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.
Most plants form beneficial relationships with belowground mycorrhizal fungi that help them access soil nutrients in exchange for sugars. These plant-fungal relationships are the most common type of symbiosis in the world, ...
Ecology
Jun 12, 2025
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Fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, are responsible for nearly four million deaths annually—however, current treatments are limited and are frequently ineffective. Now, scientists at the Stowers ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jun 10, 2025
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Mycorrhizal fungi help regulate the Earth's climate and ecosystems by forming underground networks that provide plants with essential nutrients, while drawing carbon deep into soils. Scientists and conservationists have been ...
Ecology
Jun 10, 2025
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Researchers from The University of Manchester have forecast there will be an increased risk of infection from fungi over the coming years, including a significant spread of some fungal pathogens across Europe, the extent ...
Environment
May 7, 2025
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Fungal infections are on the rise globally. According to a study by the Manchester Fungal Infection Group, in 2022, approximately 6.5 million people were infected by a pathogenic fungus, and about 3.8 million died as a result—nearly ...
Bio & Medicine
Mar 26, 2025
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338
Using micro-engineered soil models, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have investigated the effect of tiny polystyrene particles on bacteria and fungi. While these nanoplastics reduced both bacterial and fungal growth, ...
Bio & Medicine
Oct 9, 2023
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168
They are used as medicines, drug carriers and to combat microbes in hospitals, destroy plant pathogens and reduce the amount of traditional fertilizers used in agriculture—nanoparticles are taking over medicine and the agri-food ...
Bio & Medicine
Sep 8, 2023
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225
Infections caused by fungi, such as Candida albicans, pose a significant global health risk due to their resistance to existing treatments, so much so that the World Health Organization has highlighted this as a priority ...
Bio & Medicine
May 26, 2023
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241
As a typical human pathogenic fungus, Cryptococcus neoformansis a life-threatening invasive fungal pathogen with a worldwide distribution causing ∼700,000 deaths annually. Cryptococcosis is not just an infection with multi-organ ...
Bio & Medicine
Aug 18, 2021
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