In what is believed to be the first reported case of its kind, a 61-year-old mycologist in India contracted a serious case of silver leaf disease caused by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum. The infection, which typically affects plants, manifested in the man's throat, causing symptoms such as coughing, hoarse voice, and difficulty swallowing. The case highlights the potential for pathogens to cross kingdoms and infect humans, and the challenges in developing vaccines and therapies for fungal infections. The patient's infection was successfully treated with antifungal medication, and he remained infection-free after two years of follow-up.
Scientists have discovered a potential method to neutralize harmful bacterial proteins, AvrE/DspE, that cause diseases in crops by suppressing plants' immune systems. Using AI predictions, researchers found that these proteins create channels in plants, leading to infections. However, they also identified nanoparticles that can block these channels, effectively preventing the bacteria from causing harm. This discovery could potentially save the global economy $220 billion lost to plant diseases annually. The next step is to further investigate the interaction between the nanoparticles and the channel proteins to develop better designs for crop protection.
Maintaining a healthy yard can be challenging when plants are susceptible to diseases. However, there are certain disease-resistant plants that can thrive in various conditions. Some examples include Nandina Obsessed, Largeleaf Phlox, Lavandula (Phenomenal), Blue Star Juniper, Profusion Zinnias, Purple Coneflower, and Itoh Peony. These plants are hardy, low-maintenance, and can tolerate different climates, making them ideal choices for sprucing up your yard.
To prevent the escalation of garden pests and diseases, it is crucial to act quickly. By closely monitoring plants for any signs of infestation or disease, gardeners can catch issues early and take appropriate action. This can include rinsing off pests with a hose, using organic sprays like Neem oil, or employing preventive measures such as frequent search-and-destroy missions. Early intervention can save plants from decreased vigor, diminished flower and fruit production, or even death.
A 61-year-old Indian mycologist appears to have contracted a serious case of silver leaf disease caused by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum in his own throat, providing a rare example of a pathogen seemingly making an enormous leap across entire kingdoms in the tree of life. This is the first reported case of its kind, and it is unclear how the infection occurred. Fungal diseases pose a significant risk, and similarities in fungal and animal biochemistry make the design of suitable vaccines and therapies that can prevent or manage infection a real challenge.
