Research Keyword: thermal adaptation

The impact of climate change on the epidemiology of fungal infections: implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health strategies

Climate change is making it easier for dangerous fungi to grow and spread to new areas where people have never encountered them before. As temperatures rise and weather becomes more extreme, fungi are becoming resistant to our medicines, especially antifungal drugs used in both farming and hospitals. People living in poverty, displaced by natural disasters, and those without good healthcare access are most vulnerable to these infections. We need to act quickly by developing new treatments, improving diagnosis, reducing agricultural fungicide use, and strengthening healthcare systems in vulnerable communities.

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Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Cutaneous Fungal Infections

Climate change and natural disasters are creating conditions that allow fungal infections to spread more easily and affect people in new ways. Warmer temperatures help fungi adapt to infect humans, while floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes expose people to fungal spores and create wounds through which infections can enter. Doctors need to be alert for unusual fungal infections after disasters, especially since some of these infections can cause serious complications and resist common treatments.

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Single-center retrospective analysis of 454 culture-positive patients with tinea capitis and measurement of pathogens regarding thermal tolerance at 37°C

Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults, especially postmenopausal women. This study of 454 patients in Hangzhou, China found that the most common cause is Microsporum canis (a fungus from cats and dogs), representing a shift from previous decades when different fungi were dominant. Researchers tested how well these fungi grow at human body temperature (37°C) versus room temperature, finding that most fungi adapt well to the warmer temperature, particularly Nannizzia gypsea, which grew equally well at both temperatures. Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole, sometimes combined with topical treatments or steroids for inflammatory cases.

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Enhanced Heat Resistance in Morchella eximia by Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma

Researchers used a special plasma technology to create heat-resistant strains of morel mushrooms that can thrive at higher temperatures. These mutant strains showed enhanced natural defense systems with more antioxidant enzymes and protective compounds. This breakthrough could help farmers grow more morels successfully despite rising temperatures from climate change, while maintaining their nutritional and medicinal benefits.

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Species-specific circular RNA circDS-1 enhances adaptive evolution in Talaromyces marneffei through regulation of dimorphic transition

Researchers discovered a special type of RNA called circDS-1 that helps a deadly fungus switch between two different forms depending on temperature. This fungus normally grows as a mold in soil but transforms into a yeast when it infects humans at body temperature. The circDS-1 RNA acts like a molecular switch that controls this transformation and helps the fungus cause infection. This discovery reveals that fungi may use hidden genetic elements beyond traditional genes to adapt to their environment.

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