Research Keyword: fungal morphology

Exploring Trichoderma Species in Industrial Wastewater: Morphological and Molecular Insights from Isolates

Researchers isolated and identified four species of Trichoderma fungi from industrial wastewater in Pakistan, including steel mill, tannery, and textile mill effluents. These fungi were characterized using both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing techniques. The study identified three new species records for Pakistan and showed these fungi can help treat industrial pollution while potentially producing useful enzymes.

Read More »

Chitosan-mediated copper nanohybrid attenuates the virulence of a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina

Researchers developed tiny copper particles coated with chitosan (a natural compound from shellfish) that effectively kill a destructive fungus called Macrophomina phaseolina, which damages hundreds of plant species worldwide. When used at the right concentration, these nanoparticles completely stopped the fungus from growing while causing minimal damage to plants. This innovation offers a promising natural alternative to traditional chemical fungicides for protecting crops while being more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Read More »

Is Cryptococcus neoformans a pleomorphic fungus?

Cryptococcus neoformans is a dangerous fungal pathogen that causes serious infections in humans. For many years, scientists thought this fungus existed primarily as regular yeast cells. However, new research shows the fungus can change into several different cell forms during infection, including larger ‘titan cells’ and smaller ‘seed cells.’ These shape-shifting abilities help the fungus survive in the human body and evade immune responses, making infections harder to treat.

Read More »

Two new Periconia species (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) in China

Scientists discovered two previously unknown fungal species from the genus Periconia in China. One species was found growing on decaying wood in a freshwater stream in Guangxi Province, while the other was isolated from dead corn leaves in Yunnan Province. Through detailed microscopic examination and genetic testing, the researchers confirmed these are distinct new species with unique characteristics that set them apart from similar known species.

Read More »

Characterization of spatio-temporal dynamics of the constrained network of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina using a geomatics-based approach

Researchers studied how a fungus called Podospora anserina adapts its growth pattern when exposed to challenging conditions like nutrient scarcity, temperature changes, and bright light. Using a novel computer mapping technique borrowed from geography, they discovered that fungi don’t just grow slower under stress—they reorganize how densely they pack their filaments. This geomatics approach revealed that different stresses cause different patterns of network densification, providing new insights into fungal survival strategies.

Read More »

Identification of Non-fumigatus Aspergillus Species in Clinical Samples from Southern California

Researchers studied fungal infections caused by Aspergillus in Southern California from 2012 to 2023, examining over 10,000 patients. They found that species other than the commonly known A. fumigatus were actually more prevalent in clinical samples, particularly A. niger from skin and nail infections. Importantly, these non-fumigatus species showed seasonal patterns and some carry resistance to standard antifungal medications, suggesting doctors may need to adjust their treatment approaches for fungal infections.

Read More »

A Novel Phaeoacremonium Species Isolated from Galls on the Chinese Magnolia-Vine (Schisandra chinensis) in Korea

Researchers in Korea discovered a new fungal species living inside galls (abnormal growths) on Chinese magnolia-vine plants. The fungus, named Phaeoacremonium schisandrae, was found inside larvae of gall-midges using genetic testing and microscopy. This discovery brings the total number of known Phaeoacremonium species to 73 and marks the first time this fungus has been found associated with gall-midge insects, expanding our understanding of fungal diversity in Korea.

Read More »
Scroll to Top