molecular systematics

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.

Two New Species of the Genus Diderma (Physarales, Didymiaceae) in China with an Addition to the Distribution

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Scientists discovered two previously unknown species of slime molds (Diderma shaanxiense and Diderma clavatocolumellum) in China during biodiversity surveys. Using both microscopic observation and genetic analysis, they confirmed these are distinct species with unique characteristics. They also documented where two other known species were found in China for the first time. This research helps scientists better understand the diversity of slime molds in terrestrial ecosystems.

Overview of hirsutella-like anamorphs in Ophiocordyceps (Sordariomycetes, Ophiocordycipitaceae): introducing two new species and one new record from China

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Scientists discovered and described two new species of parasitic fungi that infect insect larvae in China. These fungi, belonging to the Ophiocordyceps genus, have special asexual reproductive structures called hirsutella-like anamorphs. The research provides a comprehensive catalog of all known Ophiocordyceps species with these structures and how they differ from each other based on their shape and size.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal four novel species of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae, Distoseptisporales) from southern China

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Scientists discovered four new species of fungi in the forests of southern China that live on dead plant material. These fungi, called Distoseptispora species, were identified using both microscopy and DNA analysis to confirm they are distinct from known species. The study adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and provides tools for identifying similar fungi in the future.

Four new species of Marasmius subgenus Globulares (Marasmiaceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China

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Scientists discovered four previously unknown species of small mushrooms called Marasmius in subtropical forests of China. These tiny fungi were identified through detailed examination of their physical characteristics and DNA analysis. The new species have distinctive features like different colored caps, spore sizes, and microscopic structures. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal biodiversity in Chinese subtropical regions.

The genus Clavariadelphus (Clavariadelphaceae, Gomphales) in China

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This study identifies and describes Clavariadelphus fungi found in China, a type of club-shaped mushroom. Researchers examined 50 specimens and discovered eleven different species, including four new species never before described. They used DNA analysis, microscopy, and chemical tests to identify and distinguish between species. Some of these mushrooms are sold as edible in Chinese markets, making this research important for both scientific classification and food identification.

The polyphasic approach reveals two new species and two new records of Nigrospora (Apiosporaceae, Amphisphaeriales) associated with Aquilaria sinensis from China

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Researchers discovered two previously unknown fungal species and two new host associations of Nigrospora fungi found in Chinese agarwood trees (Aquilaria sinensis) from Guangxi province. Using both microscopic examination and DNA analysis, they identified and characterized these fungi as endophytes living within the plant tissues. These findings add to our understanding of fungal diversity in agarwood trees and may have applications for improving agarwood production in the traditional medicine and fragrance industries.

Optimizing a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol for fungal DNA extraction: Insights from multilocus gene amplification

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This research improves how scientists extract DNA from fungi found in dried fruits and other sources. The modified CTAB method is faster, cheaper, and produces higher quality DNA than commercial kits, without requiring special equipment like liquid nitrogen. The extracted DNA works well for identifying fungal species and detecting fungal diseases in fish, plants, and humans, making it valuable for both research and medical diagnostics.

Diverse, Cryptic, and Undescribed: Club and Coral Fungi in a Temperate Australian Forest

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Researchers surveyed fungi in a small forest area near Sydney and found that nearly 90% of the club and coral fungi they discovered were previously unknown to science. By using DNA analysis, they were able to identify cryptic species that look identical but are genetically distinct. This study demonstrates just how much fungal diversity remains undocumented even in well-studied parts of the world, highlighting the need for more comprehensive fungal surveys and database development.

Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China

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Researchers discovered 12 new types of fungi living on medicinal plants in Southwest China. These fungi were identified by examining their physical characteristics under a microscope and analyzing their genetic sequences. This discovery helps scientists better understand what kinds of fungi exist on healing plants and may help improve the quality control of traditional Chinese herbal medicines.

Research Keyword: molecular systematics