Fungus

Because seeds may contain yield-reducing fungi, bacteria or viruses, they're often chemically treated before they're sold to farmers. A new mobile system, however, substitutes microbe-killing electrons for harsh and eco-unfriendly chemicals.

New studies have highlighted the importance of judicious antibiotic use, one found antibiotics can increase a person’s risk of fungal infections, while another suggests antibiotic use in old age is linked to higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

While certain types of filtration media are great at removing pathogens from water, they do clog up over time, slowing their rate of filtration. According to new research, a solution to the problem may lie in the use of "living filtration membranes."

Egg white powder is a widely used food ingredient, which means that a lot of hens have to be raised on a lot of farms, producing a lot of waste. There may soon be a greener alternative, however, thanks to a fungus which produces a key egg protein.

By using a compound derived from a Himalayan fungus and used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a jumping off point, scientists have developed a new chemotherapy drug with powerful anti-cancer effects.

While you might think that it's best to keep crops fungus-free, there are some fungi that actually help plants grow. In order to observe that relationship, scientists have created plants with roots that turn red when infiltrated by beneficial fungi.

Scientists at Finland's VTT Technical Research Centre have been developing an alternative leather made from fungi, and have now demonstrated a way to produce continuous sheets of the stuff at commercial scales.

One of nature’s most intriguing horror stories is that of the fungus that “zombifies” ants to spread its spores. Now, researchers have discovered the oldest known example of this kind of parasite at work, preserved in ancient amber.

Although women in First World countries are routinely diagnosed with and treated for vaginal yeast infections, doing so isn't always possible for women in impoverished nations. New fungus-detecting hygiene products, however, could make things easier.

With their often high-sugar diets and lax brushing habits, many children are particularly susceptible to cavities. An experimental new treatment could help, however, using enzymes to weaken the plaque that forms on the teeth.

New weapons against so-called “superbugs” are desperately needed. A new black phosphorus coating quickly kills bacteria and fungi, then dissolves within 24 hours – and best of all, bacteria can’t evolve resistance against this mode of attack.

Although Ceriporia lacerata fungus causes tree wood to rot, it also has a good side. According to a new study, adding the fungus to agricultural soil allows tomatoes to be grown using much less fertilizer.