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Soil polluted system shapes endophytic fungi communities associated with Arundo donax: a field experiment

Mining activities pollute soils with heavy metals and red mud waste, damaging ecosystems and making plant growth difficult. This study examined fungi living inside the roots of Arundo donax, a hardy plant that survives in polluted soils, grown in three soil types: clean, heavy metal-contaminated, and red mud-contaminated. The researchers found that fungal communities changed based on the type of pollution, with a fungus called Pleosporales sp. thriving in red mud and showing promise for helping clean up contaminated soils. This research suggests that understanding these beneficial fungi could improve strategies for using plants to remediate polluted environments.

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Filamentous Fungi Are Potential Bioremediation Agents of Semi-Synthetic Textile Waste

Researchers tested whether fungi could break down and remove dyes from textile waste as an environmentally friendly alternative to landfilling or burning. A white rot fungus called Hypholoma fasciculare successfully removed over 80% of dye from test textiles within 8 months. This study represents the first successful demonstration of fungi breaking down dyes directly from solid textiles, opening new possibilities for sustainable textile waste management.

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Fully integrated hybrid multimode-multiwavelength photonic processor with picosecond latency

Researchers created a tiny optical computer chip that processes data much faster than electronic computers. The chip uses different colors and patterns of light to handle multiple signals at once, mimicking how fiber optic cables can send information through different pathways simultaneously. It successfully unscrambled mixed-up signals in real-time and removed jamming interference from communication signals, all with a processing time of just 30 picoseconds—trillions of times faster than blinking.

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Exploring the potential of a bioassembler for protein crystallization in space

Scientists successfully grew high-quality protein crystals in space using an innovative magnetic bioassembler device. By taking advantage of the weightless environment aboard the International Space Station, they were able to grow protein crystals with excellent structural quality that matched or exceeded Earth-based methods. This breakthrough demonstrates that space-based protein crystallization could help scientists better understand protein structures and potentially accelerate drug development.

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Editorial: Effects of microplastics on soil ecosystems

Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are accumulating in soil worldwide and causing problems for the microorganisms that keep soil healthy. This editorial reviews research showing that while newer biodegradable plastic mulches used in farming are better than traditional plastics, both types can weaken the complex networks of beneficial soil microbes. Scientists found bacteria that can break down some plastic chemicals, but long-term solutions require better monitoring and ways to manage plastic residues in agricultural soils.

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Thermal Degradation and Fire Properties of Fungal Mycelium and Mycelium-Biomass Composite Materials

This research explores how mushroom mycelium (fungal threads) can be grown with wheat grains to create fire-resistant composite materials. The study found that these mycelium-based composites are significantly safer than plastic polymers, catching fire less easily and releasing less heat when burned. The mycelium acts like a natural fire shield by forming a protective char layer. These findings suggest mycelium composites could be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic plastics for packaging and insulation applications.

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A review on architecture with fungal biomaterials: the desired and the feasible

This review examines how mushroom mycelium can be used as a sustainable building material to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Six notable architectural projects from 2014-2021 demonstrate different approaches to using mycelium-based blocks and panels for constructing pavilions and temporary structures. The research shows that while mycelium composites offer environmental benefits and exciting design possibilities, they typically need reinforcement with traditional materials and careful production control to be effective in larger structures.

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Comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics provide insight into degeneration-related physiological mechanisms of Morchella importuna after long-term preservation

This research studied how to best preserve morel mushroom cultures for long periods without them losing quality. Scientists compared five different storage methods over 7 years and found that storing cultures in nutrient-poor conditions without repeatedly replicating them produced the healthiest mushrooms. The study identified specific genes and metabolic processes that stayed healthy under the best preservation method, offering farmers better ways to maintain morel quality for cultivation.

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Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

Plastic particles called microplastics are increasingly polluting Himalayan lakes through tourism, waste, and glacier melting, harming fish and water quality. Scientists are testing various cleanup methods including physical filters, chemical treatments, and microbe-based solutions. Tiny engineered materials under UV light show promise for breaking down plastics in cold mountain environments. Better policies, monitoring, and community action are needed to protect these important freshwater sources.

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Microbial Degradation of Chromium-Tanned Leather During Thermophilic Composting: A Multi-Scale Analysis of Microbial Communities and Structural Disruption

This study investigated how naturally occurring microorganisms can break down chromium-tanned leather waste through controlled composting at high temperatures. Researchers found that thermophilic composting successfully fragmented leather and selected specialized bacteria and fungi capable of surviving in chromium-rich environments. These microorganisms formed protective biofilms on leather surfaces, suggesting potential strategies for safer disposal of leather waste from the footwear and tannery industries.

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