phylogenetic analysis – Page 36

Convergent evolution links molybdenum insertase domains with organism-specific sequences

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that fungi have uniquely evolved a special way to make molybdenum cofactor, a molecule essential for life. When researchers tried to swap the fungal version with versions from plants or animals, the fungi couldn’t survive properly. A specific 20-amino acid section turned out to be critical for the fungus to use nitrate as food. This finding shows that evolution has created highly specialized solutions for the same biological problem in different organisms.

Exploration of Mangrove Endophytes as Novel Sources of Tannase Producing Fungi

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that fungi living inside mangrove plant tissues can produce tannase, an enzyme that breaks down tannins into a useful compound called gallic acid. Two fungal species, Phyllosticta capitalensis and Aspergillus chevalieri, were found to be particularly good at producing this enzyme. This discovery is significant because tannase has many industrial applications in making medicines, processing food, and cleaning up the environment. The researchers also figured out the best conditions (temperature, pH level, and time) for these fungi to produce the most enzyme.

Mycovorax composti gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Chitinophagaceae isolated from button mushroom compost

mycolabadmin

Scientists have discovered a new type of bacteria living in button mushroom compost called Mycovorax composti. This bacterium is found in the compost during a special preparation phase and helps break down tough plant materials and fungal structures. The bacteria thrive at warm temperatures (around 45°C) and play an important role in creating a healthy environment for growing button mushrooms. This discovery helps us better understand the microbial communities that make mushroom farming possible.

Infection caused by a cryptic fungal species, Blastomyces gilchristii, in a tiger

mycolabadmin

A tiger in Tennessee became ill with a serious fungal infection caused by a lesser-known fungus called Blastomyces gilchristii. While blastomycosis is typically caused by a different fungus species, this case represents the first detection of this particular cryptic fungal species in the southeastern United States. Scientists used advanced genetic sequencing to identify the fungus when standard laboratory methods failed. This discovery suggests that this dangerous fungus is spreading to areas where it was not previously thought to exist.

Biocontrol of Seedborne Fungi on Small-Grained Cereals Using Bacillus halotolerans Strain B33

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 to protect cereal seeds from harmful fungi. When seeds infected with fungal pathogens were treated with this bacterium, it successfully eliminated 83-100% of the fungi, depending on the pathogen and crop type. The treatment was as effective as commercial chemical disinfectants but offers a more environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable farming.

Study on Pathogenesis of Cytospora pyri in Korla Fragrant Pear Trees (Pyrus sinkiangensis)

mycolabadmin

Researchers identified Cytospora pyri as the fungus causing a serious canker disease in Korla fragrant pear trees grown in Xinjiang, China. The fungus cannot directly infect healthy bark but requires wounds to enter trees, then spreads rapidly through tissues using powerful cell-degrading enzymes. Understanding these infection mechanisms can help farmers prevent the disease by protecting trees from injuries and maintaining tree health.

Colletotrichum scovillei and Prospective Biocontrol Agents Isolated from Asymptomatic Olive Trees

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that olive trees in Greece naturally harbor several species of fungi, including a newly identified disease-causing fungus called Colletotrichum scovillei. More importantly, they found that other fungi living harmlessly inside the olive tissue can protect the plant by fighting against the harmful fungi. Two of these protective fungi, KORD1f and KORD4f, reduced olive anthracnose disease symptoms by 67-73%, suggesting they could be used as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides for olive disease management.

Bibliometric, taxonomic, and medicinal perspectives of Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki: A mini review

mycolabadmin

Ganoderma neo-japonicum, known as purple Lingzhi, is a mushroom traditionally used by indigenous communities in Malaysia and other Asian countries to treat various health conditions. This review examines 36 scientific studies published between 1991 and 2021, showing that the mushroom contains special compounds that can fight cancer cells, lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. While laboratory studies show promising results, the mushroom still needs more clinical testing in humans before it can be widely used as a medicine.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

mycolabadmin

This study examined dangerous mold infections called mucormycosis that became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Iran. Researchers tested over 180 fungal samples from patients and soil to understand which types of molds cause infections and which antifungal medicines work best against them. They found that two medicines, amphotericin B and posaconazole, were most effective, while fungi from soil samples were often more resistant to treatment than those from infected patients. This research helps doctors choose the right treatments for patients with these serious infections.

A New Species and Five New Records of Talaromyces (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) Belonging to Section Talaromyces in Korea

mycolabadmin

Researchers surveying fungal diversity in Korea discovered one new species of Talaromyces fungus and confirmed five additional species previously unknown to the country. These fungi were isolated from soil, freshwater, and indoor air samples and identified using genetic analysis and visual characteristics. Many species in this fungal genus produce valuable compounds with potential medical and agricultural applications, making them important for biotechnology research.

Research Keyword: phylogenetic analysis