bacterial infections – Page 2

A Comprehensive Review of the Diversity of Fungal Secondary Metabolites and Their Emerging Applications in Healthcare and Environment

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Fungi naturally produce complex chemical compounds called secondary metabolites that have powerful effects against diseases and pests. These include well-known medicines like penicillin and compounds that can fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol. Scientists are now using advanced genetic and biotechnology techniques to increase production of these fungal compounds, making them more available and affordable for medical, agricultural, and environmental applications. This research shows how fungi could be important sources of new medicines and sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals.

A brief overview of the medicinal and nutraceutical importance of Inonotus obliquus (chaga) mushrooms

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Chaga mushrooms are a traditional medicine used for centuries in Eastern Europe and Asia that contains powerful compounds beneficial for health. These mushrooms have been shown to help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and protect cells from damage through their natural antioxidants. Modern scientific research is confirming what traditional healers have known for centuries about this remarkable fungus, making it an increasingly popular natural supplement for health and wellness.

Recent developments of tools for genome and metabolome studies in basidiomycete fungi and their application to natural product research

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Mushrooms and related fungi in the basidiomycete group produce many useful medicines and agricultural chemicals. Scientists have traditionally struggled to study these fungi because they grow slowly and have complex genomes. Recent technological breakthroughs—including faster DNA sequencing and gene-editing tools—are now making it much easier to discover and understand the helpful compounds these fungi produce, potentially leading to new medicines.

Antibiofilm activity and bioactive phenolic compounds of ethanol extract from the Hericium erinaceus basidiome

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Researchers tested a lion’s mane mushroom extract for its ability to stop harmful bacteria from forming protective biofilms that make infections harder to treat. The extract showed strong activity against Proteus mirabilis bacteria, reducing biofilm formation by over 78%. The antibiofilm power comes mainly from two phenolic compounds: protocatechuic acid and p-coumaric acid. These findings suggest lion’s mane mushroom could be developed into natural supplements or food preservatives to prevent bacterial contamination.

Mitochondrial genome characterization, evolution and intron dynamics of the entomopathogenic genus Cordyceps

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This research examined the genetic instruction manuals (mitochondrial DNA) of seven different Cordyceps fungal species. Scientists found that these fungi have varying amounts of genetic material, primarily due to differences in introns—sections that can be inserted or removed from genes. By comparing their genomes, researchers clarified how different Cordyceps species are related to each other evolutionarily, providing better tools for identifying and classifying these medically valuable fungi.

Enrichment of Artemia With Synbiotic and Its Effects on Growth Nutrient Utilization Survival and Gut Microbial Communities of Larval Hybrid Catfish (Clarias microstomus × Clarias gariepinus)

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This study shows that enriching brine shrimp (Artemia) with beneficial bacteria and prebiotic fiber significantly improves growth and health in young catfish. The enriched shrimp were fed to catfish larvae for two weeks, resulting in better weight gain, faster growth rates, and more efficient feed conversion. The beneficial bacteria successfully colonized the fish’s gut and promoted a healthier microbiota, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics in fish farming.

Insights into the evolution and mechanisms of response to heat stress by whole genome sequencing and comparative proteomics analysis of the domesticated edible mushroom Lepista sordida

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Researchers sequenced the complete genome of Lepista sordida, a delicious edible mushroom valued for its health benefits, and studied how this mushroom responds to heat stress at the molecular level. Using advanced analysis techniques, they identified key proteins and signaling pathways that help the mushroom survive high temperatures. These findings can help farmers develop better-performing strains that are more resistant to heat, improving mushroom production.

The treasured giants: a current overview on agricultural, nutritional, bioactive, and economic potential of Macrocybe Species (Agaricales, Basidiomycota)

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Macrocybe mushrooms are giant edible fungi found in tropical regions worldwide that offer significant nutritional and health benefits. These mushrooms can be cultivated using agricultural waste materials like sawdust and straw, making them an economical crop. Rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and medicinal compounds, they possess antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties that could benefit human health.

Exploring the Critical Environmental Optima and Biotechnological Prospects of Fungal Fruiting Bodies

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Fungal fruiting bodies like mushrooms develop best within specific environmental ranges, including proper temperature (15-27°C), humidity (80-95%), light, and nutrients. This comprehensive review identifies the exact environmental ‘sweet spots’ where mushrooms thrive and explains the biotechnological applications of these fungi in medicine, food production, and environmental cleanup. The research provides practical guidance for commercial mushroom cultivation and discusses how genetic engineering could further improve production.

Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 3

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Scientists are developing new technologies inspired by nature at extremely small scales to solve real-world problems. This collection showcases five innovative studies using mushrooms and plants to create nanoparticles, developing new treatments for heart disease, and creating smart materials that can detect harmful chemicals. These nature-inspired approaches are often safer, more sustainable, and more effective than traditional methods.

Disease: bacterial infections