Fungal Species:  Ganoderma spp

Valorization of agro-forest wastes (oak acorns, vineyard pruning, and olive pruning) through the cultivation of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms

Researchers tested growing shiitake mushrooms on locally available waste materials like oak acorns, olive pruning, and grape vine pruning instead of the traditionally used oak sawdust. The study found that mushrooms grown on oak acorns or combinations with grape pruning produced similar quantities while having better nutritional content and faster harvest times. This approach helps reduce environmental impact by using agricultural waste and offers sustainable alternatives for mushroom farmers.

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Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveal Accumulation of Key Metabolites with Medicinal Properties of Phylloporia pulla

Scientists studied a medicinal fungus called Phylloporia pulla to understand which health-promoting compounds it produces and how it makes them. Using advanced genetic and chemical analysis tools, they discovered the fungus produces beneficial compounds like steroids and triterpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, with production peaking around the middle of the fungus’s growth cycle. They identified six key genes that control the production of celastrol, a particularly valuable compound with potential to treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. This research helps explain why this fungus has been used traditionally in medicine and provides guidance for growing it to maximize production of these beneficial compounds.

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Sustainable Pultruded Sandwich Profiles with Mycelium Core

Researchers developed a new eco-friendly material using mycelium (fungal networks) as the core in lightweight composite structures used for manufacturing. This mycelium-based approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional foam and wood cores, with comparable mechanical performance. The manufacturing process produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions when using electric heating instead of oil heating, making it a promising option for industries seeking environmentally responsible materials.

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Bioprospecting and mechanistic insights of Trichoderma spp. for suppression of Ganoderma-induced basal stem rot in oil palm

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Trichoderma afroharzianum can effectively fight a serious disease in oil palm trees caused by another fungus, Ganoderma. This beneficial fungus works by producing natural chemicals and enzymes that kill the harmful pathogen and also helps the plants grow better. The research shows this could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting oil palm plantations, especially as climate changes and farming conditions vary.

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Haplotype-Phased Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Floccularia luteovirens Provides Insights into Its Taxonomy, Adaptive Evolution, and Biosynthetic Potential

Scientists successfully decoded the complete genetic blueprint of the yellow mushroom (Floccularia luteovirens), a valuable medicinal fungus found on the Tibetan Plateau. The high-quality genome assembly revealed the mushroom produces many different beneficial compounds like antitumor and anti-inflammatory molecules. The study also corrected previous scientific confusion about the mushroom’s evolutionary classification, showing it’s more closely related to other fungi than previously thought, and revealed how it adapted to harsh alpine conditions.

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Engineering Strategies for Fungal Cell Disruption in Biotechnological Applications

Fungal cells have tough, protective walls that make it difficult to extract valuable products like proteins, oils, and medicines. This review examines different techniques—from physical methods like grinding with beads to chemical and enzyme-based approaches—to break open fungal cells efficiently. By understanding which method works best for different types of fungi and desired products, researchers can develop better, more sustainable ways to use fungi in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, food products, and other valuable compounds.

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Engineering Strategies for Fungal Cell Disruption in Biotechnological Applications

Fungi produce valuable products inside their cells like medicines, oils, and natural colors. However, fungal cell walls are very tough and hard to break open compared to bacteria or algae. Scientists have developed various methods to break open fungal cells, ranging from physical approaches like grinding with beads or using sound waves, to gentler chemical and enzymatic methods. The best method depends on the type of fungus, what product you want to extract, and how much you need to make.

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Haplotype-Phased Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Floccularia luteovirens Provides Insights into Its Taxonomy, Adaptive Evolution, and Biosynthetic Potential

Scientists have created the most detailed genetic map of the yellow mushroom (Floccularia luteovirens), a highly valued medicinal and edible fungus from the Tibetan Plateau. Using advanced sequencing technology, they mapped its 13 chromosomes and identified 15 pathways that the mushroom uses to make potentially useful healing compounds. The research also solved a long-standing mystery about the mushroom’s family tree, proving it is not actually related to Armillaria mushrooms as previously thought. This genetic blueprint opens new possibilities for developing medicines from this special fungus.

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Himalayan Mushrooms as a Natural Source of Ergosterol and Vitamin D2: A Review of Nutraceutical and Functional Food Perspectives

Mushrooms from the Himalayan region are naturally rich in ergosterol, a compound that converts to vitamin D2 when exposed to sunlight or UV light. This review explores how mushrooms can serve as sustainable, plant-based sources of vitamin D to address deficiencies in populations with limited sun exposure. By understanding how environmental factors and UV treatment affect ergosterol levels, scientists can develop enriched mushroom-based foods and supplements with enhanced nutritional benefits.

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First DNA Barcoding Survey in Bulgaria Unveiled Huge Diversity of Yeasts in Insects

Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of yeasts living in insect guts across Bulgarian national parks. Using DNA analysis, they discovered over 100 yeast strains, nearly half of which were previously unknown to science. The study reveals that insects are natural homes to diverse yeast species and serve as vectors for spreading yeasts in nature, some of which can cause human infections. This research highlights how much remains to be discovered about microorganisms in less-studied regions of the world.

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