fungal taxonomy – Page 8

Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Brown Alga Sargassum thunbergii in Coastal Korea

mycolabadmin

Researchers isolated six previously unknown fungal species living inside the brown seaweed Sargassum thunbergii collected from Korean coastal waters. These fungi, identified through genetic analysis and physical characteristics, belong to families known for producing compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The discovery reveals that seaweeds harbor a diverse community of fungi that could potentially be used to develop new medicines and agricultural products.

Unraveling the mycobiota of Daqu at the species level using metabarcoding of full-length ITS sequences

mycolabadmin

Daqu is a special fermentation starter used to make Baijiu, a traditional Chinese alcohol. Researchers analyzed fungi in 296 Daqu samples from across China using advanced DNA sequencing technology. They identified 86 different fungal species and found that the types of fungi present depend on both the temperature during fermentation and the geographic region where the Daqu is made. These findings could help improve the quality and consistency of Baijiu production.

qPCR-Based Molecular Detection of Trichophyton indotineae by Targeting Divergent Sequences

mycolabadmin

Trichophyton indotineae is a dangerous fungal infection that causes ringworm and is increasingly resistant to common antifungal treatments. Scientists developed a rapid blood test-like diagnostic tool called qPCR that can accurately identify this specific fungus in less than 2 hours for just a few dollars. The test was created by comparing the genetic codes of different fungal species to find unique fingerprints that distinguish T. indotineae from similar-looking fungi.

Morphological and phylogenetic evaluation of a new species of Rhodoveronaea (Rhamphoriaceae, Rhamphoriales) associated with Quercus fabrei (Fagales) in Yunnan Province, China

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered a new fungal species called Rhodoveronaea querci living on dead oak wood in Yunnan Province, China. The fungus was identified through detailed microscopic examination and DNA analysis, comparing it to similar species. This discovery adds to our understanding of the diverse fungi living on oak and other trees in Asian forests.

Renaming Candida glabrata—A case of taxonomic purity over clinical and public health pragmatism

mycolabadmin

Candida glabrata is a common yeast infection that causes serious illnesses in humans, affecting millions of people worldwide. Scientists have recently proposed renaming it to Nakaseomyces glabrata for technical taxonomic reasons. However, this article argues against the change because it would create confusion for doctors, complicate treatment instructions on medications, disrupt disease tracking systems, and make it harder for patients to understand their conditions. Keeping the familiar name Candida glabrata is more practical and helpful for patient care and public health than strict adherence to taxonomic classification rules.

Phylogenetic and Morphological Analysis of a Novel Allocucurbitaria Species Isolated from Lelia decempunctata in South Korea

mycolabadmin

Scientists in South Korea discovered a new fungal species living on a stink bug. By analyzing its genetic material and physical characteristics, they confirmed it was a previously unknown species and named it Allocucurbitaria koreanum. This is the first time this type of fungus has been found associated with insects, suggesting these fungi may have interesting relationships with insects that researchers need to study further.

Deep cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora boppii: A case report

mycolabadmin

A 69-year-old woman with breast cancer developed a skin infection caused by a rare fungus called Cladophialophora boppii while taking dexamethasone for cancer treatment. Doctors diagnosed the infection through skin biopsy and fungal testing, then removed the infected area surgically. After three weeks of antifungal medication (itraconazole), the infection cleared completely and did not return during four months of follow-up. This case suggests that surgery combined with short-term antifungal treatment may be sufficient for this type of infection.

Two new fungal genera (Diaporthales) found on Dipterocarpaceae in Thailand

mycolabadmin

Researchers studying fungal diversity in Thailand discovered two entirely new types of fungi living on Dipterocarpaceae trees, which are economically important trees that produce lumber and resin. Using a combination of microscopic examination and DNA analysis, they identified and named these new fungi as Pulvinaticonidioma hyalinum and Subellipsoidispora guttulata. This discovery suggests that many more fungal species remain unknown, especially on plants that haven’t been extensively studied for their fungal communities.

Ectophoma salviniae sp. nov., Neottiosporina mihintaleensis sp. nov. and four other endophytes associated with aquatic plants from Sri Lanka and their extracellular enzymatic potential

mycolabadmin

Scientists in Sri Lanka discovered and identified six species of fungi living inside aquatic plants from freshwater lakes. Two of these were entirely new species never documented before. The researchers found that these fungi produce different enzymes that could break down starches, cellulose, and other complex molecules, which might have useful applications in biotechnology and other industries.

Exploring Fungal Diversity in Marine Plastic (PET) Wastes and Seafoam in Udo Island, South Korea, with Reports of Two New Species

mycolabadmin

Researchers collected fungi from plastic waste and seafoam on a South Korean island and identified 45 different types, including two completely new species never described before. These findings show that marine fungi are diverse and may help break down plastic or participate in ocean nutrient cycling. The study highlights how even seemingly temporary habitats like seafoam and pollution sources like plastic waste can harbor unique and important fungal communities.

Research Keyword: fungal taxonomy