Tag Archives: Fungi

Discovery of Fungi Linked to Ice Formation: Understanding Their Role in Cryogenic Processes

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U.S. and German researchers have discovered a unique fungal protein capable of freezing water at relatively warmer subzero temperatures. This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities for safer cloud seeding, enhanced climate models, and innovative advancements in food preservation and medicine.

Mortierellomycetes and Umbelopsidomycetes fungi from freshwater ecosystems in Korea. Image credit: Goh et al., doi: 10.4489/kjm.20230018.

In cloud seeding, particles known as ice nucleators are introduced into clouds to promote the transformation of cloud water into ice crystals.

As more water molecules adhere to these crystals, they grow in size.

This process creates a snowball effect, where ice crystals become heavier, descend to the ground, and melt into rain as they traverse the atmosphere.

Typically, conventional ice nucleators like silver iodide are used, which are highly toxic.

Professor Boris Binatzer and his team at Virginia Tech suggest that these fungal protein molecules could present a safer alternative.

“If we can efficiently produce these fungal proteins in large quantities, we could enhance cloud seeding safety,” Professor Binatzer stated.

The researchers also uncovered that the fungal genes responsible for ice nucleation proteins likely originated from bacterial species through horizontal gene transfer, a process that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago.

“While we know fungi can acquire bacterial genes, this isn’t commonplace,” explains Professor Binatzer.

Since the early 1990s, researchers have been aware of fungi’s ability to form ice nuclei. Recent advancements in DNA sequencing and computational biology have enabled the sequencing of genomes from a specific fungal family, Mortierellaceae, revealing the genes coding for ice nucleation proteins.

The function of the acquired genes for fungi is still unclear, but it is evident they have enhanced their capabilities over time.

This genetic modification offers significant human benefits.

The ice-nucleating proteins produced by fungi are distinct from those produced by bacteria in that they are cell-free and water-soluble.

These characteristics make fungal molecules highly attractive for bioinspired refrigeration technologies and artificial weather manipulation.

For instance, in frozen food production, fungal molecules present a safer option compared to bacterial ones since fungi only secrete ice-nucleating proteins, eliminating the need for entire bacterial cells.

“This is a major advantage in food production, allowing use of a single well-defined protein while omitting unnecessary components,” Professor Vinatzer added.

“We have the potential to create safe and effective additives for frozen food preparation.”

Additionally, fungal ice nucleation may prove beneficial in the cryopreservation of cells such as tissues, sperm, eggs, and embryos.

“Utilizing fungal ice nucleators—relatively small molecules—enables faster freezing of water around cells, safeguarding delicate cellular structures,” stated Professor Binatzer.

“This approach is not feasible with bacteria since the entire bacterial cell must be added.”

Ice nucleation plays a crucial role in climate models, impacting predictions of how much radiation is reflected back into space by clouds versus what reaches Earth. Ice presence in clouds allows more radiation to reach our planet.

With the identification of these fungal molecules, determining their quantity in clouds becomes more manageable.

In the long term, this pioneering research could significantly enhance climate modeling accuracy.

For further details, refer to the study findings published in the journal Scientific Progress.

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Rosemary J. Eufemio et al. 2026. A previously unrecognized class of fungal ice nucleoproteins with bacterial ancestry. Scientific Progress 12(11); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aed9652

Source: www.sci.news

Revolutionary Metal Extraction Techniques from Fungi on the International Space Station

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As human space exploration delves deeper into the cosmos, the urgency for sustainable methods to harvest local resources grows, rendering frequent resupply missions increasingly impractical. Asteroids, particularly those abundant in valuable metals like platinum group elements, have become key targets. Recently, scientists conducted a groundbreaking experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), utilizing bacteria and fungi to extract 44 elements from asteroid materials in microgravity.

NASA astronaut Michael Scott Hopkins conducts microgravity experiments on the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA.

In this innovative project, known as BioAsteroid, Professor Charles Cockell and his team at the University of Edinburgh utilized the bacterial species Sphingomonas desicabilis and the fungus Penicillium simplicissimum to explore which elements could be extracted from L-chondrite asteroid materials.

Understanding microbial interactions with rocks in microgravity is equally essential.

“This is likely the first experiment of its nature using a meteorite on the International Space Station,” states Dr. Rosa Santomartino, a researcher at Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh.

“Our aim was to customize our methodology while ensuring it remained broadly applicable for enhanced efficacy.”

“These two species behave uniquely and extract varied elements.”

“Given the limited knowledge on microbial behavior in space, we aimed to keep our results universally applicable.”

These microorganisms present promising solutions for resource extraction, as they generate carboxylic acids—carbon molecules that bind to minerals and promote their release through complex formation.

Nonetheless, many questions linger regarding this mechanism, leading researchers to conduct a metabolomic analysis. This analysis involved examining liquid cultures from completed experimental samples, focusing on the presence of biomolecules, particularly secondary metabolites.

NASA astronaut Michael Scott Hopkins conducted experiments aboard the ISS to examine microgravity’s effects, while researchers performed controlled experiments on Earth for comparative data.

Substantial data analysis yielded insights into 44 different elements, 18 of which were biologically derived.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of L-chondrite fragments under two gravity conditions. Image credit: Santomartino others., doi: 10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3.

“We drilled down to a single-element analysis and began to question whether extraction processes differ in space versus Earth,” notes Dr. Alessandro Stilpe from Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh.

“Do more elements get extracted in the presence of bacteria, fungi, or both?”

“Is this merely noise? Or do we observe coherent patterns? Differential outcomes were modest but intriguing.”

The analysis highlighted significant metabolic changes in microorganisms, particularly fungi, in space, leading to increased production of carboxylic acids and promoting the release of elements like palladium and platinum.

For several elements, abiotic leaching proved less effective in microgravity compared to Earth, while microorganisms demonstrated consistent extraction results across both environments.

“Microorganisms do not enhance extraction rates directly but maintain extraction levels regardless of gravity,” explains Dr. Santomartino.

“This finding is applicable to not just palladium but many metals, though not all.”

“Interestingly, extraction rates varied significantly by metal type, influenced by microbial and gravitational conditions.”

For detailed insights, refer to the results published in npj microgravity.

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R. Santomartino others. Microbial biomining from asteroid material on the International Space Station. npj microgravity published online on January 30, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the Fascinating World of Fungi: Beyond Sci-Fi Villains

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New Scientist: Your source for science news, expert journalism, and in-depth features on technology, health, and the environment.

Imagine inhaling fungal spores, then feeling a peculiar sensation—maybe something biting. Suddenly, terror spreads as chaos ensues.

This dire scenario is central to the plot of Refrigerated, a thrilling film following a trio of unlikeliest heroes racing to avert an apocalypse. Their formidable foes? Mutated strains of Cordyceps sinensis—a fungus now infecting warm-blooded animals due to a malevolent twist of solar radiation. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Traditionally, Cordyceps sinensis overtakes invertebrates, invading their systems and manipulating their behavior to ensure spore dispersal. Eventually, grotesque growths erupt from the decaying host, releasing spores into the environment, continuing the cycle of horror.

The shift to mammals is alarming yet plausible. This fungal nightmare isn’t new; it inspired works like The Girl with All the Gifts, which unleashed a zombie apocalypse in 2016, and HBO’s The Last of Us, which also utilized bioterrorism as a gripping theme. With a radio drama titled Spore releasing soon, the cultural fascination with this fungus is at an all-time high.

This obsession with Cordyceps sinensis misrepresents the vast fungal kingdom, which includes over 4,500 documented species in the UK National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi, far surpassing the limited narrative of terror.

Fungi boast incredible traits. For instance, Japanese oak mushroom is the largest organism on Earth, spanning approximately 10 square kilometers beneath Oregon’s Malheur National Forest. Fungi are also ancient ecosystem engineers—research indicates they colonized land before modern plants, laying the groundwork for soil. Some species, like the gill-splitting mushroom (Schizophyllum commune), exhibit remarkable sexual flexibility with over 23,000 mating types to increase reproductive success.

From decomposing organic matter to symbiotic relationships with 90% of plants, fungi play crucial roles in sustaining life. They’ve also given humankind antibiotics like penicillin, treatments for various ailments, and even contributed to beloved foods like sourdough and beer.

Despite representing only about 10% of the fungal diversity, these organisms inspire untold narratives for science fiction—from plastic-decomposing fungi to predatory strains with microscopic lassos. How will climate change affect fungal behavior to threaten crops?

Nonetheless, such inspirations remain overlooked, limiting imaginative portrayals. The fixation on Cordyceps sinensis fosters a narrow narrative that oversimplifies the rich tapestry of fungi. I urge writers to broaden their perspectives—this strange kingdom of fungi is ready to inspire and amaze.

Nick Crampton is a researcher at the Natural History Museum in London and a published children’s author.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Stunning Images Uncover the Hidden World of Fascinating Plants and Fungi

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Brugmansia Suaveolens

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

For millennia, individuals have harnessed the transformative power of plants and fungi, using substances like ayahuasca, cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, and tobacco in spiritual ceremonies to reshape their perceptions of reality.

Justiceia Pecteris

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

Recently, a new book sheds light on these psychoactive and medicinal plants and fungi, revealing their intricacies through advanced microscopy techniques.

Virola theiodora

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

Utilizing confocal microscopy, which employs laser scans at varying depths to produce sharply focused images of intricate specimens, this advanced technique is primarily used in academic research.

Neltuma pallida

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

Jill Pfluber from the University of Kentucky applied confocal microscopy to explore 50 revered plants and fungi across the United States. Her findings contribute to Microcosm: Sacred Plants of the Americas, a publication co-authored with independent historian Stephen F. White.

Cannabis

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

The outcome is a captivating exploration into the hidden complexities of some of the world’s most esteemed plant species, as explained by White. He emphasizes their goal of creating “plant art” that challenges and enriches people’s understandings of sacred plants. “We aspire for those who encounter Microcosm to develop a newfound respect for these plants,” he states.

Theobroma cacao

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

From their primary photography, the images present some results of their exploration: Brugmansia Suaveolens; Justicia Pecteris; Virola theiodora; Neltuma pallida; Cannabis; and Theobroma cacao.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Steam-Activated Mouthpiece Can Harbor Fungi That Threaten Airway Health

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Vaping offers a healthier alternative to smoking, yet it is not without risks.

Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

Fungal sequences linked to lung issues have been identified from e-cigarette mouthpieces.

While vaping is often recommended as a means to avoid smoking, the long-term health impacts remain largely unclear.

Devices designed for vaping utilize battery-powered coils to heat liquids that typically contain nicotine, generating vapors for inhalation by the user. The primary health concerns center around the toxicity of the liquid’s chemical components; however, the presence of microorganisms transferred from the device to the user’s airways has not been thoroughly investigated.

For further insights, refer to Borna Mehrad and his team at the University of Florida, who studied 25 daily users of disposable vapes. Researchers isolated microorganisms from the mouthpiece of the devices and compared them with samples taken from the participants’ mouths.

Although the sample size was limited, researchers noted that more than half exhibited a “rich colonization” of fungal species distinct from those found in the participants’ mouths, with 80% of these species linked to potential illnesses in humans.

The predominant species identified was Cystobasidium minutum, which is associated with blood infections in immunocompromised individuals. To evaluate its impact on lung health, the research team exposed mice to C. minutum, mimicking the inhalation process associated with vaping.

“Our findings showed that the fungus most frequently found in vape samples induced characteristics of chronic bronchitis in mice,” explains Mehrad. This condition is characterized by airway inflammation and can result in flu-like symptoms.

Regarding the source of these fungi, some may be present in the environment or on our hands. However, Jason Smith indicated that while this has not been tested, it is possible that some microorganisms were already within the vaping liquid when purchased. “Residual material in the vape device can create a nutrient base for mold proliferation,” he adds.

Ian Musgrave from the University of Adelaide in Australia has noted that these fungi have also been detected in shisha (commonly referred to as hookah or waterpipe), which is known to contribute to lung diseases induced by microbes. “Notably, the microbiota documented in this study were predominantly composed of potentially pathogenic fungi that are uncommon in the oral microbiota,” he remarks.

Team member Katy Deitz expressed that the results were not surprising, considering that around one-third of participants who reported respiratory complaints, such as coughing, did not properly clean their vapes.

Musgrave advocates for regular cleaning of vaping devices but stresses that current evidence does not definitively indicate that these fungal species exist in sufficient quantities on vape mouthpieces to pose a health threat.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Fungi Might Possess Awareness: Here’s What It Implies

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For many of us, mushrooms are merely peculiar forest growths, and fungi might seem like something that belongs in a dish with cream. However, scientists are increasingly revealing that fungi are far more sophisticated than we once believed.

Some claim fungi are “intelligent,” hinting at a select group of researchers who might possess consciousness.

This theory has stirred up controversy among experts, yet the rest of us are curious whether our breakfast ingredients think about us. What should we take away from such findings?

For ages, biologists have debated animal consciousness in species like fish and bats. Now, even brainless entities like plants, slime molds, and fungi are entering the discussion.

There’s likely more to mushrooms than just their appearance. Cecelia Stokes, a doctoral researcher in bacteria at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, clarifies this.

Underneath the soil, mushrooms connect with thread-like filaments known as mycelium or “hyphae,” which extend through the earth to find food and companions. The visible mushrooms are merely the reproductive organs of the fungi.

“[Fungi have] Stokes stated:

While it remains uncertain if such behaviors signify intelligence, she suggests that, since this concept has been linked to non-living entities like artificial intelligence, it may be “worth considering” a broader interpretation of intelligence.

A New Perspective on Fungi

Fungi have gained recognition, with research suggesting that their mycelium forms a “Wood Wide Web,” connecting trees within forests through nutrient-seeking networks.

They’ve also gained popularity as harbingers of the Zombie Apocalypse in popular video games and HBO series like Our Last.

Recent studies indicate that fungi can perform actions usually associated with humans and other animals, such as learning, memory, and decision-making.

Fukusaki and his team from Tohoku University in Japan noted this behavior while “feeding” the wood-decomposing fungus, Fanerochetevertina, with wood blocks in the dirt.

In a 2020 study, Fukusaki and his colleagues observed that the fungi “decided” on certain wood blocks over others, even “remembering” their growth direction after being relocated.

According to Fukusaki, these actions reflect intellectual behavior. “Of course, it’s not the same system as a brain,” he clarifies, explaining that the fungi’s “remembering” likely involves growing more towards the area where food was first located.

“However, I believe you could argue this is a form of memory within the mycelium system—a sort of structural memory.”

Slime molds, too, display memory-like behaviors, navigating away from previously explored zones during their food searches.

Mycelium not only extends through the soil to locate food but also detects environmental changes – Photo Credit: Getty Images

Last year, Fukusaki’s team conducted another experiment to see if fungi could “recognize” shapes.

Using nine blocks arranged in either a cross or circle in the soil, they monitored the fungi’s growth from the center outward. In the cross formation, the fungi ultimately left the central block to reach the outer blocks.

Fukusaki notes that while this could be a natural response to depleting central resources, he still regards it as “very intelligent.” The fungi’s ability to distinguish between the center and edges implies they recognize spatial orientation.

In their published work, researchers label this behavior as a form of “pattern recognition,” commonly used in computing to identify specific data combinations, but also applicable to how individuals recognize faces and sounds.

In the case of the circle formation, the fungi vacated the center, indicating they “determined” that enough food was already available, sharing this information throughout their network.

Given these findings, Fukusaki believes we gain a broader understanding of intelligence by viewing it on a spectrum. “This way, we can discuss intelligence in a wider context and compare ourselves to different life forms,” he states.

“If we define intelligence solely by human standards, we cannot effectively discuss its evolution.”

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Extending Our Understanding

Studies like Fukusaki’s inspire new ways to ponder fungal consciousness, such as the “Fungal Heart,” a concept introduced by fungal biologist Dr. Nicholas Money.

He presented the argument in an essay for Psyche magazine in 2021, suggesting that fungi could possess consciousness if we broaden our understanding of what consciousness entails.

In his paper, Money asserts that “this broadens the identification of different forms of consciousness across species, ranging from apes to amoebae.”

Other primitive mind theories consider the notion of a “liquid brain,” explaining how slime molds and various microbial consortia process information without traditional neurons.

Furthermore, electrical signals detected in fungi are likened to those found in animal neurons, leading some to question if fungi possess a brainless nervous system, a topic also raised in discussions about plants.

However, for Fukusaki, the consciousness of fungi is less critical. “For me, it’s insignificant whether fungi are conscious; what’s essential is that they exhibit intellectual behaviors and can solve their problems,” he explains.

Stokes, on the other hand, finds the concept of consciousness too malleable. She acknowledges that fungi could fit into the same category as humans and other animals and could seem more relatable, yet she asserts that science “hasn’t kept pace with the complexity of the findings.”

By drawing such comparisons, she warns, “we overlook many of the unique biological features that set them apart from us.”

Theory Versus Evidence

Humans have a tendency to draw parallels; thus, what about claims regarding a brainless nervous system? According to Stokes, it’s no surprise that fungi and plants can detect electrical signals.

“Every cell generates energy through the movement of ions across membranes,” she explains. Mobile ions (charged atoms or molecules) are crucial for how cells function to produce energy.

However, while it’s easy to dismiss the theories surrounding fungal intelligence and consciousness as eccentric, it’s important to explore what drives these ideas.

Often, the urge to humanize organisms that seem unfamiliar to us serves to make them more relatable. Attribute human characteristics to species can, at times, sway public sentiment towards their protection.

Nonetheless, when it comes to the Wood Wide Web, some scientists argue that the theory has been overstated. The belief that trees communicate through fungal networks is often stated as fact despite the thin evidence supporting it.

Similarly, defining fungi as conscious under current frameworks might be premature and could potentially hinder conservation efforts. Conversely, altering the definition opens up too broad an interpretation. But, why does that matter?

“You don’t need to attribute human traits to recognize how fascinating fungi are,” asserts Stokes, whose research specializes in toxic “deathcap” mushrooms.

About Our Experts

Cecelia Stokes is a doctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the U.S., known for her contributions to scientific journals including New Botanist.

Fukusaki is an associate professor specializing in forest microbial ecology at Tohoku University in Japan. His research has been published in journals such as An Interdisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology, Fungal Ecology, and Forest Ecology and Management.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research reveals that a multitude of plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, and viruses possess toxin delivery mechanisms.

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These toxin delivery systems are completely similar and often rival the complexity of the venom delivery systems found in animals such as venom snakes, scorpions, and spiders.

Four representative plant species introducing the poison delivery system: (a) Many ant plants share ants that provide homes and food. (b) Horstria, a parasitic plant that attacks other plants. (c) Stingy trichomes of stinging plants. (d) Raffide penetrates the oral membrane of an animal browsing a plant. Image credit: Hayes et al. , doi: 10.3390/toxin 17030099.

Toxologists and other biologists have studied toxic organisms and their secretions for centuries.

Their interest is largely due to the frequently and severe consequences of human exposure.

Humans also take advantage of the potential of toxins to explore the treatment of human illnesses and illnesses.

In doing so, scientists have leveraged countless natural experiments involving interactions between toxins and target cells and tissues.

The classification of biological toxins, in particular the distinction between venom and venom, is characterized by a colorful and sometimes controversial history.

Nevertheless, with the views of consensus and the introduction of the third phase, toxic biological secretions can be divided into three groups based on their mode of delivery to other organisms.

These include poisons that are transmitted passively without a delivery mechanism (intake, inhalation, or absorption of the entire surface). Toxicity was fed to the body surface without any associated wounds (e.g., spitting, spraying, or smearing). Poison (e.g., sting, biting) carried to internal tissues through the formation of wounds.

The organisms that possess these toxins are called toxic, toxins, and/or toxic, respectively.

These distinctions provide a meaningful framework for studying the evolution of these toxins, including biochemical structures. Related structures for synthesis, storage and application. And their functional role.

Discourses on poison and poisonous animals focus exclusively on animals.

The use of venom has evolved independently in at least 104 strains within at least eight animal phylums, which emphasizes the pronounced adaptability of the trait.

But do poison distribution systems exist in other entities?

“Our findings show that we rely on poisons to solve problems such as predation, defense, and competition.

“The venomous animals have long been trying to understand the fatal secretions and the properties associated with their use, but have long fascinated biologists who have also contributed to many life-saving treatments.”

“To date, our understanding of venoms, poison delivery systems, and poisonous organisms is entirely based on animals. This represents only a small fraction of organisms that can search for meaningful tools and treatments.”

According to the study, plants inject toxins into animals through spines, thorns and stinging hairs, some of which exist with stinging ants by providing living space and food in exchange for protection.

Even bacteria and viruses have evolved mechanisms such as secretory and contractile injection systems to introduce toxins to the target through host cells and wounds.

“I have a long history of studying venom in rattlesnakes, and I began exploring the broader definition of venom over a decade ago, teaching special courses on the biology of venom,” Professor Hayes said.

“My team and I were working on a paper to define what Venom really is, so we came across non-animal examples and decided to dig deeper to identify many of the possible overlooked examples.”

This research paves the way for new discoveries, and the authors hope that experts and scientists will encourage collaboration across disciplines and explore further how Venom has evolved across diverse organisms.

“We only hurt the surface in understanding evolutionary pathways of venom dissemination, including gene duplication, co-configuration of existing genes, and natural selection,” concluded Professor Hayes.

study Published in the journal toxin.

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William K. Hayes et al. 2025. After all, it’s a small world. It is a prominent yet overlooked diversity of poisonous organisms with candidates for plants, fungi, protists, bacteria and viruses. toxin 17(3):99; doi:10.3390/toxin 17030099

Source: www.sci.news

Gibellula Attenboloughii: The Fungi Species That Turns Cave Spiders Into Zombies

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Metanae woven spiders of infected sub-family living in a cave Gibellula AttenBoroughii It shows a change in behavior similar to what was reported about zombie ants.

Gibellula AttenBoroughii Habitat and paratype, on Metamenardi。 0.5 mm for scale bar- (c), 0.25 mm for (d). Image credit: Evans et al。 , Doi: 10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07.

Giberla It is a specific and pathogenic fungus on spiders containing more than 30 recognized species.

Most of these species have tropical distribution from subtropical.

There are few records of the genus of the British Islands. Gibellla Alanearam。

For BBC Winter Watch In the 2021 television series, a spid of fungi -infected was discovered on the ceiling of the abandoned gunpowder, taken at the Northern Ireland location, and was provisionally identified. Gibellula pulchra。

Image sent from BBC It suggests that HARRY EVANS is a new species to Cab International Researcher. Giberla Aus.

“Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, fungi was confirmed as a new species, and was named after a natural historian David Attenbow IR. BBC “Natural History Program,” said Dr. Evans, co -author of this research.

“Later, the spider host was identified as an orb -weaving cave spider. Metellina MerianaeAnd -with the help of a local ischemicist -further new species, Gibellula AttenBoroughiiIt was discovered in both Northern Ireland and the Ireland Republic of Cave systems and related spiders. MetamenardiOccupies in various ecological niches in the cave. “

Originally, like a type of specimen located on the ceiling of the gunpowder, all infected spiders were located on the roof or wall of the cave.

These normal CL proud spiders have moved out of the hierarchy and net and died in the exposed situation. In essence, it reflects the behavior of ants infected with the genus bacteria. OphioCordyCeps Previously, it was reported from the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil.

Such operations of the host to support the dispersion of the fungal spores have created an explanation of “zombieant bacteria”.

In their research, Dr. Evans and his colleagues used historical records and literature search to clarify hidden diversity in the subordinates. Giberla In the British Islands, there is evidence of a widespread illness of the Norfols and Wales spiders.

“Their roles in the dynamics of the spider group will guarantee further research as well as metabolites they produce, so that they can use such a very specific ecological niche,” he said. Ta.

The discovery is reported in A paper Journal Economics and evolution of fungi。

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HC Evans et al。 Bacterial attributes Giberla (Cordycipitaceae: Failure) In the British Islands, it includes a new zombie species of Orb -weaving cave spiders (Metanae). Economics and evolution of fungiReleased online on January 24, 2025. Doi: 10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07

Source: www.sci.news

Can fungi be surprising allies in cancer detection?

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Scientists who study cancer have historically focused on understanding the various factors that contribute to cancer development and progression. They have looked at factors such as genes, lifestyle choices, and even bacteria. However, few researchers have investigated the role of fungi in the human body and how they affect cancer.

Researchers in Israel and the United States recently characterized the fungi that live inside human cancer tissue. Researchers took tumor, blood and plasma samples from more than 1,000 of her patients with various types of cancer and performed a type of “DNA sequencing.” ITS2 amplicon sequencing. They used this sequencing method to determine the presence of different fungal species within cancer tissue and measure the number of fungal cells living there.

Researchers found fragments of fungal DNA and cells in tissues from various human cancers. For example, they discovered several types of fungi associated with breast cancer. Cladosporium sphaerospermum, mainly affected patients over 50 years of age. they again, Malassezia globosaa skin fungus that affects pancreatic cancer patients, and Malassezia restriction bacterium, another skin fungus present in breast cancer tissue. Additionally, they discovered the following species: aspergillus and agar medium Found in lung cancer samples, especially those from smoking patients.

The researchers explained that their results were surprising. Skin fungi are not usually associated with breast cancer. Additionally, they suggested: Malassezia globosa DNA found in both breast and pancreatic cancer samples This suggests that it may play a broader role in cancer development.

The scientists then confirmed that the fungus was growing within the cancerous tumor using a method called . tissue staining. Histological staining is like adding color to a black and white photograph. In this case, the photos were of tissue taken from different types of cancer: melanoma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. When we stained these tissues, we found that fungi often existed next to cancer cells.

The research team interpreted the results as indicating that fungi can influence cancer progression. They suggested that these fungi may have a commensal or even pathogenic relationship with cancer. In particular, they suggested that the fungus may function as follows. opportunistic pathogensIn other words, they were taking advantage of patients' weakened immune systems to cause infections that would not normally occur in healthy people.

Finally, the researchers used an advanced computational technique known as . machine learning, recognize and identify patterns in DNA data. They wanted to test whether certain types of fungi were present in different types of cancer. Scientists have determined that different types of cancer tissue are inhabited by different fungal communities.

The scientists concluded that understanding the relationship between fungi and cancer could help doctors develop new tools to diagnose and treat cancer patients. In particular, the researchers suggested that doctors could sort the fungal DNA in a patient's blood sample to detect which type of cancer they have. They suggested that fungi may provide a new non-invasive fingerprint for early detection of cancer.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Beautiful Fungi to be Entered into Photo Contest

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Cribularia slime mold trio

Barry Webb/IGPOTY

Proving that stunning, otherworldly nature is never far away, these images have been selected as finalists in this year’s International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) competition.

Above is a composite shot of the trio by Barry Webb. Cribularia Slime mold was found next to a rotting pine log in a forest in Buckinghamshire, England, after weeks of searching. Webb’s initial motivation to simply photograph slime molds evolved into a “relentless quest” to document as many slime molds as possible, “always creating images that captured the otherworldly beauty of slime molds.” “I try to do that,” he says.

Measuring only a few millimeters, these organisms were once classified as multicellular fungi, but are now considered to be a unique type of unicellular protozoa in their own right. They became known as slime molds when they fused together while hunting together for food, sometimes forming slimy clumps and sometimes pinhead-like clumps. will be done.

These “heads” are CribulariaThe fruiting bodies of slime molds, which resemble small watermelons, are formed when food is scarce, and spores are released from them to begin the life cycle again.

Mycena mushroom

Jay Birmingham/IGPOTY

a Misena The photo above, taken by Jay Birmingham in Dorset, UK, shows a mushroom sprouting from a pine cone. This type of fungus is found throughout the UK and is characterized by its bell-like cap. Both images were selected as finalists in the contest’s “The World of Fungi” category.of IGPOTY exhibition will be shown at Kew Gardens in London until March 10th.

For more information about fungi, see Can mysterious marine fungi save us from antibiotic resistance?

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Potential of Marine Fungi: Harnessing Water Mushrooms to Combat Antibiotic Resistance and Pollution

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Microscopic marine fungi are abundant, with approximately 2000 species discovered to date.

Dayarathne MC et al. (2020)

Take a walk along the coast almost anywhere in the world and you'll see colorful patches of life growing on rocks, seawalls, and driftwood. These are lichens, a mutualistic partnership between fungi and algae. In the UK, this may include brightly colored orange marine lichens and yellowish coastal sunburst lichens, as well as many other Drabber species.

Lichens are typically thought of as terrestrial organisms, and in fact, the majority grow inland on rocks, tree trunks, leaves, and soil. However, coastal organisms are not creatures that accidentally washed ashore from land; they are marine-adapted species found only on or in close proximity to shores. Until recently, they were considered to be outliers in the almost entirely terrestrial fungal kingdom. No more. “Fungi are present in every marine ecosystem we observe,” says Michael Cunliffe of the University of Plymouth in the UK.

Research on marine fungi is currently rapidly increasing, but their exact role and importance in marine ecosystems remains a mystery. Nevertheless, there are high hopes that it could save us from the two great scourges of the 21st century: antibiotic resistance and plastic pollution.

What are marine fungi?

The existence of marine fungi has been known for many years. The earliest descriptions were published in his mid-19th century to his early 20th century, but these were largely ignored by mainstream mycologists. Most of the species discovered are found on the roots of seaweed that live near the coast.

Source: www.newscientist.com