Scientists have discovered a new protein from an edible mushroom that can kill lung cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. This is significant because most current cancer treatments can’t tell the difference between healthy and cancerous cells, leading to side effects. The protein, named Latcripin-1, was isolated from a special strain of shiitake mushroom and works by triggering self-destruction specifically in cancer cells. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides hope for developing more targeted cancer treatments with fewer side effects – Demonstrates the potential medical value of common edible mushrooms – Shows how natural compounds can be used to fight serious diseases – Opens new possibilities for lung cancer treatment – Highlights the importance of preserving and studying natural species for medical research