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.
A genus of fungi previously considered a parasite of fungi associated with ants may actually have much more complex ecological functions. According to a study published in the journal Communications Biology, one piece of ...
Evolution
Dec 8, 2025
0
47
The ship-timber beetle (Elateroides dermestoides) is a species of ambrosia beetle. Unlike many of its relatives, which are social insects that live in colonies, it is solitary and does not live with other members of its species.
Plants & Animals
Dec 3, 2025
0
20
A new study from the University of Minnesota found that several species of parasitic fungi were effective at killing emerald ash borer beetles, one of the most devastating forest pests to ever hit North America.
Plants & Animals
Dec 2, 2025
0
19
Like many mushroom harvesters, I got interested in foraging for fungi during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plants & Animals
Nov 24, 2025
0
14
In a new study published in Trends in Biotechnology, researchers used a gene-editing technology called CRISPR to increase a fungus's production efficiency and cut its production-related environmental impact by as much as ...
Biotechnology
Nov 19, 2025
0
357
A Chinese plant scientist at the University of Michigan who drew national attention in June 2025 when she was arrested and accused along with another Chinese scientist of smuggling a crop-damaging fungus into the U.S. pleaded ...
Cell & Microbiology
Nov 13, 2025
0
106
A fungal infection solution could help eliminate up to 86% of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, offering a powerful new tool in the global fight against the disease, according to new research.
Ecology
Nov 13, 2025
0
75
Researchers from the Natural History Museum and Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University (SLCU) have identified a new species of ancient symbiotic fungus preserved within a 407-million-year-old plant fossil from Scotland. ...
Ecology
Nov 12, 2025
0
45
A new study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that common fungal species may be adapting to higher temperatures in warmer sites within cities compared to cooler sites in the same ...
Evolution
Nov 5, 2025
0
66
Barley is a widely grown cereal crop that is used chiefly for livestock feed, food, and malting to produce alcoholic beverages such as beer and whiskey. Unfortunately, both the yield and quality of the crop can be lowered ...
Plants & Animals
Nov 4, 2025
0
18
