Researchers optimized growing conditions for a parasitic termite fungus called Athelia termitophila to produce more triterpenoids, which are medicinal compounds with health benefits. By systematically testing different nutrients and fermentation parameters, they increased triterpenoid production by 1.9 times and fungal biomass by 1.66 times. This breakthrough makes it more practical and cost-effective to produce these natural compounds for use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.