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10 years of advancing diversity within the Mycological Society of America

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The Mycological Society of America has spent the last decade working to make the field of mycology more welcoming and diverse. After discovering in 2015 that most mycologists were white men, the society created new programs and policies to support women, people from racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ scientists. Their efforts have shown progress, especially in getting more women involved in student awards and leadership positions, though there is still more work to be done.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum responsible for fusarium wilt of palms

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Scientists sequenced the complete genetic material found in the mitochondria of a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum that causes a disease in palm trees. This fungus, which was collected from a sick Mexican fan palm in Florida, destroys palm fronds and can kill the tree. By mapping out this genetic information, researchers now have a better tool to quickly identify and track this harmful pathogen, which will help protect ornamental palm trees.

From seagrass roots to saline soils: discovery of two new genera in Lulworthiales (Sordariomycetes) from osmotically stressed habitats

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Scientists discovered two previously unknown types of fungi – one living in the roots of seagrass in Mauritius and another found in salty soils in the Czech Republic. These fungi belong to a special group that thrives in salty environments. By studying their DNA and physical characteristics, researchers confirmed these are entirely new species and determined where they fit in the fungal family tree. The findings suggest that these salt-loving fungi are more widespread than previously thought and can live in both ocean and inland salty habitats.

Living Textures and Mycelium Skin Co-Creation: Designing Colour, Pattern, and Performance for Bio-Aesthetic Expression in Mycelium-Bound Composites

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Researchers discovered that mushroom mycelium can naturally change color and texture in response to different environmental conditions, making it possible to design beautiful, sustainable building materials without chemical treatments. By controlling moisture and oxygen exposure during growth, scientists can create specific patterns and colors ranging from white to brown on mycelium composite surfaces. This breakthrough suggests that fungal-based materials could become more visually appealing and widely accepted for use in architecture and construction, supporting both environmental sustainability and public acceptance of bio-based building products.

Metabolic fingerprinting to elucidate the biodegradation of phosphonoacetic acid and its impact on Penicillium metabolism

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Scientists studied how three types of mold fungi break down and use a phosphorus-containing compound called phosphonoacetic acid. Using advanced chemical analysis, they identified unique metabolic patterns in each fungal strain depending on whether they were given regular phosphorus or the more challenging phosphonoacetic acid. These findings reveal how fungi adapt their internal chemistry to handle different phosphorus sources and could help identify which fungi are best at breaking down harmful phosphorus-containing chemicals in the environment.

Two Cases of Curvularia geniculata Keratitis Successfully Treated with Natamycin-Based Therapy

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Two patients developed rare fungal eye infections caused by Curvularia geniculata after eye injuries from plant material. The infections caused corneal ulcers with characteristic feathery infiltrates. Both patients were successfully treated using natamycin eyedrops, either alone or combined with voriconazole, and both recovered excellent vision. Accurate identification of the fungus using genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis and helped guide treatment decisions.

Ambrosia gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and their microbial symbionts as a neglected model of fungus-farming evolution

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Ambrosia gall midges are tiny insects that grow plants into special structures called galls where they farm fungi as food. These midges and their fungal partners have evolved a remarkable relationship where the fungi provide nutrition and protection while the midges help the fungi spread to new plants. This system offers scientists an excellent opportunity to study how insects and fungi can evolve together and influence each other’s evolution, with potential implications for understanding how new insect species form.

Fungal diversity notes 1512–1610: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

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Scientists have identified and described 59 new fungal species from specimens collected around the world, from Australia to Brazil to China. They also documented 39 new places where previously known fungi were found and one new naming classification. All these discoveries were confirmed using both traditional microscopic examination and modern genetic analysis, contributing to our understanding of fungal diversity.

Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N: Insights from One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) Strategy for Controlling Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

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Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus can produce powerful antifungal compounds that kill cotton wilt disease. By growing this fungus on different nutrient media, researchers identified two main antifungal compounds: 3-octanol and 2-octenal. These natural compounds completely or nearly completely stopped the growth of the cotton wilt pathogen in laboratory tests, offering a promising green alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting cotton crops.

Phosphorus-solubilizing fungi improve growth and P nutrition in sorghum at variable salinity levels

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Researchers discovered special salt-loving fungi that can help crops absorb more phosphorus even in salty soils. These fungi produce organic acids and other compounds that unlock phosphorus trapped in soil, making it available for plants. When sorghum seeds were treated with these fungi, the plants grew better and absorbed more phosphorus, even under high salinity conditions. This discovery offers a sustainable way to improve crop production in salt-affected soils without relying heavily on chemical fertilizers.

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