mycology – Page 6 – mycolab.ai

The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Akanthomyces muscarius can effectively kill tortoise scale insects, an invasive pest damaging European stone pine trees. In laboratory tests, this fungus infected and killed nearly all treated insects within a week, outperforming commercial fungal products. These findings suggest this natural fungus could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling this destructive pest in urban and natural environments.

Unveiling new features of the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans through the reconstruction and exploitation of a dedicated genome-scale metabolic model

mycolabadmin

Scientists have created a detailed computer model of how the dangerous fungus Cryptococcus neoformans works at the metabolic level. By studying 890 genes and thousands of chemical reactions in this pathogen, they identified new weak points that could be targeted with future antifungal drugs. The model reveals why this fungus is particularly good at causing brain infections and shows several unique metabolic features not found in other pathogenic yeasts, offering hope for more effective treatments.

An Efficient Microwave Synthesis of 3-Acyl-5-bromoindole Derivatives for Controlling Monilinia fructicola and Botrytis cinerea

mycolabadmin

Researchers created new chemical compounds based on indoles that can kill harmful fungi affecting fruit crops. These compounds were made using microwave energy, which made the synthesis faster and more efficient. Testing showed that some of these new compounds worked better at stopping fungal growth and spore germination than currently used commercial fungicides, making them promising candidates for protecting fruit crops from rot diseases.

Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana – An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites

mycolabadmin

Researchers audited fungal disease testing capabilities in major hospitals across Nigeria and Ghana. They found that most hospitals lack basic equipment, trained staff, and procedures needed to diagnose serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis. The study highlights urgent needs for investment in laboratory infrastructure and personnel training to improve diagnosis of neglected fungal diseases in Africa.

The power of citizen science to advance fungal conservation

mycolabadmin

Fungi are incredibly diverse organisms with important ecological roles, but most remain poorly studied and unprotected. Citizen science projects, which engage the general public in scientific research, are proving to be powerful tools for collecting fungal data across large geographic areas and long time periods. By training volunteers to identify and document fungi, projects on platforms like iNaturalist have gathered millions of observations that help scientists understand where fungi live, how common they are, and which species need protection.

Resin outpourings on conifers are inhabited by more members of Nectriaceae (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes) than previously thought

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that tree resins from pine and fir trees host more fungi than previously known. This research identified two newly described fungi species, including an entirely new genus, living in these resinous tree wounds. The study shows that despite resins being toxic to most microorganisms, specialized fungi have adapted to thrive in this unique environment. This discovery expands our understanding of fungal diversity and how organisms adapt to extreme habitats in nature.

Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

mycolabadmin

A dog being treated for brain inflammation with immune-suppressing drugs developed a serious skin infection caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. The infection proved difficult to diagnose, requiring tissue samples and specialized laboratory testing to identify the fungi and determine which antifungal drugs would work best. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and reducing the immunosuppressive drugs, the infection did not improve and the dog’s underlying condition worsened, ultimately requiring euthanasia. This case shows the serious risks of fungal infections in animals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy and highlights the need for careful monitoring and early detection.

First DNA Barcoding Survey in Bulgaria Unveiled Huge Diversity of Yeasts in Insects

mycolabadmin

Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of yeasts living in insect guts across Bulgarian national parks. Using DNA analysis, they discovered over 100 yeast strains, nearly half of which were previously unknown to science. The study reveals that insects are natural homes to diverse yeast species and serve as vectors for spreading yeasts in nature, some of which can cause human infections. This research highlights how much remains to be discovered about microorganisms in less-studied regions of the world.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by a new-found opportunistic fungal pathogen—Myceliophthora heterothallica: a case report

mycolabadmin

A 67-year-old woman suffered cardiac arrest and required a breathing machine to survive. While on the ventilator, doctors discovered an unusual fungal infection in her lungs caused by Myceliophthora heterothallica, which had never been documented as a human pathogen before. With standard bacterial antibiotics and supportive care, the patient recovered and was discharged after four weeks, suggesting this fungus may be less dangerous than related species.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infection in Patients with Hematological Malignancies at a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia

mycolabadmin

This study examined fungal infections in cancer patients with blood disorders in a Malaysian hospital. Researchers found that about 7.6% of patients developed serious fungal infections, mainly from Candida species. Using antifungal medications to prevent infection significantly reduced the risk, though some patients still developed infections while taking preventive medications. The findings highlight the importance of appropriate antifungal treatment strategies in managing these vulnerable patients.

Research Keyword: mycology