Lightning strikes make collecting a parasitic fungus prized in traditional Chinese medicine a deadly pursuit
The parasitic fungus sometimes called ‘Himalayan gold’ can provide a good living to villagers who collect it. But rugged terrain and a high risk of lightning strikes make it a dangerous option.
Jan. 14, 2025 • ~8 min
Fungal infections known as valley fever could spike this fall - 3 epidemiologists explain how to protect yourself
Cases of valley fever are typically most prevalent in California’s Central Valley and southern Arizona, but they have been increasing in California’s central and southern coastal areas.
Sept. 26, 2024 • ~10 min
Banana apocalypse, part 2 – a genomicist explains the tricky genetics of the fungus devastating bananas worldwide
Fusarium oxysporum can infect over 120 plant species. Whether it destroys Cavendish bananas as it did their predecessor depends on the agricultural industry and consumers.
Aug. 16, 2024 • ~6 min
Bats in Colorado face fight against deadly fungus that causes white-nose syndrome
Numerous bats have been found in Colorado with white-nose syndrome. The fungus has killed millions of bats in North America, leaving biologists concerned about its impact on bats in the state.
May 17, 2024 • ~10 min
What is dirt? There’s a whole wriggling world alive in the ground beneath our feet, as a soil scientist explains
Rock dust is only part of the story of soil. Living creatures, many of them too tiny to see, keep that soil healthy for growing everything from food to forests.
March 25, 2024 • ~7 min
River pollution is causing harmful outbreaks of sewage fungus in the UK
Sewage fungus is actually not a fungus. Our expert explains what it is, where it lives and what can be done to reduce outbreaks in polluted rivers.
March 4, 2024 • ~6 min
Cannabis products may harbor fungal toxins harmful to human health, but regulations are uneven or nonexistent
Hemp flowers and certain cannabis products contain fungal toxins, including Aspergillus and Fusarium, that can exceed acceptable regulatory levels.
Jan. 10, 2024 • ~6 min
Drilling down on treatment-resistant fungi with molecular machines
Fungal infections can be among the hardest to treat, and since the pandemic began they’ve become only more common. To prevent future antifungal resistance, scientists have developed tiny molecular drills.
May 26, 2023 • ~9 min
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