Research Keyword: phylogeography

Digging into the evolutionary history of the fungus-growing-ant symbiont, Escovopsis (Hypocreaceae)

Researchers studied fungi called Escovopsis that live in ant colonies and interact with the fungi that ants farm for food. By examining 309 fungal samples from across Central and South America, they discovered that these fungi originated 57 million years ago but only started living with the ants about 38 million years ago. Over time, Escovopsis evolved to grow faster and reproduce more efficiently, likely helping it survive in the ant colony environment.

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Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species are becoming increasingly common and dangerous in Latin American hospitals, with newer strains showing resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Rising temperatures from climate change and widespread use of fungicides in agriculture appear to be selecting for these resistant fungi. Most hospitals in the region lack advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify which fungal strain is causing infection, leading to delayed and sometimes inappropriate treatment. Implementing better diagnostic access, stricter antifungal use policies, and coordinated surveillance programs across the region could help control this growing public health problem.

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