Fungi are a major eukaryotic lineage studied across biological topics for their distinct cellular organization, ecological roles, and interactions with other organisms. They possess chitinous cell walls, typically form filamentous hyphae organized into mycelia, and reproduce via diverse sexual and asexual spores. Fungi function as principal decomposers of organic matter, key symbionts in mycorrhizal and lichen associations, and potent pathogens of plants, animals, and humans. Their metabolic versatility underpins numerous biotechnological and research applications, including model systems for genetics and cell biology, production of enzymes and secondary metabolites, and regulation of nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that a virus living inside the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus significantly boosts the fungus's ability to survive stress and cause severe infections in mammals. Removing the virus made the fungus ...
Cell & Microbiology
Aug 21, 2025
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Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a cornerstone of industrial biotechnology. Its exceptional adaptability to diverse natural and industrial environments has led to the emergence of a wide variety of strains, each ...
Biotechnology
Aug 20, 2025
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Researchers at the Optics and Photonics Research Center (CePOF) have succeeded in increasing the susceptibility of the fungus Candida albicans to drug treatment through light-activated therapy. The results of the study offer ...
Cell & Microbiology
Aug 13, 2025
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A research team at McMaster University has discovered a new drug class that could someday lead to breakthrough treatments for dangerous fungal infections. The new molecules, dubbed coniotins, were isolated from a plant-dwelling ...
Cell & Microbiology
Aug 11, 2025
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49
Connecticut College researchers have found that chemical byproducts produced by the amphibian-killing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis—commonly known as Bd—may actually help ghost shrimp survive. Their study, published ...
Plants & Animals
Aug 8, 2025
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44
Earth's atmosphere transports tiny forms of cellular life, such as fungal spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. On their journeys, these microorganisms encounter challenging conditions such as cold temperatures, UV radiation, ...
Ecology
Aug 7, 2025
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57
For decades, scientists and conservationists have been using aboveground plant biodiversity as a metric for conserving ecosystems. Now, a new study finds that there is a major mismatch between aboveground plant diversity ...
Ecology
Jul 31, 2025
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89
In ecosystems around the world, fungi play crucial roles in supporting plant life. Their ability to form connections between plant roots can enhance water and nutrient uptake and promote plant growth. While fungal symbioses ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 30, 2025
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177
Many soil microbes play a vital role in ecosystems, as they help plants access nutrients and water and assist in stress tolerance, such as during drought, and to defend against pathogens.
Ecology
Jul 29, 2025
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31
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully revived fungal specimens collected over 80 years ago, offering a fresh glimpse into how industrial agriculture has altered the invisible ecosystems that ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jul 28, 2025
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