemical that fungi secrete to defend their territory, chemists have synthesized and tested several dozen compounds that may hold promise as potential cancer drugs.

Fungal cleaning crew: Chemists determine the structure of an enzyme that breaks down dyes

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:20:20 EST

Fungi serve as a kind of natural cleaning crew for the ecosystem. They form enzymes that can degrade hazardous substances, converting natural as well as human-made toxins into harmless compounds. For instance, they can help to break down synthetic dyes, which accumulate in great amounts during the production of textiles.

Two new species of mushroom found in the Iberian Peninsula, Spain

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 EST

Biologists have documented two new species of Hydnum, commonly known as ox tongue mushrooms, as part of a new study. The two mushroom species belong to the Hydnum genus, a type of fungus commonly used in cooking.

Why sourdough bread resists mold

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:42:42 EST

Sourdough bread resists mold, unlike conventionally leavened bread. Now scientists show why. During sourdough production, bacteria convert the linoleic acid in bread flour to a compound that has powerful antifungal activity.

Fungi offers new clues in asthma fight

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:12:12 EST

Hundreds of tiny fungal particles found in the lungs of asthma sufferers could offer new clues in the development of new treatments.

Microbes team up to boost plants' stress tolerance

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:43:43 EST

While most farmers consider viruses and fungi potential threats to their crops, these microbes can help wild plants adapt to extreme conditions, according to a virologist.

Modern growing methods may be culprit of 'coffee rust' fungal outbreak

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:17:17 EST

A shift away from traditional coffee-growing techniques may be increasing the severity of an outbreak of 'coffee rust' fungus that has swept through plantations in Central America and Mexico, according to an ecologist who studies the disease.

Tapping into the rubber plant genome

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:14:14 EST

Scientists have sequenced the draft genome sequence of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, the major commercial source of natural rubber.

Pirate-like flies connect symbiosis to diversity

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:47:47 EST

After a year of studying up close the symbiotic relationship between a mosquito-sized bug and a fungus, a biologist has advanced the scientific understanding of biological diversity. Jeffrey Joy has discovered that symbiosis -- a relationship between two or more organisms that can be parasitic or mutualistic -- is as much the mother of biological diversity as predation and competition.

Healthy seeds -- treated environmentally friendly

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:35:35 EST

Farmers treat seeds chemically in order to rid them of pest infestation. Now researchers have developed a method that kills pathogens without harming the environment. Pioneering seed suppliers are already implementing the procedure commercially.

Discovery of sexual mating in Candida albicans could provide insights into infections

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:36 EST

Like many fungi and one-celled organisms, Candida albicans, a normally harmless microbe that can turn deadly, has long been thought to reproduce without sexual mating. But a new study shows that C. albicans is capable of sexual reproduction. The finding represents an important breakthrough in understanding how this pathogen has been shaped by evolution.

A rapid test for fungus that caused injection deaths

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:11:11 EST

A rapid detection assay has been developed to Exserhilum rostratum, the fungus primarily responsible for 39 deaths among patients injected last year with a contaminated steroid medication. The test can be used both for patient samples and for detection of contamination in lots of medication.

Cheating slime mold gets the upper hand

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:15:15 EST

A ‘cheater’ mutation (chtB) in Dictyostelium discoideum, a free living slime mould able to co-operate as social organism when food is scarce, allows the cheater strain to exploit its social partner, finds a new study. The mutation ensures that when mixed with ‘normal’ Dictyostelium more than the fair share of cheaters become spores, dispersing to a new environment, and avoiding dying as stalk cells.

Genetic matchmaking saves endangered frogs

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:29:29 EST

What if Noah got it wrong? What if he paired a male and a female animal thinking they were the same species, and then discovered they were not the same and could not produce offspring? As researchers from the Smithsonian's Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project race to save frogs from a devastating disease by breeding them in captivity, a genetic test averts mating mix-ups.

Molds are able to reproduce sexually: Researchers grow penicillin-producing fungi with new properties

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:41:41 EST

For over 100 years, it was assumed that the penicillin-producing mold fungus, Penicillium chrysogenum, only reproduced asexually through spores. Biologists have now shown for the first time that the fungus also has a sexual cycle, i.e. two "genders."

Even in same vineyard, different microbes may create variations in wine grapes

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:30:30 EST

Choosing the perfect wine may soon involve more than just knowing the perfect vintage and chateau. Differences in the microbes present on grapes even in different parts of the same vineyard may contribute to flavor fluctuations in samples of grapes from different tanks, according to new research.

Invasive plant species may harm native grasslands by changing soil composition

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:28:28 EST

The future landscape of the American Midwest could look a lot like the past—covered in native grasslands rather than agricultural crops. This is not a return to the past, however, but a future that could depend on grasslands for biofuels, grazing systems, carbon sequestration, and other ecosystem services. A major threat to this ecosystem is an old one—weeds and their influence on the soil.

Bad news for bats: Deadly fungus persists in caves

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:42:42 EST

Researchers have found that the organism that causes deadly white-nose syndrome persists in caves long after it has killed the bats in those caves.

Flesh-eating fungus responsible for five deaths in wake of massive tornado

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:09:09 EST

A fast growing, flesh-eating fungus killed five people following a massive tornado that devastated Joplin, Mo., according to two new studies.

Predatory fungi are listening for worms, then devouring prey

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:52:52 EST

For over 25 years, Paul Sternberg has been studying worms -- how they develop, why they sleep, and, more recently, how they communicate. Now, he has flipped the script a bit by taking a closer look at how predatory fungi may be tapping into worm conversations to gain clues about their whereabouts.

Breaking ground in slime mold research

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:35:35 EST

This past summer, Laura Walker became the first scientist to collect slime molds from soils in Panama's Barro Colorado Nature Monument. In doing so, she became one of the first researchers to systematically take samples of slime molds, the most abundant predators of soil bacteria and fungi, in tropical soils.

Australian multicellular fossils point to life on land, not at sea, geologist proposes

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:40:40 EST

Ancient multicellular fossils long thought to be ancestors of early marine life are remnants of land-dwelling lichen or other microbial colonies, says a University of Oregon scientist who has been studying fossil soils of South Australia.

Haymeadows are good for the environment say researchers

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:43:43 EST

Traditional haymeadows are much better at supporting biodiversity and preventing water pollution than intensively farmed fields according to new research. This is because haymeadows lose five times less nitrogen from the soil, which is needed for plant growth. However, nitrogen becomes a pollutant if it leaches into rivers and contaminates the water supply.

A direct line through the brain to avoid rotten food -- a full STOP signal for Drosophila

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:19:19 EST

Consuming putrid food can be lethal as it allows bacterial pathogens to enter the digestive system. Scientists have decoded the mechanisms underlying an escape reflex in Drosophila activated in order to avoid eating food infected by toxic microorganisms. A super-sensitive neural line is activated as soon as the flies perceive the tiniest amount of geosmin, a substance released by toxic bacteria and mold fungi.

Fungus has cancer-fighting power, researchers find

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:18:18 EST

Arthrobotrys oligospora doesn't live a charmed life; it survives on a diet of roundworm. But a discovery could give the fungus's life more purpose -- as a cancer fighter.

Adapting fish defenses to block human infections: Antimicrobial peptide of fish gills inspire clean surfaces

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:35:35 EST

Living in an environment teaming with bacteria and fungi, fish have evolved powerful defenses, including antimicrobial peptides located in their gills. Undergraduate researchers are studying the biology and mechanics of one of those peptides with the aim of creating engineered surfaces that can kill bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses and hospital-acquired infections.

Natural fungus may provide effective bed bug control

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:09:09 EST

"Don't let the bed bugs bite" is no longer a harmless adage. In reality today, these bloodthirsty bugs infest thousands of homes. According to entomologists, biopesticides -- naturally occurring microorganisms -- might provide an answer to this pest problem.

Algae can take energy from other plants

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:19:19 EST

Flowers need water and light to grow. Even children learn that plants use sunlight to gather energy from earth and water. Biologists have made an astounding discovery that one plant has another way of doing this. They have confirmed for the first time that a plant not only engages in photosynthesis, but also has an alternative source of energy: it can draw it from other plants. This finding could also have a major impact on the future of bioenergy.

Rare parasitic fungi could have anti-flammatory benefits

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:40:40 EST

Caterpillar fungi are rare parasites found on hibernating caterpillars in the mountains of Tibet. For centuries they have been highly prized as a traditional Chinese medicine - just a small amount can fetch hundreds of dollars.

Early clinical observations in the fungal meningitis outbreak

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:32:32 EST

A new article describes the diagnosis and treatment protocol established in a Roanoke, Va. hospital to care for dozens of patients presenting with suspected fungal meningitis related to contaminated epidural spinal injections. This unprecedented surge of patients seeking care for a rare central nervous system (CNS) infection required physicians to react quickly with little data to guide treatment decisions. The authors suggest that the data collected from these cases may fill information gaps and inform current and future therapy for fungal meningitis patients.

Gene find turns soldier beetle defense into biotech opportunity

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:44:44 EST

New antibiotic and anti-cancer chemicals may one day be synthesized using biotechnology, following a discovery of the three genes that combine to provide soldier beetles with their potent predator defense system.

New guideline for DNA sequences could prevent erroneous data

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:38:38 EST

DNA sequence data is an indispensable source of research information in biology. But not all data are reliable. Almost 10% of all fungal DNA sequences are, for example, incorrectly identified to species level. A international team of researchers has therefore prepared a guide to assist the scientific community in the quality control process.

Researchers test solution to fungal disease of ash trees

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:26:26 EST

Researchers have developed a low-cost solution that could control the fungal disease that is threatening the UK's 80 million ash trees. Initial tests are being carried out at Imperial College London's Silwood Park Campus in Berkshire and will continue in Spring 2013.

Plants recognize pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:05:05 EDT

Researchers have discovered revealed new fundamental features of biomolecular interactions that enable plants to identify and respond appropriately to microorganisms.

New insight on managing fungal meningitis

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:33:33 EDT

As the number of fungal meningitis cases in the United States continues to rise, physicians across the country are faced with how best to provide the early treatment that can save lives. An infectious disease expert has now detailed how the outbreak evolved and the complexities of providing anti-fungal treatments.

Long Island man beats fungal meningitis; Cancer specialist solves a diagnostic puzzle that appeared to be brain cancer

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:11:11 EDT

Thinking he had only months to live, Frank Tarantino, 67, of Amityville, N.Y., a retired electrician, father of four and grandfather of seven, was getting his affairs in order in the winter of 2011. Doctors believed he had a lethal brain tumor. Tarantino, a prostate cancer survivor, had just finished treatment for breast cancer in late 2010. One consulting physician, Shenhong Wu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, and an oncologist at the Stony Brook University Cancer Center, could not conclude Tarantino had cancer. The question remained in Dr. Wu's mind: If not cancer, what could this be?

New technique to grow black truffles

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:41:41 EDT

Researchers have found beneficial effects of the Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterium for the colonization of the black truffles on the pine roots. These results can be promising to enhance the cultivation of truffles.

Beneficial mold packaged in bioplastic

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:06:06 EDT

Aflatoxins are highly toxic carcinogens produced by several species of Aspergillus fungi. But not all Aspergillus produce aflatoxin. Some, in fact, are considered beneficial. One such strain, dubbed K49, is now being recruited to battle these harmful Aspergillus relatives, preventing them from contaminating host crops like corn with the carcinogen. Scientists have now devised a new method of applying K49 as a frontline defense against aflatoxin contamination in corn.

What we know and don't know about fungal meningitis outbreak

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:59:59 EDT

In a new perspective piece, a physician recalls lessons learned from treating patients affected by the 2002 outbreak of Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis meningitis or arthritis related to contaminated, injectable coticosteroids prepared from a compounding pharmacy.

Scientists create top ten list of plant-damaging fungi

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:01:01 EDT

Almost 500 international experts have worked together to develop a ranking system of the ten most important phytopathogenic fungi on a scientific and economic level. The rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae) sits at the top of the list.

Reason discovered for the toxicity of indoor mould

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 07:46:46 EDT

A team of researchers from Finland has discovered how indoor mold makes people sick. The only remedy is to heal the living environment, they say.

Adaptable button mushroom serves up genes critical to managing the planet's carbon stores

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:19:19 EDT

The button mushroom occupies a prominent place in our diet; in nature, Agaricus bisporus decays leaf matter on the forest floor. An international collaboration has determined the full repertoire of A. bisporus genes. Their report shows the metabolic strategies of Agaricus might not be present in white-rot and brown-rot fungi and suggests implications for forest carbon management.

Tree nut research may unexpectedly lead to medical advances

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:38:38 EDT

Prescription drugs that today help patients fight severe fungal infections might tomorrow be even more effective, thanks to unexpected findings from agriculture-based, food-safety-focused studies.

Potato storage: Essential oils as antigerminants

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 08:27:27 EDT

One of the critical moments in the final quality of the potato occurs during its storage, as there exists the risk of sprouting or rotting due to pathogenic agents such as bacteria and fungi.

A laser as mini-scissors: Genetic activity in the entire genome of multicellular fungi analysed at a stroke

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:54:54 EDT

With a combination of microscopic laser scissors and modern sequencing methods, biologists have analyzed the activity of genes in the entire genome of certain fungi in one fell swoop. Especially with organisms in the millimeter size range, it is a particular challenge because little cell material is available.

Nothing to sneeze at: Scientists find cheating ragweed behaves better with its kin

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:50:50 EDT

Cheating. Conflict. Competition. It may sound like a soap opera but this is the complex life of the despised ragweed plant. And in the highly competitive fight for nutrients, researchers have found ragweed will behave altruistically with its siblings, investing precious resources for the benefit of the group.

Nature's misfits: Reclassifying protists helps answer how many species remain undiscovered

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:42:42 EDT

Since the Victorian era, categorizing the natural world has challenged scientists. No group has presented a challenge as tricky as the protists, the tiny, complex life forms that are neither plants nor animals. A new reclassification of eukaryotic life forms draws together the latest research to clarify the current state of protist diversity and categorization, as well as the many species that remain to be discovered.

True love between grass and clover leads to richer harvest

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:15:15 EDT

Clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen, and plants growing nearby benefit. But does clover gain anything from its neighbors in return? Recent research reveals that, in mixed cropping, both nitrogen-fixing plants and their neighbors improve in weight and quality. The research revealed that levels of both carbon and especially nitrogen, a measure of food value, were higher in plant mixtures.