phylogenetic analysis – Page 13

Identification and Characterization of Five Previously Unrecorded Penicillium Species of Subgenus Aspergilloides Isolated in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered one new Penicillium fungal species and four species that had not been previously recorded in the country. These fungi were found in freshwater and soil samples from five Korean provinces. By analyzing the fungi’s genetic material and physical characteristics, scientists confirmed their identities and added them to Korea’s catalog of fungal species. This research helps create a valuable collection of domestic fungal resources that may have future applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

Trichophyton indotineae Infection, São Paulo, Brazil, 2024

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A businessman from São Paulo, Brazil contracted a difficult-to-treat fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, which is resistant to the common antifungal drug terbinafine. After terbinafine failed to help over 9 weeks, doctors switched him to itraconazole, which worked well after 8 weeks. Genetic testing showed his fungal strain had a specific resistance mutation and was most similar to a strain from Germany, suggesting he may have caught it while traveling in Europe.

Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

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Researchers in Italy analyzed the genetic makeup of a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes that causes skin infections and appears to spread between people through sexual contact. The fungal strain studied was susceptible to all tested antifungal medications and shared similarities with a strain previously found in Moldova. This study helps doctors understand how this emerging fungal infection spreads globally and whether it’s developing resistance to treatments.

Revisiting the emerging pathosystem of rice sheath blight: deciphering the Rhizoctonia solani virulence, host range, and rice genotype-based resistance

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Researchers studied a fungus that causes rice leaf disease in Egypt by isolating and testing different strains to understand why some were more damaging than others. They found the most aggressive strain produced more enzymes that break down plant cell walls, making it more harmful. The team also tested which rice varieties were naturally resistant to the disease and identified specific genes that could help breeders develop disease-resistant rice varieties without needing fungicide chemicals.

Clade III Synthases Add Cyclic and Linear Terpenoids to the Psilocybe Metabolome

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Researchers identified four enzymes in magic mushrooms that produce various aromatic compounds called terpenes. These findings show that Psilocybe mushrooms make a much wider variety of bioactive molecules beyond just psilocybin. Understanding these additional compounds could help explain why whole mushrooms may have different effects than pure psilocybin alone.

First Report of Diaporthe goulteri on Soybean in Germany

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Researchers in Germany discovered a fungal disease called Diaporthe goulteri infecting soybean plants for the first time. This fungus, previously known only from sunflowers in Australia, was isolated from a soybean seed and confirmed through genetic testing. Laboratory experiments showed the fungus can infect soybean stems and cause dark discoloration and tissue damage. This finding is important for soybean farmers as it indicates a new disease threat that may need to be monitored and managed.

Targeting SARS-CoV-2 with Chaga mushroom: An in silico study toward developing a natural antiviral compound

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This study used computer modeling to investigate whether Chaga mushroom components can bind to and potentially block the coronavirus spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect cells. The researchers found that three active compounds in Chaga—beta glycan, betulinic acid, and galactomannan—attached strongly to the virus’s binding sites in ways similar to known antiviral molecules. Beyond blocking viral entry, Chaga also has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties that could help prevent the dangerous cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19.

Different Symbiotic Species of Armillaria Affect the Yield and Active Compound Contents of Polyporus umbellatus

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Polyporus umbellatus is a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating water retention and swelling. This study found that the type of symbiotic fungus (Armillaria species) growing with the mushroom significantly affects both how much mushroom is produced and the amounts of beneficial compounds it contains. Among three Armillaria species tested, A. gallica produced mushrooms with the highest yields and the most polysaccharides, making it the best choice for cultivation.

Complete mitochondrial genomic sequence of Auricularia delicata (Auriculariaceae), an edible Chinese mushroom

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Scientists have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Auricularia delicata, a popular edible jelly mushroom used in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine. The genome is 189,696 base pairs long and contains 60 genes. This genetic information helps scientists understand how A. delicata is related to other mushroom species and provides a valuable resource for future research and cultivation of this important fungal species.

Targeted long-read sequencing analysis and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand studied a fungal infection called sporotrichosis that affects both cats and people. They used advanced DNA sequencing technology to identify the specific type of fungus and understand how it’s related to similar fungi found in other parts of the world. They also tested how well common antifungal medications work against these fungi and found that some isolates are becoming harder to treat.

Research Keyword: phylogenetic analysis