Mushrooms contain compounds called β-glucans that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. These compounds show promise in cancer treatment when combined with conventional therapies and may help fight infections. While mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine, modern research is confirming their health benefits and understanding how they work in the body.
Researchers discovered that two types of bacteria (Ewingella americana and Cedecea neteri) causing diseases in oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus pulmonarius) produce harmful volatile compounds. These airborne toxins, especially one called 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, can damage mushroom tissue and stop mushroom growth at very low concentrations. This is the first study showing that these bacterial volatiles are important factors in mushroom disease, which could help farmers develop better ways to detect and prevent these infections.
Researchers created the first genetic map of tamogitake mushrooms to identify genes controlling ergothioneine content. Ergothioneine is an antioxidant compound that provides health benefits like fighting inflammation and protecting brain health. They found one key genetic marker that reliably predicts which mushrooms will have high ergothioneine levels, enabling farmers to selectively breed mushrooms with enhanced health benefits.
Scientists developed a quick test to identify two specific types of oyster mushrooms (SPOPPO and ALLERPO) on farms or spawn production facilities. These sporeless mushroom varieties were created to protect workers from respiratory problems caused by mushroom spores. The new LAMP test can identify which strain is being grown in just 30 minutes using simple sample preparation, helping protect the breeding companies’ intellectual property rights from illegal copying.
Researchers identified a new species of Trichoderma fungus that causes green mold disease in cultivated medicinal mushrooms, particularly Ganoderma sichuanense. Using DNA analysis and genetic comparison, they showed that this new species belongs to a group of Trichoderma fungi that are close relatives of species used for controlling plant diseases. The study suggests this fungus might have potential as a biocontrol agent while currently being problematic for mushroom farmers in China.
This study identifies the matB gene as a reliable genetic marker for detecting shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) in food products. Researchers developed a simple DNA test that can identify L. edodes in processed foods where it might be fraudulently substituted for more expensive wild mushrooms. The test is highly sensitive, detecting DNA at extremely low concentrations, and works on both raw mushrooms and processed products. This method provides food manufacturers and regulators with an effective tool to prevent mushroom fraud and ensure food authenticity.
Researchers tested 18 types of medicinal mushrooms to see if they could produce natural antibiotics. Most of them (16 out of 18) showed antimicrobial properties, with some being particularly effective against dangerous bacteria and fungi. The most promising mushroom strain (Hericium corraloides 4) showed strong activity against multiple disease-causing organisms. This research suggests that mushrooms could be valuable sources for developing new antibiotics to fight drug-resistant infections.
Fungi can be engineered to create sustainable, eco-friendly materials that could replace traditional plastics and leather. Scientists are using advanced genetic tools to control how fungi grow and what they produce, enabling the creation of customized materials with specific properties. These fungal-based materials are biodegradable, require less water and energy to produce, and show promise for applications in packaging, clothing, and building materials. With improved manufacturing processes and genetic engineering, fungi could revolutionize how we make everyday products.
Researchers tested how three types of edible and medicinal fungi could improve the nutritional quality of agricultural plant waste for feeding livestock. They found that one fungus species, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, was particularly effective at breaking down tough plant fibers, especially in rapeseed straw and spent reed materials. The fungal treatment not only made the feed easier for ruminant animals to digest but also reduced methane gas production, which is beneficial for environmental sustainability.
This study examined how oyster mushrooms change nutritionally and chemically as they mature from young to fully grown. Researchers found that while mature mushrooms have more overall nutrients and starch-like compounds, younger middle-stage mushrooms have higher levels of beneficial antioxidant compounds and special substances that may help manage blood sugar. The findings suggest that when and how you harvest mushrooms matters for what health benefits they provide, helping farmers and food makers decide when to pick mushrooms based on what they want to produce.