Fungus

For the first time, scientists have identified 27 bacteria and fungi in our mouth that contribute to pancreatic cancer. Collectively, carrying all of these “bad” microbes increases cancer risk by 250% – 3.5 times higher than in the general population.

A chance discovery in a US cheese cave has given scientists a rare glimpse of evolution in real time – and the surprise findings have huge potential for protecting human health, enhancing food security and even delivering new flavors to turophiles.

A newly discovered compound from a bright orange fungus found lodged on trees only in the mountains of Taiwan has been found to not only effectively block inflammation signals, but it can also press pause on the proliferation of cancer cells.

The fungus thought to have claimed the lives of several excavators at Tutankhamun's burial site has had an image makeover, with scientists discovering that it holds potent cancer-fighting properties. It opens the door to new fungi-based medicines.

Mosquitoes have long been among humanity’s most formidable adversaries, causing more deaths than any other animal. With traditional control methods facing mounting resistance, researchers are seeking innovative ways to combat mosquito-borne disease.

A compound derived from a Himalayan fungus has been refined by scientists for a chemotherapy drug with powerful anti-cancer effects. NUC-7738 is yielding encouraging results in ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials, and is advancing towards approval.

If you've ever eaten a pomegranate, you'll know that a great deal of the fruit is composed of its thick skin – which simply gets thrown away. Soon, however, that skin could be used in an edible coating which will help keep strawberries from spoiling.

A new zombie pathogen has been discovered in Ireland. This insidious fungus infects cave spiders and alters their behavior to help spread its spores to new victims.

A “bananageddon” might be on the horizon, and not for the first time. But new research could help save our favorite fruit.

Citizen scientists have been key to the discovery of two new species of hallucinogenic fungi, joining the ranks of 140 known types of these psychoactive mushrooms. One even has longstanding roots in traditional healing medicine in mountainous Lesotho.

That we have a huge plastic waste problem is clear, but there are numerous efforts to stem the tide while also cleaning up the mess. Nature is also joining the battle, and scientists have now identified a marine fungus at the plastic-devouring front line.

A healthy frog has been spotted with a mushroom growing out its side, the first time such a growth on live animal tissue has been seen. Not surprisingly, it stunned scientists (and had us wondering if this is how a real-life The Last of Us begins).