population genetics – mycolab.ai

Population structure in a fungal human pathogen is potentially linked to pathogenicity

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Aspergillus flavus is a common fungal infection found in both hospitals and the environment. Researchers studied the genetic makeup of 300 fungal samples from patients and the environment across multiple countries. They discovered that clinical isolates cluster into specific genetic groups, with one group containing most patient-derived samples. This finding suggests that certain genetic populations of this fungus may be better adapted to infecting humans than others.

Sporothrix is neglected among the neglected

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Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species that usually affects the skin but can spread to joints, lungs, and eyes. While traditionally spread through plant material during gardening, the disease has increasingly spread between cats and humans through bites and scratches, particularly in South America and other regions. The fungus is developing resistance to common antifungal drugs, and scientists worry climate change could expand where this disease occurs worldwide.

Morphological, Genetic, and Microbiological Characterization of Tuber magnatum Picco Populations from Alto Molise, Central-Southern Italy

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This research studied Italian white truffles from the Molise region, one of Italy’s most important truffle-producing areas. Scientists examined 20 truffles from four different locations, analyzing their physical characteristics, genetic makeup, and the bacteria and fungi living inside them. They discovered a unique genetic pattern found only in Molise truffles and identified complex microbial communities that may help authenticate where truffles came from, helping prevent food fraud and protect truffle producers.

Current taxonomic status of the cultivable and uncultivable Paracoccidioides species

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Paracoccidioides are fungi that cause serious infections in humans and dolphins. Scientists have recently reorganized and renamed these fungi into five different species—three that can be grown in labs and two that cannot. Some previously named species turned out to be invalid due to naming rule violations. This article explains the correct names and classifications that doctors and researchers should use.

Novel and advanced MNP molecular markers accurately identify the genetic similarity of Hypsizygus marmoreus strains: a comparative evaluation with ISSR and antagonistic methods

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Researchers developed a new genetic fingerprinting method using 369 molecular markers to accurately identify different strains of H. marmoreus mushrooms. By analyzing the DNA sequences of 32 strains, they found that no two strains were genetically identical, with significant diversity patterns observed between white and gray varieties. This new method proved more reliable and efficient than traditional testing approaches, helping prevent the problem of identical mushroom strains being sold under different names.

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

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This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

Misconception of Schizophyllum commune strain 20R-7-F01 origin from subseafloor sediments over 20 million years old

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Researchers questioned whether a fungus found in ancient ocean sediments 2 km below the seafloor actually came from 20 million years ago or was modern contamination. By analyzing DNA repetitive sequences in different fungal populations, they discovered the strain was genetically almost identical to modern fungi from Asia, not ancient at all. The extreme conditions in the deep sediments would make it impossible for fungi to survive or exchange genes for millions of years, proving the fungus came from surface contamination during drilling rather than ancient times.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Apple scab is a serious fungal disease that damages apple trees and fruit, causing significant crop losses worldwide. This study examined apple scab fungus in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, surveying 30 different apple populations and testing 302 samples. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed the fungus is present in about 16% of the apple populations studied, with different populations showing distinct genetic patterns based on their geographic location and whether the apples were wild or cultivated.

Epidemiology, Biotic Interactions and Biological Control of Armillarioids in the Northern Hemisphere

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This paper reviews how armillarioid fungi, particularly Armillaria species, cause root rot disease in forests and orchards across the Northern Hemisphere. These fungi spread through underground root-like structures called rhizomorphs and can kill trees and damage crops over large areas. The authors discuss how to identify these fungi using modern genetic methods and explore environmentally friendly biological control options using beneficial bacteria, fungi, and nematodes as alternatives to chemical treatments.

Changes in intra-host mycovirus population diversity after vertical and horizontal transmission

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Researchers studied how a virus that helps control chestnut blight disease changes when it spreads between fungal cells. They found that when the virus passes through spores, it becomes less diverse, but when it spreads between fungal cells, diversity is maintained better. The fungal host’s genetics strongly influences how many viral variants survive transmission, which has important implications for using this virus as a disease control strategy.

Research Keyword: population genetics