Slime molds are not actually fungi at all, but they are brainless predators
In HBO's post-apocalyptic drama "The Last of Us," human civilization has fallen in the face of a fungal takeover triggered by climate change......»»
Chytrid fungi revealed to be parasitic species that infects snow algae
The microbial communities found in glacier and snowpack ecosystems are an essential part of cold weather environments. Chytrids, a group of fungi that include well-known frog pathogens, are often found in abundance in these ecosystems, but culturing.....»»
Predators play irreplaceable role in ecosystems
New research recently published in Oikos shows that predators play a unique and important role in ecosystems by creating "ecological hotspots"—localized areas important for plants and animals......»»
Fungal–plant symbiosis offers a promising tool to boost crop resilience
Researchers inoculated oilseed rape plants with a species of fungus that is known for its ability to combat pest insects. Utilizing the relationship between beneficial fungi and crop plants may introduce a new era of agriculture where the plant resil.....»»
Fungi-eating plants and flies team up for reproduction
Fungi-eating orchids were found for the first time to offer their flowers to fungi-eating fruit flies in exchange for pollination, which is the first evidence for nursery pollination in orchids. This unique new plant-animal relationship hints at an e.....»»
Massive pre-Jurassic reptile had weaker bite than modern crocs
The apex predators that roamed the earth 230 million years ago had a much weaker bite than previously thought, and likely couldn't crunch through bone to consume the entirety of their kills......»»
Nauseous territory: Outfoxing predators using baits that make them ill
Introduced foxes, dogs, cats, rats, and other predators kill millions of native animals every year, but what if they were conditioned to associate this prey with food that made them ill?.....»»
"Wolverines really need Colorado": Federal decision looms over another reintroduction plan
The mountain devil can cross hundreds of miles of rough alpine terrain, tear into an elk carcass frozen for weeks and fend off predators several times larger than its 40-pound frame......»»
A single gene and a unique layer of regulation opens the door for novel plant-fungi interactions
Soil fungi known as ectomycorrhizae (ECM) can penetrate plant roots and provide water and nutrients to host plants in exchange for sugar. This symbiotic relationship benefits the plant, increasing its growth. To benefit from these fungi while protect.....»»
Top fish predators could suffer wide loss of suitable habitat by 2100 due to climate change
A study of 12 species of highly migratory fish predators—including sharks, tuna, and billfish such as marlin and swordfish—finds that most of them will encounter widespread losses of suitable habitat and redistribution from current habitats in th.....»»
Researchers discover antifungal molecule
Fungal infections are killing thousands of Americans each year, some with a morbidity rate of nearly 80%. To make matters worse, only a handful of antifungal treatments are available, and even those are becoming less effective as fungi become more re.....»»
Scientists discover how trilobites survived environmental change
Scientists have worked out how one unusual species of trilobite—an ancient, sea-dwelling relative of spiders and lobsters—was able to defend itself against predators and survive a bumpy ride as Earth's oxygen levels fluctuated......»»
The Fungi Economy, Part 1: Just Like Us, Trees Are Experiencing Inflation
Like us, plants and fungi have complex economies. By burning fossil fuels, we’ve been devaluing their currency......»»
Cats first finagled their way into human hearts and homes thousands of years ago—here"s how
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go on safari in southern Africa. One of the greatest thrills was going out at night looking for predators on the prowl: lions, leopards, hyenas......»»
Are "Cocaine Sharks" Really Scarfing Down Drugs off Florida"s Coasts?
With their stealth, speed and serrated teeth, sharks are predators to be reckoned with. And that’s before factoring in the cocaine some sharks may be eating.....»»
Study: 800 great white sharks have visited Cape Cod in recent years
A new population study of great white sharks off Cape Cod shows that the region is one of the largest white shark hotspots in the world, as the apex predators flock to the Cape to hunt seals......»»
Fungi that break down hardwood trees can do the same with plastic, study shows
A team of plant and molecular biologists from the University of Kelaniya and the University of Peradeniya, both in Sri Lanka, reports that many types of fungi that break down hardwood trees can also break down polyethylene, a common kind of plastic......»»
Where to watch Shark Week 2023: live stream for free
It's that time of the year when we celebrate one of the ocean's apex predators as Discovery hosts Shark Week 2023......»»
Fueled by new chemistry, algorithm mines fungi for useful molecules
A newly described type of chemistry in fungi is both surprisingly common and likely to involve highly reactive enzymes, two traits that make the genes involved useful signposts pointing to a potential treasure trove of biological compounds with medic.....»»
Large pterosaurs were better parents than their smaller, earlier counterparts, study finds
Small pterosaurs were born with comparatively strong, large wings, which meant they could leave the nest swiftly, while the cumbersome baby large pterosaurs required parental protection from predators, scientists have discovered......»»
Searching for resilience to sea star wasting disease
Your body is home to a unique collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in and on you, known as your microbiome. When everything is in balance, you feel good. But when your microbiome is off, you can get sick. The same applies to the rest.....»»