Water Activity – mycolab.ai

Freeze-Dried Probiotic Fermented Camel Milk Enriched with Ajwa Date Pulp: Evaluation of Functional Properties, Probiotic Viability, and In Vitro Antidiabetic and Anticancer Activities

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Researchers created a powdered functional food by combining fermented camel milk with Ajwa date pulp and probiotics. The product showed promise in helping manage blood sugar levels and fighting cancer cells in laboratory tests. Adding date pulp improved the powder’s ability to mix with water and helped beneficial bacteria survive digestion. This combination of camel milk and dates offers a potential new functional food option for people looking to prevent or manage diabetes and other diseases.

Recent advances and role of melatonin in post-harvest quality preservation of shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

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Shiitake mushrooms are nutritious but spoil quickly after harvest due to their high water content and lack of protective skin. This review explores how melatonin and various preservation methods like proper cooling, special packaging, and drying can extend shelf life and maintain quality. Different techniques work by controlling moisture, slowing respiration, preventing browning, and controlling microbial growth. Combining multiple methods, such as vacuum cooling with special packaging, provides the best results for preserving the mushrooms’ taste, nutrition, and appearance.

Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum

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Eurotium halophilicum is a remarkable fungus found on old books that can survive in extremely dry conditions by using salt crystals to pull water from the air. The fungus covers itself with hair-like structures and produces sticky polymers that help it maintain moisture. This ability to thrive in seemingly dry environments makes it a challenge for museums and libraries trying to preserve old books, and climate change may make this problem worse.

Extremely chaotolerant and kosmotolerant Aspergillus atacamensis – a metabolically versatile fungus suitable for recalcitrant biosolid treatment

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Scientists discovered a special fungus called Aspergillus atacamensis that can survive in extremely salty environments, similar to salt lakes in the Atacama Desert. This fungus is remarkable because it can break down harmful pollutants and chemicals, including medications and oil-based compounds. Researchers tested its ability to clean contaminated wastewater and biosolids, finding it highly effective at removing various contaminants. This discovery opens new possibilities for using this hardy fungus to clean up environmental pollution in industries and wastewater treatment facilities.

Damp Buildings: Associated Fungi and How to Find Them

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This review identifies which fungi commonly grow in damp buildings and explains how to find them. It shows that certain fungi like Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor grow on different building materials when moisture is present. The guide provides information on proper sampling techniques and identification methods that building inspectors and health professionals need to effectively address moldy building problems.

Modelling the Combined Effects of Oxalic Acid, Water Activity, and pH on the Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Aspergillus spp. in a Dried Fig System

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Dried figs can become contaminated with harmful fungi that produce dangerous toxins during the drying process. Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand how water content, acidity, and oxalic acid treatment affect fungal growth and toxin production in figs. They found that reducing water content is the most effective way to prevent dangerous toxin buildup. These models help the fig industry identify and avoid conditions that promote contamination, ultimately making dried figs safer for consumers.

Effect of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Incubation Time on the Mycotoxin Production by Fusarium spp. Responsible for Dry Rot in Potato Tubers

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This research examines how temperature and humidity during potato storage affect the growth of disease-causing fungi and their toxic byproducts. The study found that warmer, more humid storage conditions dramatically increase both fungal growth and dangerous toxin production in potatoes. Certain potato varieties became more susceptible to disease as they were stored longer. The toxin levels detected exceeded European safety limits, suggesting contaminated potatoes should be removed to protect consumer health.

Modelling the Combined Effects of Oxalic Acid, Water Activity, and pH on the Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Aspergillus spp. in a Dried Fig System

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This research develops computer models to predict when dangerous molds grow on dried figs and produce toxins. Scientists tested how wet the figs are, their acidity, and a natural plant compound called oxalic acid affect the growth of two common toxic molds. The study found that drier figs are much safer from toxin production, and while oxalic acid alone isn’t a strong mold-fighter, it can help when combined with other conditions. These models can help the fig industry prevent contamination and keep dried figs safe for consumers.

Research Keyword: Water Activity