John Miller
Fungi are connected to life and death on Earth, but they are often misunderstood. There are an estimated 2.2 to 5 million species of fungi worldwide, yet we only know about 10% of them. While a mushroom apocalypse is highly unlikely, the risk of fungal diseases is increasing due to factors such as the rising use of antibiotics and a growing population of aging and immunocompromised individuals. Fungi have the potential to cause serious infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems. However, fungi also offer numerous benefits, including nutritional and health properties, and can even be used for pest control and environmental protection. As public interest in mushrooms grows, researchers are exploring new ways to utilize their world-changing potential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fungal species | 2.2-5 million |
| Number of known species | 10% of the total |
| Number of dangerous species to humans | A few hundred |
| Threat of fungal diseases | Rising |
| Cause of rising threat | Increasing use of antibiotics, ageing population, medical procedures weakening immune systems |
| Sun's role in preventing fungal takeover | Provides energy to plants and photosynthetic bacteria and algae, which fungi rely on for food |
| Animal immune systems | Prevent fungi from taking over animal bodies until after death |
| Human body temperature | Protects against most fungal infections |
| Fungi's adaptability | Can be used to fight environmental calamities |
| Fungi's health benefits | High |
| Mushroom sales | Growing |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Fungi are connected to life and death
Fungi contribute to the decomposition of dead plants and animals, breaking them down into simpler components that form the soil beneath our feet. They challenge our binary notions of life and death, reminding us that these two forces may not be opposites but interconnected parts of the cycle of life. By feeding on dead or decaying material, fungi help maintain the health of forest ecosystems. They prevent the accumulation of dead plant matter, which could otherwise bury and harm the life in the forest.
Fungi also have a complex relationship with death. While some species aid in decomposition, others can cause death in insects and other organisms. For example, the parasitic fungus Cordyceps infects ants, growing tendrils that take over the host's body, stealing its nutrients, altering its behaviour, and eventually leading to its demise. Despite their deadly nature, these fungi play a regulatory role in nature, preventing the dominance of certain species and maintaining biodiversity.
Additionally, fungi can pose a threat to humans. The risk of fungal diseases is on the rise due to factors such as increased antibiotic use, which can wipe out beneficial bacteria, allowing fungi to take over. Aging and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections. While most fungal species do not cause infections in humans, the risk of contracting fungal diseases is a reminder of the delicate balance between life and death that fungi represent.
Fungi also possess unique characteristics that challenge our understanding of life. They demonstrate spatial recognition, memory, and intelligence, blurring the boundaries between the living and the non-living. Their ability to form complex networks, such as the "wood-wide web," showcases their sophisticated nature. Through these networks, fungi connect different life forms and facilitate the exchange of nutrients and information.
Foraging Mushrooms: Legal or Not?
You may want to see also
Fungal infections are on the rise
Fungi are often misunderstood. While they are connected to life and death on Earth, they are also essential to understanding life and death on our planet. There are 2.2 to 3.8 million species of fungi worldwide, and yet, we only know about 10% of them. The Fungi Kingdom includes yeasts, molds, lichens, and conks, in addition to mushrooms.
Invasive fungal infections are becoming more common, and the microbes are also developing resistance to antifungal treatments. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of fungal "priority pathogens," calling for policy improvements and research in areas such as fungal disease distribution and patterns of antifungal resistance. Researchers are working to understand the factors driving the rise in invasive fungal infections and how to reduce the threat.
Candida auris, a type of yeast that was first identified in 2009, is one of the fungal species causing concern. It can cause infections within the body and is much more dangerous than superficial fungal infections like athlete's foot or vaginal yeast infections. Candida auris can contaminate surfaces and easily spread from person to person, causing outbreaks within and between hospitals. The recent emergence of drug-resistant and more transmissible Candida auris is raising alarms among health professionals.
To reduce the spread of fungal infections, good infection control practices are essential. This includes practicing good hand hygiene, wearing isolation gowns and gloves, and taking measures to detect fungal infections early and isolate patients. Additionally, improving sanitation and reducing the overuse of antibiotics can help to lower the spread of resistant pathogens.
The Secret to Perfectly Barbequed Mushrooms: Soak or Not?
You may want to see also
Fungi can be used for pest control
Fungi have been used for pest management in crop production, providing an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. These are known as biological control agents and they target specific pests without harming beneficial organisms, including pollinators. Fungi are also safer for humans and other mammals, making them ideal for pest control.
Fungi have been used to target various pests, including thrips, whiteflies, aphids, caterpillars, weevils, grasshoppers, ants, the Colorado potato beetle, and mealybugs. The most common species of fungi used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs include Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps fumosorosea, Akanthomyces muscarius, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and the Metarhizium anisopliae species complex. These fungi are highly effective in killing pests and can be used in conjunction with chemical insecticides to enhance their effects.
One example of a successful fungal pest control program is the use of Beauveria bassiana to target the Western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus). This fungus is commercially available in products such as Mycotrol O and Naturalis Home and Garden. Another example is the use of Cordyceps fumosorosea blastospores to infect Diaphorina citri adults, which are incubated for seven days.
However, there are some challenges to using fungi for pest control. Fungi are affected by environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, temperature, and humidity, which can impact their effectiveness. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can inactivate spores, and excessive rainfall can reduce their efficacy. Additionally, the broad host range of some fungi can sometimes be a problem if beneficial insects are present in the crop, leading to non-target mortality.
To ensure the successful use of fungi in pest control, careful application is necessary. It is important to avoid applying fungal products during the heat of the day or on rainy days. Cropping practices that encourage a diverse understory and soil surface can also enhance the effectiveness of fungi. By understanding and managing these factors, fungi can be a powerful tool for pest management in agriculture.
Mushrooms: Juicy or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fungi are appearing in health products
Fungi have long been used as a direct source of human food, such as mushrooms and truffles, and in the fermentation of various food products like wine, beer, and soy sauce. They are also used in bread-making and in the production of antibiotics. More recently, various enzymes produced by fungi are used industrially and in detergents. Fungi are also used as biological pesticides to control weeds, plant diseases, and insect pests.
Fungi produce compounds that inhibit viruses and cancer cells. Specific metabolites, such as polysaccharide-K, ergotamine, and β-lactam antibiotics, are routinely used in clinical medicine. The shiitake mushroom is a source of lentinan, a clinical drug approved for use in cancer treatments in several countries, including Japan. In Europe and Japan, polysaccharide-K (brand name Krestin), a chemical derived from Trametes versicolor, is an approved adjuvant for cancer therapy. Certain mushrooms are used as supposed therapeutics in folk medicine practices, such as traditional Chinese medicine.
Fungi have also been used for the production of antibiotics since the 1940s. The development of methods for genetic engineering of fungi has enabled metabolic engineering of fungal species. For example, genetic modification of yeast species has opened up ways of pharmaceutical production that are potentially more efficient than production by the original source organisms.
However, fungi can also pose risks to human health. Fungi are ubiquitous microorganisms that are present in outdoor and indoor environments. Research has found relationships between environmental fungal exposures and human health effects. For example, early exposure to dampness or fungi is associated with the development of asthma and increased asthma morbidity. Outdoor exposure to high concentrations of spores can cause health effects such as asthma attacks, especially in association with thunderstorms. Fungi can also produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can be found in food. Mycotoxins can cause a range of adverse health effects, from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer.
While an uncontrollable, fungus-driven pandemic is highly unlikely, the risk of fungal diseases is on the rise due to factors such as the increasing use of antibiotics and a greater number of aging and immunocompromised individuals in the population.
Microdosing Mushrooms: A Beginner's Guide to Safe Exploration
You may want to see also
Fungi are a food trend
Fungi, including mushrooms, have been a part of the human diet since ancient times. They are a rich source of proteins, with low fat content. Some mushroom species like truffles, boletus, and morels are considered delicacies. In addition to mushrooms, the Fungi Kingdom includes yeasts, molds, lichens, and conks.
Fungi are also used in the production of fermented food and beverages. For example, yeasts are used for the fermentation of bread, wine, and beer, while filamentous fungi are used for the maturation of cheeses and soy sauce. Fungi have been used for fermentation since as early as 6000 BCE, and for cheese-making since at least 7500 BCE.
Fungi are being explored as a solution to meet the growing global demand for alternative protein sources. They can be used to produce single-cell proteins (SCP) and are being studied as a supplement in meat products. The SCP market is expected to exceed USD 18.5 billion by 2030 globally and USD 4.5 billion in the EU.
Fungi also have applications in food biotechnology due to their rich nutritional profile. They can be used as additives to facilitate food-processing techniques and enhance the nutritional value, shelf life, and safety of food products. However, certain fungal species can cause food spoilage and produce mycotoxins, so quality control is important to ensure food safety.
Mushroom Spores: Haploid or Diploid?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
While mushrooms and fungi are becoming increasingly popular in various industries, they are not taking over the world. However, there are millions of fungal species, and a few hundred are dangerous to humans.
Mushrooms are tasty, healthy, and versatile. They can be ingested for their health benefits, added to coffee as a super drink, and even used as pest control.
Mushrooms can be dangerous, especially if you do not know what you are doing. Some mushrooms are poisonous, and fungal diseases and infections are a growing concern, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
While a mushroom apocalypse is highly unlikely, climate change and the increasing use of antibiotics could lead to the rise of fungal pathogens and infections.
