fungal infections – Page 13

Caged-hypocrellin mediated photodynamic therapy induces chromatin remodeling and disrupts mitochondrial energy metabolism in multidrug-resistant Candida auris

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Researchers developed a new photodynamic therapy treatment using a light-activated compound called COP1T-HA to fight drug-resistant Candida auris infections. The therapy works by reorganizing the fungal cell’s genetic material architecture and disrupting energy production in mitochondria, ultimately killing the fungal cells. This approach represents a novel strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance, as it targets multiple cellular processes rather than a single pathway that fungi can easily resist.

Formulation, characterization, and in vitro antifungal evaluation of liposomal terbinafine prepared by the ethanol injection method

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Researchers developed a new way to deliver the antifungal drug terbinafine using tiny fat-based particles called liposomes. These particles are designed to carry the drug more effectively to infected tissues while reducing harmful side effects. The optimized formulation showed promise for treating stubborn fungal infections, especially those affecting the brain, with significantly reduced toxicity compared to the drug alone.

Microbial-Based Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Comparative Review of Bacteria- and Fungi-Mediated Approaches

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Scientists have developed environmentally friendly ways to create tiny silver particles using bacteria and fungi instead of harsh chemicals. These silver nanoparticles can fight bacteria, help treat cancer, clean contaminated water, and improve food packaging. The review shows that bacteria produce particles quickly but fungi are better for large-scale production and create more stable particles.

Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification, 7th Edition

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This is a practical guidebook for identifying disease-causing fungi in medical laboratories. The 7th edition uses color-coding and organized illustrations to help laboratory technicians and doctors quickly identify fungi from patient samples. It includes information about emerging fungal pathogens and is designed to be used as a quick reference at the laboratory bench rather than a comprehensive textbook.

Harnessing pycnidia-forming fungi for eco-friendly nanoparticle production, applications, and limitations

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Scientists are using special fungi called pycnidial fungi to create tiny nanoparticles that could revolutionize medicine and environmental cleanup. These fungi naturally produce chemicals that can turn metal into useful nanoparticles without the toxic processes used in factories. The resulting nanoparticles show promise in fighting bacteria, cancer cells, and cleaning polluted water, offering a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods.

Effects of simulated microgravity on biological features and virulence of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

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Scientists studied how a dangerous fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans behaves in space-like conditions. They found that in simulated microgravity, the fungus becomes more dangerous by developing thicker protective capsules and producing more melanin, while also becoming more resistant to certain stresses. Interestingly, the fungus became more sensitive to one antifungal drug but maintained resistance to others. When tested on microscopic worms, the fungus grown in simulated microgravity killed them more quickly, suggesting space conditions could make this fungus more harmful to astronauts.

Inferring fungal growth rates from optical density data

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Scientists have developed a new mathematical method that allows doctors and lab technicians to measure fungal growth rates more accurately using simple optical density measurements. This approach doesn’t require expensive equipment or specialized knowledge, making it accessible to regular medical labs. The method could help doctors better assess how well antifungal drugs are working and detect resistant infections earlier.

Superhydrophobic Fatty Acid-Based Spray Coatings with Dual-Mode Antifungal Activity

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Scientists developed easy-to-apply spray coatings made from natural fatty acids that repel water and kill fungal infections like gray mold. By combining long-chain fatty acids with shorter fatty acids like those found in food preservatives, the coatings can either passively prevent fungus from sticking to surfaces or actively kill it. These coatings are environmentally friendly, sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides that fungi are becoming resistant to, and could be used to protect everything from building surfaces to stored crops.

Screening of Basidiomycete Strains Capable of Synthesizing Antibacterial and Antifungal Metabolites

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Researchers tested 18 types of medicinal mushrooms to see if they could produce natural antibiotics. Most of them (16 out of 18) showed antimicrobial properties, with some being particularly effective against dangerous bacteria and fungi. The most promising mushroom strain (Hericium corraloides 4) showed strong activity against multiple disease-causing organisms. This research suggests that mushrooms could be valuable sources for developing new antibiotics to fight drug-resistant infections.

Revealing structure and shaping priorities in plant and fungal cell wall architecture via solid-state NMR

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This review explains how scientists use a special type of microscopy called solid-state NMR to study the protective outer layers of fungi and plants. The research shows that fungal pathogens can cleverly rearrange their cell walls to resist antifungal medicines, and that plants carefully organize their cell walls during growth by forming specific connections between different molecules. Understanding these structures at the molecular level could help develop better antifungal treatments and improve how we use plant biomass for biofuels and materials.

Disease: fungal infections