Research Keyword: quantitative PCR

Mapping Histoplasma spp. in bats and cave ecosystems: evidence from midwestern Brazil

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Researchers studied caves in midwestern Brazil and found that a fungal pathogen called Histoplasma, which causes a serious lung disease called histoplasmosis, is present in cave environments and in bats. They developed a quick DNA test to detect this fungus in cave soil samples and bat tissue samples. The study identified specific caves with high levels of the fungus, which could help warn visitors and cave explorers about the risk of infection.

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Quantification of fungal biomass in mycelium composites made from diverse biogenic side streams

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Researchers developed a new method to measure how much fungal growth occurs in mycelium-based composite materials, which are sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging and insulation. By analyzing fungal DNA, they tested 20 different combinations of three mushroom species with various waste materials from agriculture and food production. The results show that the amount of fungal growth needed for stable, usable materials varies significantly depending on which mushroom species is used and what waste material serves as the base.

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Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR in ophiocordyceps sinensis under different experimental conditions

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Scientists studied the Chinese caterpillar mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) to find the best genes to use as reference points when measuring other gene activity. They tested sixteen potential reference genes under various stress conditions and growth stages using a technique called RT-qPCR. They found that two specific genes (18S rRNA and beta-Tubulin) were the most reliable to use as standards, which will help researchers accurately study how this medicinal mushroom responds to different conditions.

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Arbuscular mycorrhiza suppresses microbial abundance, and particularly that of ammonia oxidizing bacteria, in agricultural soils

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This study examined how a common soil fungus called arbuscular mycorrhiza affects bacteria and archaea that process ammonia in agricultural soils. Using 50 different soils from the Czech Republic, researchers found that the fungus suppresses ammonia-oxidizing bacteria but not archaea. Interestingly, the fungus actually increased ammonia levels in soil rather than depleting them, suggesting the suppression works through mechanisms beyond simple competition for nutrients.

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The diagnosis of mucormycosis by PCR in patients at risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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This study evaluated how well PCR blood tests and tissue samples can diagnose a serious fungal infection called mucormycosis. Researchers analyzed 30 previous studies and found that PCR testing works very well, especially on respiratory fluid samples. Blood tests showed good accuracy too and could be useful for screening high-risk patients without requiring invasive procedures. The findings suggest PCR should become a standard diagnostic method for this difficult-to-diagnose infection.

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Polymerase Chain Reaction on Respiratory Tract Specimens of Immunocompromised Patients to Diagnose Pneumocystis Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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This study analyzed how well PCR tests detect Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious fungal lung infection in immunocompromised patients. The research reviewed 55 studies with over 11,000 tests and found that PCR testing of fluid from the lungs or induced sputum works very well, especially at ruling out the disease when negative. However, positive test results need careful interpretation because the test can detect the fungus even when it’s just colonizing rather than causing active infection.

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Quantification of fungal biomass in mycelium composites made from diverse biogenic side streams

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Scientists developed a new method to measure how much fungus is in mycelium-based composite materials by analyzing fungal DNA. They tested three types of fungus with eight different agricultural waste materials to see which combinations made the strongest composites. The results show that the amount of fungus needed and the resulting material quality depends on both which fungus is used and which waste material is chosen, with some combinations needing as little as 5% fungus while others required much more.

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