antifungal activity – Page 8

Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp.

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Fusarium fungi cause serious crop diseases that farmers traditionally treat with chemical fungicides, but these chemicals harm the environment and create resistant fungi. Scientists are finding that algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce natural compounds like fatty acids that can fight these fungi effectively. This research shows promising results for developing natural, environmentally-friendly fungicides that could help farmers protect crops without chemical damage.

Sandalwood Sesquiterpene (Z)-α-Santalol Exhibits In Vivo Efficacy Against Madurella mycetomatis in Galleria mellonella Larvae

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Researchers tested sandalwood compounds against a fungal infection that causes a tropical disease called eumycetoma. Using a laboratory model with wax moth larvae infected with the fungus, they found that a specific compound called (Z)-α-santalol significantly extended the survival of infected larvae. This compound was more effective than current antifungal drugs and showed promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected tropical disease.

Enhancement of Mycelial Growth and Antifungal Activity by Combining Fermentation Optimization and Genetic Engineering in Streptomyces pratensis S10

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Scientists improved a soil bacterium called Streptomyces pratensis S10 that fights a serious wheat disease called Fusarium head blight. They used two strategies: first, they optimized the growth medium using statistical methods to produce more bacteria with stronger antifungal powers, and second, they used genetic engineering to remove a gene that was limiting its disease-fighting ability. The result was a bacteria strain that is much more effective at controlling this crop disease.

Clinical and Genomic Insights into Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus Isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand identified a dangerous fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus that is resistant to azole antifungal drugs. This is the first time this specific drug-resistant strain has been found in a patient sample in Thailand, though it had been previously detected in environmental samples. The study used genetic testing to understand how the fungus developed resistance and found that it has altered genes that help it survive the antifungal medications commonly used to treat infections.

Plants, fungi, and antifungals: A little less talk, a little more action

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Researchers propose looking at how plants communicate with fungi to discover new antifungal medicines. Plants send chemical signals to fungi, and understanding these signals could help us develop better treatments for fungal infections in humans and crops. By studying a simple yeast model, scientists found that plant molecules called strigolactones control fungal phosphate metabolism, suggesting they could become new drug targets.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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Researchers discovered that Streptomyces scabiei, a bacterium known for causing common scab disease on potatoes and other root vegetables, produces various airborne chemicals with surprising benefits. Using advanced laboratory techniques, scientists identified 36 different volatile compounds from this bacterium, many of which can kill harmful fungi and potentially help plants grow better. While traditionally viewed as purely harmful, these findings suggest the bacterium may actually serve a more complex role in soil, sometimes protecting crops from more dangerous diseases.

Five New Hypocrealean Species from Algae and Sediment in the Intertidal Zones of China

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Scientists discovered five new types of fungi living in ocean sediments and seaweed along China’s coasts. These fungi belong to a group called Hypocrealeans that can live in many different environments and have various ecological roles. By studying their physical characteristics and DNA, researchers confirmed these are previously unknown species and documented them as new additions to science.

Efficacy of Topical Antifungal Nail Solution Versus Topical Placebo Solution for the Treatment of Pedal Onychomycosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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This study tested whether a new antifungal solution called Tolcylen® could effectively treat toenail fungus compared to a placebo. Over 9 months, participants using the active treatment showed dramatic improvements, with over half achieving complete fungal elimination and 70% showing significant nail healing. Beyond just getting rid of the fungus, patients reported much better quality of life with less discomfort and improved appearance as early as 3 months into treatment.

Inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum growth in banana by silver nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo assays

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Bananas are threatened by a fungal disease called Fusarium wilt that damages crops worldwide. Scientists tested tiny silver particles called nanoparticles as a treatment for this disease on banana plants. The treatment successfully reduced disease by about 68% when applied to the roots, showing promise as an alternative to traditional fungicides for protecting banana crops.

Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

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A 74-year-old man developed multiple infected lumps on his arm, wrist, and finger months after being injured by a tree branch. Doctors identified the infection as sporotrichosis caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii using advanced genetic testing. He was successfully treated with itraconazole tablets for several months and completely recovered. This case is unusual because sporotrichosis typically affects people with weakened immune systems, but this patient had a normal immune system.

therapeutic action: antifungal activity