Research Keyword: fungal toxins

Three New Fungi from China: A Potentially Psychoactive Psilocybe and Two Deconica Species

This research describes three new mushroom species from China: Psilocybe striata and two Deconica species. Psilocybe striata is notable for its blue bruising and potential psychoactive properties, expanding where we know psilocybin mushrooms grow. The study used both physical characteristics and genetic analysis to identify and classify these fungi, discovering that China has much greater fungal diversity than previously documented.

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Discovery of two new Cortinarius species in Southern China

Scientists discovered two new species of mushrooms in Fujian Province, China, called Cortinarius griseoaurantinus and Cortinarius yonganensis. Using DNA analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed these are distinct species and described their unique characteristics, including their colorful caps and spore structures. Some Cortinarius mushrooms contain helpful compounds for dyes and medical research, but others can be toxic, making accurate species identification important.

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Citric acid impairs type B trichothecene biosynthesis of Fusarium graminearum but enhances its growth and pigment biosynthesis: transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

Citric acid, a compound found in plant roots, has an interesting dual effect on a dangerous fungus called Fusarium graminearum that destroys grain crops worldwide. While citric acid helps the fungus grow better, it actually prevents the fungus from producing dangerous toxins called trichothecenes. This finding suggests that citric acid could potentially be used in farming to reduce the harmful toxins that contaminate wheat and corn while maintaining reasonable fungal control.

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