Researchers studied a specific gene called Sec2p in a dangerous fungus that causes serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems. By removing this gene, they found the fungus grew much slower, was less deadly to mice, and the infected animals survived longer. This discovery could lead to new treatments for fungal infections by targeting the Sec2p gene.
Researchers in Korea discovered two types of fungi from Graphium genus in freshwater rivers and streams. One was identified as Graphium carbonarium, previously unknown in Korea, while the other two isolates represent an entirely new species named Graphium aquaticum. This finding is significant because Graphium fungi were previously thought to live only on wood and in association with insects, making freshwater an unexpected and new habitat for these organisms.
Researchers created a computer program called HitList that searches fungal DNA to find new targets for antifungal medications. The program identified 16 promising protein targets that could be attacked by new antifungal drugs, including 8 completely new targets never before considered. This discovery could help develop new antifungal treatments to fight drug-resistant fungal infections in both humans and crops.
Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic blueprints of 35 fungal strains belonging to Pyricularia species and related genera, which cause devastating blast diseases in crops like rice and wheat. By analyzing genetic differences between strains that infect different grass species, researchers found that most Pyricularia oryzae strains show strong preferences for specific host plants. These new genome resources will help scientists understand how fungal pathogens evolve and adapt to new plant hosts, potentially improving disease management strategies.
Researchers identified two native Trichoderma fungi species that can protect cucumber plants from a destructive soil disease caused by Pythium. In laboratory and greenhouse tests, these beneficial fungi blocked pathogen growth and significantly improved plant survival and growth compared to untreated plants. These findings suggest these natural fungi could replace harmful chemical fungicides for protecting cucumbers and other crops.
Researchers in Shanghai studied 33 patients with deep skin fungal infections that had become increasingly common in the area. They identified 13 different fungal species causing these infections, most commonly Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Sporothrix schenckii. Patients were treated with antifungal medications tailored to the specific fungus and its drug sensitivity, with most patients recovering completely, though some experienced relapses, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-up care.
This review explains how the fats that make up fungal cell membranes directly influence how dangerous fungi become to humans. Different types of membrane fats help fungi change shape to invade tissues, survive stress in the body, and hide from immune cells. By understanding these processes, scientists can develop new ways to fight fungal infections by targeting the membrane components that fungi depend on for survival.
Astragalus (a valuable traditional Chinese herb) often develops root rot disease caused by harmful fungi. Researchers identified the specific fungi causing this disease and tested various chemical fungicides and beneficial bacteria to control it. Carbendazim fungicide and a biocontrol bacterium called KRS006 proved most effective, suggesting a combination approach could protect this important medicinal plant from disease.
Scientists developed a new method to understand how different strains of the fungus Coccidioides posadasii, which causes Valley Fever, respond to temperature changes. By mixing multiple fungal strains together and sequencing their DNA after growing them at different temperatures, they identified a gene that helps determine whether the fungus grows better in hot (body temperature) or cool (environmental) conditions. This discovery could help explain how this dangerous fungus adapts to human infection and may lead to better treatments for Valley Fever.
Researchers in Korea re-examined 53 fungal samples from the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection to accurately identify Aspergillus species. Using genetic analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed 14 different species, including three that were new to Korea: A. griseoaurantiacus, A. puulaauensis, and A. sublatus. These findings help scientists better understand which fungal species are present in Korea and their potential impacts on food, air quality, and human health.