ITS sequencing – Page 2

Isolation and characterization of edible mushroom-forming fungi from Swedish nature

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Swedish researchers isolated 17 strains of wild edible mushroom-forming fungi from nature and studied how they grow at different temperatures and develop fruiting bodies. They found that commercially cultivated mushroom species grow faster and prefer warmer temperatures than wild species. Several strains successfully produced mushrooms on different growing substrates, particularly on birch pellets, with some performing better than established laboratory strains. All newly isolated strains have been preserved in a research collection for future studies and potential commercial mushroom production.

A survey of bacterial and fungal community structure and functions in two long-term metalliferous soil habitats

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Scientists studied how bacteria and fungi adapt to living in soils contaminated with mercury at two former nuclear weapons sites in the United States. They found that bacterial diversity decreased in highly contaminated areas, while fungi remained relatively stable. The research identified specific microbes that can help clean up mercury pollution and showed that the amount of mercury that microbes can actually access is different from the total amount of mercury in the soil.

Phylogenetic Analysis and Nutritional Evaluation of Laetiporus Species in Korea

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Researchers in Korea identified that ‘chicken of the woods’ mushrooms growing in the region are actually two specific species: Laetiporus versisporus and Laetiporus cremeiporus, not the species previously thought. These mushrooms are nutritionally impressive, containing substantial protein (9-18% depending on species) and high levels of beneficial β-glucans (15-35%), making them promising candidates as sustainable meat alternatives and functional food ingredients.

The Rising Threat of Mucormycosis: Oman’s Experience Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that became much more common in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients had diabetes and nearly half had COVID-19, with very high death rates. The infection primarily affects the sinuses and brain, and requires aggressive treatment with surgery and antifungal medications. This study shows doctors need better tools to detect and treat this dangerous infection, especially during health crises.

Detection of Opportunistic Fungi from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens of Patients with Pulmonary Diseases

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Researchers examined lung fluid samples from patients with lung diseases to identify fungal infections. They found various types of fungi including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Pneumocystis using microscopy and laboratory tests. Large numbers of fungi were present in many samples, which could interfere with medicine absorption and treatment. The study shows that quick and accurate identification of these fungi is important for treating lung infections properly.

Endophytic fungi isolated from Vietnamese nut grass (Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae) – A promising solution to mitigate the prime phenomenon of antibiotic resistance

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Scientists discovered seven types of fungi living inside nut grass plants that can fight dangerous bacteria, including those resistant to current antibiotics. These fungi showed strong ability to kill drug-resistant staph bacteria and other serious pathogens. The findings suggest that these naturally-occurring fungi could be developed into new antibiotics to treat infections that currently have limited treatment options.

Emergence of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa among pet animals: a possible public health risk on the move

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Researchers discovered that a fungus called Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is increasingly infecting pet dogs and cats, particularly in their ears and nasal passages. This yeast was previously thought to be harmless but is now recognized as a disease-causing pathogen that shows resistance to many common antifungal medications. The study raises important concerns about the potential transmission of this infection from pets to their human caregivers, suggesting pet owners should be aware of this emerging health risk.

Severe tinea faciei mimicking favus-like lesions linked to rabbit exposure: A case report

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A young girl developed facial rashes after getting a pet rabbit and was initially treated for eczema, but her condition worsened. Tests revealed she and her rabbit both had a fungal infection caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The infection was successfully treated with oral antifungal medication. This case highlights how pet contact can transmit fungal infections to children and the importance of proper diagnosis before starting treatment.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative for the Control of Various Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part I

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Researchers tested six common cooking and medicinal herbs in oil form to see if they could kill fungi that damage bananas after harvest. Cinnamon oil was the most effective, successfully stopping all five types of harmful fungi at relatively low concentrations. The findings suggest these natural oils could replace harsh chemical fungicides used to preserve bananas during storage and transport, making banana production more environmentally friendly.

Isolation and Identification of Postharvest Rot Pathogens in Citrus × tangelo and Their Potential Inhibition with Acidic Electrolyzed Water

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Tangelo fruits suffer from fungal rot during storage caused primarily by two fungi: Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus sydowii. Researchers tested acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), a safe and environmentally friendly treatment, and found it effectively kills these fungi by damaging their cell membranes and causing them to leak their contents. This treatment could replace harmful chemical fungicides while keeping tangelo fruits fresh and safe for consumers.

Research Keyword: ITS sequencing