Tag

Fungus

All articles tagged with #fungus

Tennessee Faces a Deadly Histoplasmosis Cluster Tied to Bat-Soiled Soil
health1 month ago

Tennessee Faces a Deadly Histoplasmosis Cluster Tied to Bat-Soiled Soil

Health officials in middle Tennessee report at least 36 histoplasmosis cases since last fall, with a possible related death; the source hasn’t been identified. Histoplasmosis is caused by inhaling Histoplasma spores found in soil rich with bird or bat droppings, and it’s not transmitted person-to-person. The cluster has prompted warnings for clinicians to consider histoplasmosis in patients with unexplained fever or respiratory illness, with past outbreaks linked to bat caves and bat guano use; investigators are continuing to search for the source.

Global Spread of Drug-Resistant Candida auris Poses Rising Threat
health1 month ago

Global Spread of Drug-Resistant Candida auris Poses Rising Threat

A dangerous, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris is spreading globally, posing a serious health threat due to its resistance to treatment and difficulty in diagnosis. It has caused outbreaks in hospitals worldwide, with high mortality rates, and may be linked to climate change. However, advances in antifungal drugs and vaccines offer hope for combating this emerging threat.

Chernobyl Fungus Evolves Unique Radiation-Absorbing Ability
science2 months ago

Chernobyl Fungus Evolves Unique Radiation-Absorbing Ability

A black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in Chernobyl's radioactive environment, shows unusual growth patterns under radiation, leading to theories of a potential 'radiosynthesis' process that could convert radiation into energy, with implications for space shielding and astrobiology. Despite ongoing research, the exact mechanisms remain unknown, but the fungus's resilience and unique properties make it a promising subject for future scientific and space exploration applications.

Valley Health Monitors Deadly Fungal Infection Cases
health5 months ago

Valley Health Monitors Deadly Fungal Infection Cases

Health officials in the Rio Grande Valley are monitoring rising cases of Candida Auris, a resistant and potentially deadly fungus primarily spread in healthcare settings, with cases increasing in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, posing a risk especially to chronically ill patients, and emphasizing the importance of hygiene and infection control measures.