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.
Forest ecosystems play a vital role in the global carbon cycle. While the significance of tree mycorrhizal fungi in this process is well-documented, the manner in which different types of tree mycorrhizae influence forest ...
Ecology
Nov 4, 2025
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Rot development during fruit storage is a problem. Now, metabarcoding may become a tool for detecting fungi that can cause diseases in apples.
Molecular & Computational biology
Nov 4, 2025
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Soil microbes benefit plants by helping with nutrient uptake and disease resistance. Modulating these communities of bacteria and fungi could potentially sustainably improve agriculture, according to the Food and Agriculture ...
Plants & Animals
Nov 3, 2025
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23
As British Columbia faces increasingly severe wildfire seasons, new research at UBC is revealing the hidden helpers at work underneath the ash. Assistant professor Dr. Monika Fischer studies pyrophilous fungi—fire-loving ...
Ecology
Nov 3, 2025
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25
Lichens were already widespread more than 410 million years ago, according to a new international study that identifies a fossil from Brazil as one of the oldest lichen in Earth's history.
Ecology
Oct 30, 2025
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147
New research from the Champalimaud Foundation (CF) reveals how missing just one essential amino acid can change gene expression and the brain's sensory systems, prompting animals to seek out protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria ...
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 27, 2025
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57
Fungal networks may be a promising alternative to tiny metal devices used in processing and storing digital memories and other computer data, according to a new study.
Biotechnology
Oct 25, 2025
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A team of researchers led by the University of California San Diego has discovered a new way to make yeast cells more efficient "factories" for producing valuable plant compounds. The advance could enable the sustainable ...
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 24, 2025
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76
In the battle against mosquito-borne diseases that kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, scientists turned to an unlikely ally: a fungus that smells like flowers.
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 24, 2025
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136
Just as the human body contains a multitude of symbiotic microbial companions, most plant species also live alongside microbial friends. Among these companions are mycorrhizal fungi, which help plants gather water and nutrients—particularly ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 22, 2025
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