fungal growth – mycolab.ai

Properties of Sound Absorption Composite Materials Developed Using Flax Fiber, Sphagnum Moss, Vermiculite, and Sapropel

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Researchers created new environmentally friendly sound-absorbing panels using lake sediment (sapropel) as a binder mixed with natural fibers and minerals. These composite materials work well for reducing noise in buildings and have a decorative natural appearance. However, because they contain organic materials, they are susceptible to mold growth and need antimicrobial protection, with materials containing vermiculite performing better than those with moss.

Organic Nitrogen Supplementation Increases Vegetative and Reproductive Biomass in a Versatile White Rot Fungus

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Researchers studied how adding nitrogen from plant litter affects the growth and mushroom production of a wood-rotting fungus called Cyclocybe aegerita. They found that adding the organic compound adenosine—which naturally occurs in plant litter—significantly boosted both the fungus’s vegetative growth and the production of mushrooms. The results suggest that fungi living in wood benefit from being able to absorb nitrogen-rich compounds from nearby plant material, which improves their ability to grow and reproduce.

Intermittent low-dose far-UVC irradiation inhibits growth of common mold below threshold limit value

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This study shows that a special type of ultraviolet light called far-UVC, operating at 222 nanometers, can effectively stop common household mold from growing. The light works best when it cycles on and off throughout the day, and importantly, the doses used are safe enough for people to be in the same room. This technology could help prevent mold problems in homes and hospitals without requiring chemicals or forcing people to leave the area.

Anisotropic Growth of Filamentous Fungi in Wood Hydrogel Composites Increases Mechanical Properties

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Researchers developed new composite materials by growing fungi on specially treated wood. The fungi naturally grow along the wood’s fiber direction, creating stronger, more organized structures than they would in regular gelatin. By adjusting the wood type and nutrient levels, scientists could precisely control the mechanical strength of these eco-friendly materials, which could eventually be used in building products and packaging.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the role of sugar signaling in response to high temperature stress in Armillaria gallica

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Scientists studied how a fungus called Armillaria gallica responds to high heat, which is important because this fungus forms a partnership with a valuable medicinal plant called Gastrodia elata. They compared a heat-tolerant fungal strain with a heat-sensitive one and found that the heat-tolerant strain increases sugar accumulation and activates specific genes that help it survive hot conditions. Adding sucrose to the fungus’s growth medium helped it tolerate heat better, suggesting that sugar plays a key role in heat stress protection.

Experimental Assessment of Multiple Properties of Mycelium-Based Composites with Sewage Sludge and Bagasse

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Researchers developed a sustainable building material by growing mushroom mycelium (fungal threads) on sewage sludge and bagasse waste. The resulting composites were lightweight, strong enough for highway construction, and environmentally friendly compared to conventional materials made from expanded polystyrene or cement. This innovation offers a promising way to reduce both construction waste and municipal sewage sludge disposal challenges.

Modeling Temperature Requirements for Growth and Toxin Production of Alternaria spp. Associated with Tomato

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Researchers studied how temperature affects three types of Alternaria fungi that infect tomatoes and produce harmful toxins. They found that warm temperatures between 25-30°C are best for fungal growth and toxin production, though different species prefer slightly different temperatures. The study created mathematical formulas to predict when these fungi will contaminate tomatoes, which could help farmers prevent losses and protect food safety.

The Zn(II)2-Cys6-type zinc finger protein AoKap7 is involved in the growth, oxidative stress and kojic acid synthesis in Aspergillus oryzae

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Scientists studied a protein called AoKap7 in a fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) that produces kojic acid, a substance used in cosmetics and medicine. When they removed this protein, the fungus grew faster but made less kojic acid and became more vulnerable to stress. The researchers found that AoKap7 controls several genes that help the fungus protect itself from harmful molecules and produce kojic acid efficiently.

Real-time CO2 monitoring for early detection of grain spoilage and mycotoxin contamination

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This research shows that monitoring carbon dioxide levels in stored grain is a better way to detect dangerous mold contamination than measuring temperature alone. Scientists tested this approach in both small laboratory containers and larger industrial grain silos over nine months, finding that CO2 levels rise rapidly when grain gets wet and fungal contamination begins. This early warning system could help food producers quickly take action to prevent spoilage and contamination with harmful toxins that can make people sick.

Evaluation of Aspergillus flavus Growth on Weathered HDPE Plastics Contaminated with Diesel Fuel

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Diesel storage tanks made from plastic accumulate stubborn hydrocarbon residues that are difficult to clean using traditional methods. Scientists discovered that a common fungus called Aspergillus flavus can effectively grow on and potentially help break down these diesel-contaminated plastics, especially when the diesel has aged for years and is exposed to warmer temperatures. This research suggests fungi could offer an environmentally friendly way to clean up contaminated plastic waste from fuel storage.

Research Keyword: fungal growth