Ecology & Biology

·

Study

Some Fungi Are Evolving to Survive Extreme Heat

Some Fungi Are Evolving to Survive Extreme Heat

What they found

Genetic analysis shows some fungi evolving to survive above 113°F, raising concern as fungal diseases cause 1.5 million deaths annually.

Genetic analysis shows some fungi evolving to survive above 113°F, raising concern as fungal diseases cause 1.5 million deaths annually.

The number

1.5 million deaths annually

How solid is it?

Lab dish

Lab dish

Lab – genetic analysis

Lab – genetic analysis

Evidence ladder: Lab dish → Animal → Early human → Strong human. Reviews summarize earlier research.

At a glance

Latin name

Published in

osti.gov

osti.gov

Covered in Shroom Scan

Section

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

As it ran in Shroom Scan

Heat-Tolerant Fungi Signal Climate Danger

Heat-Tolerant Fungi Signal Climate Danger

Genetic analysis revealed concerning trends in fungal temperature adaptation, showing some species evolving to survive extreme heat (above 113°F). Even though the trait is heritable, researchers noted it's "controlled by multiple genes" making it difficult to predict which species might become dangerous pathogens as temperatures rise. The findings raise serious concerns, as fungal diseases already cause 1.5 million deaths annually and $200 billion in crop losses.

Genetic analysis revealed concerning trends in fungal temperature adaptation, showing some species evolving to survive extreme heat (above 113°F). Even though the trait is heritable, researchers noted it's "controlled by multiple genes" making it difficult to predict which species might become dangerous pathogens as temperatures rise. The findings raise serious concerns, as fungal diseases already cause 1.5 million deaths annually and $200 billion in crop losses.

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