DNA barcoding – Page 2

20 years of bibliometric data illustrates a lack of concordance between journal impact factor and fungal species discovery in systematic mycology

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This study analyzed 20 years of data on how many new fungal species were discovered in different scientific journals. The researchers found that journals with high impact factors (which are often considered more prestigious) did not discover more new fungal species than journals with low or no impact factors. In fact, many important new fungal discoveries were published in less prestigious journals. This suggests that using impact factor as the main way to evaluate mycologists’ research quality is misleading and that hiring committees and funding agencies should look at actual research contributions instead.

Hidden treasures of herbaria – even small collections contain a wealth of diversity: the powdery mildews of the North Carolina State Larry F. Grand Mycological Herbarium

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This study examined a collection of powdery mildew fungi preserved in a university herbarium and used DNA analysis to identify which specimens had been misidentified over the years. The researchers found that about 83% of the specimens had incorrect identifications and discovered four completely new species that look very similar to known species but are genetically distinct. The findings show that old museum collections are valuable resources for discovering hidden biodiversity and that we should preserve these collections rather than discard them.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1781–1866

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Scientists have formally identified and described 86 new fungal species from around the world, collected from diverse environments ranging from soil and forest litter to plant leaves. Each species was carefully examined under the microscope and had its genetic code analyzed to confirm it was truly new to science. This research helps us better understand the incredible diversity of fungi on Earth and provides a reference guide for scientists studying these organisms in the future.

Identifying the “Mushroom of Immortality”: Assessing the Ganoderma Species Composition in Commercial Reishi Products

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Researchers tested 37 reishi mushroom products and kits sold in the United States and found that most were mislabeled. While products claimed to contain Ganoderma lucidum, over 93% of manufactured products actually contained Ganoderma lingzhi, a different Asian species. The study discovered that 86% of products tested contained something other than what the label claimed, which matters because different Ganoderma species have different chemical compositions and potentially different health benefits.

Protein Coding Low-Copy rpb2 and ef1-α Regions Are Viable Fungal Metabarcoding DNA Markers Which Can Supplement ITS for Better Accuracy

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Researchers tested different DNA markers for identifying fungal species using DNA sequencing technology. They compared the standard fungal marker (ITS) with two alternative protein-coding markers (rpb2 and ef1-α) on closely related mushroom species. The results showed that using multiple markers together provides better and more reliable identification of fungal species compared to using just one marker, which is especially useful for environmental monitoring and species identification studies.

Diverse, Cryptic, and Undescribed: Club and Coral Fungi in a Temperate Australian Forest

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Researchers surveyed mushroom-like fungi called club and coral fungi in a small Australian forest and used DNA testing to identify the species. They found that about 89% of the fungi they discovered were either new species or not yet recorded in scientific databases. This shows that even in a small area, there are many fungal species we have not yet discovered or properly studied.

First DNA Barcoding Survey in Bulgaria Unveiled Huge Diversity of Yeasts in Insects

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Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of yeasts living in insect guts across Bulgarian national parks. Using DNA analysis, they discovered over 100 yeast strains, nearly half of which were previously unknown to science. The study reveals that insects are natural homes to diverse yeast species and serve as vectors for spreading yeasts in nature, some of which can cause human infections. This research highlights how much remains to be discovered about microorganisms in less-studied regions of the world.

Optimal liquid-based DNA preservation for DNA barcoding of field-collected fungal specimens

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This research compares two liquid preservation solutions for storing fungal samples collected in the field. RNAlater and DESS both work well for preserving fungal DNA, but RNAlater performs better when samples are dried before DNA extraction. The study helps researchers choose the best method for preserving and studying wild fungi in natural ecosystems.

Microbial decay of wooden structures: actors, activities and means of protection

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Wood is an increasingly popular sustainable building material, but fungi and bacteria can cause significant damage to wooden structures. This review explains how different types of fungi and bacteria decay wood through various mechanisms, describes advanced DNA methods to identify these microorganisms, and outlines practical strategies to protect wood. By combining proper design, chemical treatments, and wood modification techniques, builders can extend the lifespan of wooden structures while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Progression of saproxylic fungal communities in fine woody debris in boreal forests of Oulanka, Finland, assessed by DNA metabarcoding

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Researchers used a novel method called MycoPins—sterilized wooden pins buried in forest soil—combined with DNA analysis to identify and track fungal communities decomposing dead wood in Finnish boreal forests. Over one year, they found 215 fungal species colonizing these pins across three different forest types. Notably, 41 of these species had never been recorded in the region before, showing that DNA-based methods can reveal fungal diversity that traditional observation methods miss.

Research Keyword: DNA barcoding