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10 years of advancing diversity within the Mycological Society of America

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The Mycological Society of America has spent the last decade working to make the field of mycology more welcoming and diverse. After discovering in 2015 that most mycologists were white men, the society created new programs and policies to support women, people from racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ scientists. Their efforts have shown progress, especially in getting more women involved in student awards and leadership positions, though there is still more work to be done.

Living Textures and Mycelium Skin Co-Creation: Designing Colour, Pattern, and Performance for Bio-Aesthetic Expression in Mycelium-Bound Composites

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Researchers discovered that mushroom mycelium can naturally change color and texture in response to different environmental conditions, making it possible to design beautiful, sustainable building materials without chemical treatments. By controlling moisture and oxygen exposure during growth, scientists can create specific patterns and colors ranging from white to brown on mycelium composite surfaces. This breakthrough suggests that fungal-based materials could become more visually appealing and widely accepted for use in architecture and construction, supporting both environmental sustainability and public acceptance of bio-based building products.

Ambrosia gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and their microbial symbionts as a neglected model of fungus-farming evolution

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Ambrosia gall midges are tiny insects that grow plants into special structures called galls where they farm fungi as food. These midges and their fungal partners have evolved a remarkable relationship where the fungi provide nutrition and protection while the midges help the fungi spread to new plants. This system offers scientists an excellent opportunity to study how insects and fungi can evolve together and influence each other’s evolution, with potential implications for understanding how new insect species form.

Fungal diversity notes 1512–1610: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

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Scientists have identified and described 59 new fungal species from specimens collected around the world, from Australia to Brazil to China. They also documented 39 new places where previously known fungi were found and one new naming classification. All these discoveries were confirmed using both traditional microscopic examination and modern genetic analysis, contributing to our understanding of fungal diversity.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1781–1866

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Scientists have formally identified and described 86 new fungal species from around the world, collected from diverse environments ranging from soil and forest litter to plant leaves. Each species was carefully examined under the microscope and had its genetic code analyzed to confirm it was truly new to science. This research helps us better understand the incredible diversity of fungi on Earth and provides a reference guide for scientists studying these organisms in the future.

Two new species and a new host record of Hyphomycetes associated with decaying wood in Yunnan Province, China

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Scientists discovered two previously unknown fungal species and found an existing species on a new plant host in Yunnan Province, China. These fungi, belonging to the Sporidesmiaceae family, were found on decaying wood in freshwater environments. The researchers used both traditional microscopy and modern DNA analysis to identify and describe these organisms, adding to our knowledge of fungal diversity in this region.

The Expanding Truffle Environment: A Study of the Microbial Dynamics in the Old Productive Site and the New Tuber magnatum Picco Habitat

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This study examined the microbial communities in white truffle forests in Italy, comparing an established productive forest with a nearby expanding area. Researchers found that the expanding area had more diverse fungal communities with opportunistic species like Mortierella, while the mature forest had a more stable community dominated by ectomycorrhizal fungi. The study identified specific bacteria like Sphingomonas that showed positive associations with white truffles, suggesting these microbes may play important roles in truffle development and could help guide future cultivation efforts.

The Effects of the Substrate Length and Cultivation Time on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mycelium-Based Cushioning Materials from Salix psammophila and Peanut Straw

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Researchers developed eco-friendly cushioning materials by growing mushroom mycelium (fungal networks) on agricultural waste like willow and peanut straw. These materials match the performance of plastic foam used in packaging but are completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. By adjusting how long the mushrooms grow and the size of the substrate pieces, scientists can control the final product’s strength, flexibility, and water resistance.

Effective Regulation of ZnO Surface Facets for Enhanced Photoluminescence Properties Assisted by Zinc Quaternary Ammonium Salts

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Researchers developed a simple method to create special zinc oxide (ZnO) structures shaped like mushrooms with enhanced light-emitting properties. By adjusting the ratio of methanol to water in a heating process and using a special zinc-based chemical as a building block controller, they achieved structures with specific crystal surface exposures. These twined-mushroom structures showed significantly brighter light emission, making them promising candidates for use in light-emitting devices that require single-color output.

High-Resolution Core Gene-Associated Multiple Nucleotide Polymorphism (cgMNP) Markers for Strain Identification in the Wine Cap Mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata

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Scientists developed a new genetic tool called cgMNP markers to accurately identify different strains of wine cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata). By analyzing the DNA of 105 mushroom strains collected from across China, they discovered that a single gene containing 865 genetic variations was sufficient to distinguish between all cultivated varieties. This breakthrough provides a practical way for mushroom farmers and researchers to identify specific strains quickly, which is important for breeding better mushrooms and maintaining quality in commercial production.

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