Mycology News
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New fungus discovered infecting persimmon trees
A root disease affecting grapevines and walnuts, black foot, now impacts persimmon trees in Hungary. Researchers identified the fungus Ilyonectria liriodendri as the cause, confirming it through DNA analysis and lab tests.
24th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Fungal compounds show promise as potential new cancer therapies
Cancer research focuses on a protein called Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) as a potential drug target. A new study identified two fungal compounds, MSID001658 and MSID000672, that strongly bind to and may block SIRT2’s function using computer modeling.
9th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Using fungi to clean fish farm wastewater: a streamlined approach
Egyptian researchers found common fungi effectively clean aquaculture wastewater, reducing harmful nutrients like phosphorus & nitrogen. Adding specific minerals boosted cleanup by one fungus, offering a cheap & eco-friendly pollution solution for fragile ecosystems.
19th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
New growing mixes from chia seeds boost oyster mushroom yields
Egyptian researchers grew oyster mushrooms using leftover chia seed material, a sustainable solution to food waste & rising protein needs. The best mixes with rice straw boosted growth, harvest & mushroom nutrition, combining benefits of both foods.
1st November, 2025
| Greg Howard
How plant defenses can disable fungal infection pathways
When the fungus Cochliobolus heterostrophus is exposed to the plant defense chemical ferulic acid, its key stress-response protein, Hog1, is not just deactivated but actively sequestered into cytoplasmic granules containing messenger RNA.
22nd October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Study identifies bee pollen types based on where they come from using AI
Researchers developed a method using image analysis and AI to identify bee pollen producers with 85% accuracy. This offers a simpler, cheaper way to verify pollen origin, boosting trust & traceability in the growing health food market. Color differences hint at beekeeper source.
11th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Shiitake mushrooms could lead to new, eco-friendly electronic components
Researchers are exploring shiitake mushroom networks as a novel computing material. These fungal “memristors” mimic brain activity, learning tasks with 90% accuracy.
11th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Fungal protein helps cells merge, maintaining stability during growth
Fungi combine cells to grow & survive, but this risks cell rupture. Researchers identified CSR-3, a protein vital for stabilizing cell fusion in Neurospora crassa. Without it, cells burst.
6th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Carabrone slows growth of a wheat pathogen by disrupting energy production
Fungal diseases threaten crops & food security, worsened by resistant strains & failing chemicals. New research shows a plant compound, carabrone, disrupts fungal energy production by blocking a key protein complex, complex I. This offers a new target for antifungal development.
3rd October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Skin bacteria from amphibians can fight plant diseases and reduce spoilage
Frog skin bacteria show promise as eco-friendly fruit protectors. UNAM researchers found these bacteria inhibit common molds like citrus Penicillium and Alternaria, using compounds & gases to suppress fungal growth.
23rd September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How Fungal-Fighting Peptides Reduce Cell Communication via Vesicles
Candida infections are becoming harder to treat due to drug resistance. Researchers found EntV, a peptide, weakens the fungus's ability to infect, not kill it.
20th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Deep Microbe Life in Impact Crater Hot Springs
New research shows microbes colonized a Finnish impact crater 73.6 million years ago, lasting over 10 million years. Fractures created by the impact formed hot, chemically-rich water systems supporting life via sulfate reduction and methane metabolism.
16th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Plant Roots and Soil Structure Improve Roadside Slope Stability
Shrub roots help prevent highway slope erosion, vital in cold regions. Research identified Amorpha fruticosa as most effective, linked to stronger fungal networks & sticky proteins in soil.
13th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Epigenetic Changes Boost Antifungal Compounds in a Common Mold: A Genomic Study
Researchers boosted the production of useful chemicals in a fungus by altering gene expression, not the DNA itself.
8th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New Compounds Fight Skin Infections With Both Antifungal And Antibacterial Power
Rising antibiotic resistance threatens treatment of common infections. Researchers are exploring natural molecules, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as alternatives.
1st September, 2025
| Greg Howard
Root Fungi Improve Phosphorus Absorption and Soil Health in Salty Soils
Soil salinity limits crop growth, but beneficial fungi living in plant roots can help.
28th August, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Fungal Disease Found in Wild Mammals
Ecuadorian research shows the fungus causing histoplasmosis infects 14% of wild mammals studied, mainly bats, with the coast region posing the highest risk.
15th July, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Five-Year Study Shows Sudden Fungi Bursts In Coastal Water
Ocean fungi are vital but mysterious! New research shows their numbers in the sea fluctuate chaotically with unpredictable blooms of specific types, not seasonal patterns. This high-frequency study reveals a dynamic picture, crucial for understanding ocean life.
11th July, 2025
| Greg Howard
Engineering Yeast To Make Mushroom Health Compounds
Scientists unlocked the secrets of Ling Zhi, the Reishi mushroom, to mass-produce its powerful medicinal compounds. By reprogramming baker's yeast, they achieved yields up to 10,000 times higher, paving the way for new treatments from this ancient remedy.
4th July, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Yeast's Journey Through Organic Matter: Uncovering Indirect Nutritional Effects
New research shows a fungus, Candida tropicalis, surprisingly boosts black soldier fly larvae's nutrition. It increases fats and essential amino acids, not by living in their gut, but by interacting with their food. This expands our understanding of insect-microbe benefits.
19th June, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Fungus Boosts Rice Growth By Changing Root Function And Plant Signals
A fungus called LY9 could revolutionize farming! New research shows it dramatically boosts rice growth, increasing shoots, roots, and green pigment, all without chemical fertilizers. This eco-friendly solution offers a path to sustainable food production.
17th June, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Mold's Protein: Where It Is Determines How It Grows
How do fungi choose to reproduce? New research reveals a molecular switch: a protein called VeA. Its precise location inside or outside the cell's nucleus dictates whether the fungus reproduces sexually (for diversity) or asexually (for quick copies).
24th May, 2025
| Greg Howard
Do Yeasts Live in the Gut of People with HIV
Researchers found that Malassezia yeasts, typically residing on skin, appear more frequently in the guts of HIV patients but don't remain long-term. This suggests that even in those with weakened immune systems, these yeasts don't establish a lasting presence in the gut.
23rd May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Medicinal Mushroom Helps Protect Gut from Virus Damage by Balancing Fats
PEDV causes deadly diarrhea in piglets. A study found that Poria cocos polysaccharides, from a natural mushroom, reduced symptoms and strengthened intestinal health by boosting fat metabolism. This natural supplement could help protect pigs against PEDV.
22nd May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Energy Controls DNA Packaging During Cell Cycles
Researchers at Texas A&M found that metabolic molecules acetyl-CoA and SAM affect gene expression in yeast by altering DNA-associated proteins. This link between metabolism and gene activity could inspire new cancer treatments targeting these metabolic-epigenetic interactions.
21st May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Natural Yeasts from Fruits Help Make Bread Rise
Researchers identified wild Saccharomyces yeast strains that effectively make dough rise without producing sulfur compounds that spoil bread flavor. These strains, especially AAUGr5, outperform commercial yeast and promise better-tasting, high-quality baked goods.
16th May, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Surprising Variety of Powdery Mildew Types Affecting Legumes
Researchers in Australia have discovered 11 types of powdery mildew affecting legume crops, with Podosphaera xanthii being the most common. This study helps farmers develop targeted strategies to protect important legumes from these harmful fungal diseases.
15th May, 2025
| Greg Howard
Protein Controls Gene Activity and Disease Factors in Meningitis Fungus
Researchers from Henan Agricultural University discover that the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningitis by using the protein Rtf1 to regulate genes and change shape independently of traditional mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to new antifungal treatments.
11th May, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Home Mold Exposure Linked to Allergic Lung Problems: Study
A Texas study reveals that mold in homes is a leading cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a lung inflammation. Identifying and removing mold exposure improves patient survival, emphasizing the need for thorough home assessments as climate change boosts mold growth risks.
10th May, 2025
| Greg Howard
Finding Stable Genes for Genetic Testing Using RNA Data
Researchers have identified reliable benchmark genes for studying the wine-cap Stropharia mushroom’s gene activity. This advancement boosts research on its growth, environmental benefits, and culinary uses, ensuring more accurate and meaningful results.
8th May, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Creating a Beauty Product with a Fat-Breaking Enzyme from Mold
VIT University researchers have harnessed an enzyme from the fungus Aspergillus terreus, enhancing its stability by attaching it to silica. This safe, durable enzyme boosts cosmetic formulations, offering improved quality and sustainability for skin care products.
27th April, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Regulating G6PD Affects Growth and Citric Acid in Black Mold
Scientists have boosted citric acid production in the fungus Aspergillus niger by adjusting a key gene involved in sugar processing. This genetic tweak increased yields by 49%, offering a more efficient method for industrial production of valuable chemicals.
30th March, 2025
| Greg Howard
Antifungal Resistance in Fungus Linked to Unique Gene Variant
Researchers have discovered why the fungus Madurella fahalii, a key cause of mycetoma in areas like Sudan, resists the antifungal drug itraconazole. By decoding its DNA, they identified extra genes that help the fungus survive treatment, paving the way for better therapies.
20th March, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Cell Machinery Helps Yeast Shape Change and Handle Stress
Candida albicans, usually harmless, can cause deadly infections in those with weakened immune systems by changing its form to invade tissues. New research identifies the DHH1 gene as crucial for this switch, offering a promising target for developing better antifungal treatments.
14th March, 2025
| Greg Howard
Gene Mapping Reveals Growth and Reproduction Tradeoff
UCLA scientists used single-cell analysis to map genetic regions that control gene activity in yeast. They found how genetic variants influence cell growth and mating based on the cell’s cycle stage, revealing complex interactions that help explain traits and disease risks.
12th March, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Exploring Yeasts Finds New Ways to Boost Enzyme Production in Baker's Yeast
Researchers discovered natural yeast strains that produce enzymes more efficiently, enhancing vaccine and drug manufacturing. By modifying specific genes, these yeasts boost enzyme output, paving the way for cheaper and more effective medical and environmental solutions.
9th March, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Antifreeze Proteins from Cold Yeast Protect Food During Freezing
Scientists have harnessed antifreeze proteins from the Antarctic yeast Glaciozyma martinii to improve frozen food quality and cell preservation. This breakthrough offers eco-friendly alternatives to traditional methods, enhancing texture and extending shelf life.
9th March, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Special RNA Helps Fungus Adapt by Changing Shape
Researchers at Peking University discovered how the harmful fungus Talaromyces marneffei adapts to human body temperatures by switching forms, driven by a unique circular RNA. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of fungal infections and could lead to new treatments.
6th March, 2025
| Greg Howard
Making and Optimizing Ginseng Compounds Using a Helpful Fungus
Researchers used the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis to significantly increase the production of minor ginsenosides from Panax ginseng. This eco-friendly method enhances valuable compounds with stronger health benefits, enabling their broader use in supplements and medicines.
5th March, 2025
| Greg Howard
FhpA Protein Essential for Fungal Growth, Toxin Production, and Stress Handling
Researchers have identified a key gene that controls toxin production in the fungus Aspergillus flavus, which contaminates crops like corn. Targeting this gene could reduce harmful aflatoxin levels, protecting public health and preventing significant economic losses.
4th March, 2025
| Greg Howard
How Contaminants in Feed Affect Gut Bacteria
Climate change pushes poultry farms to alternative feeds, but contaminants like mycotoxins and oxidized oils can disrupt chickens' gut bacteria and growth. A Polish study highlights these risks and suggests using antioxidants and probiotics to keep poultry healthy and productive.
26th January, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Understanding How Helpful Fungi Can Fight Banana Diseases
Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that endophytes Phomopsis sp. and Fusarium proliferatum can significantly reduce the growth of the banana pathogen Colletotrichum musae. These endophytes offer a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.
7th January, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Using Purified Plant Enzyme on Natural Beads for Biotech Applications
Microbial pectinase from Aspergillus nidulans, purified and immobilized by Mansoura University researchers, enhances juice clarity and antioxidant properties, proving its cost-effective and efficient role in the food industry.
7th January, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Understanding Plant Root Fungi: How They Produce and Use Helpful Enzymes
Researchers at Fayoum University optimized and purified fungal pectinase from plant rhizospheres, demonstrating its high stability and biocompatibility. This enzyme shows promise for industrial applications, particularly in bioscouring, enhancing efficiency by 20%.
10th December, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Boosting Red Pigment Production in Dairy Waste Using Natural Fermentation
Researchers at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad have found an efficient way to produce natural red pigments from Monascus purpureus using dairy sludge. This sustainable method yields high-quality pigments with low toxin levels, suitable for food industry use.
24th November, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Fungus Fighters: How Ants and Their Microbes Protect Plants from Harmful Fungi
Research from Aarhus University reveals wood ants' potential as natural biocontrol agents against plant diseases. Their associated microorganisms inhibit harmful fungi, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
14th November, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Frequent Genetic Exchanges Uncovered in Fungal Plant Pathogen Study
Researchers at Utrecht University discovered that Fusarium oxysporum, a major plant pathogen, undergoes sexual recombination and extensive mitochondrial genome recombination, challenging the belief that it reproduces clonally. This insight is vital for managing crop diseases.
13th November, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Deleting a Specific Gene Affects Mushroom Growth on Plant-Based Materials
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that the hap2 gene in Pleurotus ostreatus is crucial for lignin degradation. This gene regulates key enzymes, enhancing our understanding of fungal biology and aiding industrial applications like biofuel production.
5th November, 2024
| Greg Howard
Copper Is Crucial for Plant Infection and Spread in Root-Damaging Fungal Disease
Copper acquisition is key to the pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum, a major crop threat. Research reveals the transcriptional regulator Mac1 activates genes for copper uptake, essential for infection. Targeting these pathways could lead to new crop protection strategies.
3rd November, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Eco-Friendly Mushroom Farming and Biocomposites Using Brewery and Farm Waste
Researchers at UNIVILLE found that using brewer's spent grains and agro-residues for mushroom cultivation boosts productivity and creates sustainable mycelium-based materials. This approach reduces waste, cuts costs, and supports environmental sustainability.
11th October, 2024
| Greg Howard
Brain Toxicity Linked to Popular Medicinal Mushroom Supplement: A Case Report
Medicinal mushrooms, though popular for health benefits, pose risks due to lack of regulation. A case of muscimol poisoning from a commercial product highlights the dangers. Improved quality control and oversight are needed to ensure consumer safety.
15th September, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Tracking Corn Waste Breakdown by a Common Fungus
Researchers at Heinrich Heine University demonstrated that the fungus Ustilago maydis can convert corn stover into valuable products, enhancing sustainability. Using biotechnological strategies, they improved the process by up to 120%, marking a significant step in bioeconomy.
3rd September, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Harnessing Native Fungi to Clean Up Organic Pollutants in Fiberbank Sites
Sweden's forestry industry faces environmental challenges from fiberbanks—polluted sediments that also emit greenhouse gases. A study identified native white-rot fungi capable of degrading these pollutants, offering a promising bioremediation solution for cleaner ecosystems.
13th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Mapping Genetic Markers Linked to Key Farming Traits in Oyster Mushrooms
Researchers at Korea National University identified key genetic markers in oyster mushrooms, enhancing breeding precision for traits like cap shape and thickness. This breakthrough promises more efficient cultivation, building on prior genetic mapping studies.
11th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Natural Fungi Effectively Control Harmful Nematodes in Dry Beans
Recent research from North-West University shows that indigenous fungi, especially Trichoderma ghanense, can effectively control aggressive root-knot nematodes in dry beans, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides and enhancing food security in South Africa.
3rd August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Creating Eco-Friendly Yarn from Food Waste Using Fungal Gels
The University of Borås explores using fungi to create eco-friendly materials for fashion. These fungal-based textiles are antimicrobial, biocompatible, and reduce waste, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers and lowering the industry's carbon footprint.
31st July, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Testing Fungi Spreaders for Natural Pest Control in Bitter Gourd Fields
The University of Agriculture's study reveals that entomopathogenic fungi can effectively control Bactrocera cucurbitae in bitter gourd cultivation. This eco-friendly method reduces reliance on harmful pesticides, enhances yield, and promotes sustainable agriculture.
31st July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Unique Bacteria and Fungi Pathways in Honey Bees, Honey, and Flowers
A University of Helsinki study reveals how honey bees, honey, and flowers share and transmit bacteria and fungi, highlighting distinct microbial communities and their dynamic interactions. These insights enhance our understanding of ecosystem functioning and pollination networks.
30th July, 2024
| Greg Howard
New Root-Fungus Partnership Discovered in Indo-Pacific Seagrass
A new study uncovers a unique root-fungus partnership in Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum, hinting at fungi's role in marine ecosystems and blue carbon storage. This discovery broadens our understanding of seagrass health and coastal ecosystem functions.
28th July, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Mapping Nutrient Spread in Wild Mushroom Using Advanced Visualization Techniques
The Slovak University of Agriculture's study maps how seventeen elements accumulate in the Scarletina bolete mushroom, revealing key insights for environmental monitoring and food safety. Toxic elements like Cd and Pb are mainly in the cap, guiding safer consumption practices.
22nd July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Boosting Mushroom Growth and Nutrition Using Local Agricultural By-Products
Addis Ababa University's study shows that using local agro-industrial byproducts like sugarcane bagasse and cow dung for mushroom cultivation can boost yields and nutritional value, offering a sustainable solution to food insecurity and pollution in Ethiopia.
22nd July, 2024
| Greg Howard
How a Key Enzyme Influences Growth and Sugar Production in Reishi Mushrooms
A Jiangnan University study reveals that overexpressing the glagt gene in Ganoderma lucidum suppresses fungal growth but boosts polysaccharide production. This dual role offers new insights into enhancing bioactive compound yields for medicinal use.
21st July, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Understanding a Unique Enzyme from Cordyceps for Healthier Fat Processing
Researchers at Seoul National University have discovered a new lipase, CACML7, from Cordyceps militaris. This enzyme is highly selective for the sn-2 position on lipid molecules and prefers cis-fatty acids, making it valuable for industrial lipid modification.
21st July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Unlocking How Corn Waste Helps Microbes Produce Fats and Process Sugar
The study reveals Ustilago maydis can efficiently produce microbial oil using agricultural waste like corn stover. This fungus metabolizes various sugars, including galactose, enhancing sustainable oil production and reducing waste, promising eco-friendly industrial applications.
20th July, 2024
| Greg Howard
Enhanced Nanoparticles Effective Against Drug-Resistant Yeast Infections
Recent research shows that immobilizing chitinase on a UiO-66 framework significantly boosts its antifungal power against the resistant yeast Candida auris. This innovative method enhances enzyme stability and activity, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.
19th July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
New Discoveries: Three Key Factors in the Fungus That Causes Plant Galls
Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered three new proteins from the maize smut pathogen Ustilago maydis that interact with the maize TPL protein RELK2, affecting plant growth and immune responses. This insight could lead to improved crop resistance strategies.
