Fungal Species:  Marasmius oreades

Antibiofilm activity and bioactive phenolic compounds of ethanol extract from the Hericium erinaceus basidiome

Researchers tested a lion’s mane mushroom extract for its ability to stop harmful bacteria from forming protective biofilms that make infections harder to treat. The extract showed strong activity against Proteus mirabilis bacteria, reducing biofilm formation by over 78%. The antibiofilm power comes mainly from two phenolic compounds: protocatechuic acid and p-coumaric acid. These findings suggest lion’s mane mushroom could be developed into natural supplements or food preservatives to prevent bacterial contamination.

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Isolation and characterization of edible mushroom-forming fungi from Swedish nature

Swedish researchers isolated 17 strains of wild edible mushroom-forming fungi from nature and studied how they grow at different temperatures and develop fruiting bodies. They found that commercially cultivated mushroom species grow faster and prefer warmer temperatures than wild species. Several strains successfully produced mushrooms on different growing substrates, particularly on birch pellets, with some performing better than established laboratory strains. All newly isolated strains have been preserved in a research collection for future studies and potential commercial mushroom production.

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Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

Fairy rings created by the mushroom Agaricus urinascens dramatically transform Mediterranean grasslands. These fungal rings create zones of dead plants and altered soil conditions, killing vegetation and reducing plant species diversity by 40% at the fungal front. The fungi coat their mycelium with calcium oxalate crystals and create water-repellent soil conditions that essentially drown plants by preventing water absorption, ultimately favoring fast-growing grasses over diverse wildflower communities.

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Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

Fairy ring fungi create circular patterns in grasslands by forming dense underground networks that dramatically change soil properties and plant communities. The study found that these fungal rings reduce plant diversity by 40% at their advancing edge while boosting grass growth inside the ring, creating a stark ecological shift. The fungi produce calcium oxalate crystals that make soil very water-repellent, causing nearby plants to dry out and die. This research shows how a single fungus species can reshape entire ecosystems through physical and chemical changes in the soil.

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Classification of Mycena and Marasmius Species Using Deep Learning Models: An Ecological and Taxonomic Approach

Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system to automatically identify mushroom species from the Mycena and Marasmius groups by analyzing photographs. Using advanced computer vision and machine learning techniques, they achieved 98.9% accuracy in classification. This technology could help scientists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts quickly identify mushroom species in the field, supporting biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

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Assessment of the Impact of Metals in Wild Edible Mushrooms from Dambovita County, Romania, on Human Health

This study examined 18 types of wild mushrooms commonly eaten in Romania for their metal content and potential health risks. Researchers found that while mushrooms contain valuable nutrients like iron and zinc, some species accumulate toxic metals like lead and cadmium. Adults who eat these mushrooms generally face acceptable risks, but children are more vulnerable due to their smaller body size and higher food intake per kilogram of body weight.

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Andorran ethnomycology: culinary uses and beyond

This research documents how people in Andorra traditionally use wild mushrooms for food and medicine. Researchers interviewed 131 older residents and found 50 different types of mushrooms being used, with over 150 local names for them. Most uses were for cooking (97%), with mushrooms being dried, pickled, or frozen. The study identified several mushrooms that might be valuable for future nutritional research and product development.

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Leucocalocybe mongolica inoculation enhances rice growth by reallocating resources from flavonoid defense to development via MYB/bHLH/WRKY networks

A fungal strain called Leucocalocybe mongolica (LY9) can help rice plants grow bigger and healthier by improving how they use nutrients and sunlight. Interestingly, when plants grow better with this fungus, they produce fewer defensive compounds called flavonoids, but they still maintain some protective molecules. This research shows that the fungus helps plants decide to invest more energy in growth rather than defense, making it a promising natural fertilizer for farming.

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Isolation, (bio)synthetic studies and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of drimenol-type sesquiterpenes of Termitomyces fungi

Termite colonies farm a fungus called Termitomyces for food in an ancient partnership. Scientists discovered that the mushrooms produced by this fungus release distinctive chemical signals, particularly a compound called drimenol. By isolating and synthesizing these compounds, researchers found they have antimicrobial properties and may play a role in communicating between termites and their fungal crop or protecting mushrooms from infection.

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Assessment of the Impact of Metals in Wild Edible Mushrooms from Dambovita County, Romania, on Human Health

This study examined 18 types of wild mushrooms commonly eaten in Romania to measure their metal content. Researchers found that while mushrooms provide important minerals like iron and zinc, some species accumulate harmful metals like cadmium and chromium. Children are at greater risk from eating these mushrooms than adults because their smaller bodies absorb proportionally more of the contaminants. Some mushroom species pose significant cancer risks from metal exposure.

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