How Temperature Makes Fungi Kill us or Heal us with Dr. Arturo Casadevall and Dr. Radames J. B. Cordero
Aug 18, 2023
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Dr. Arturo Casadevall and Dr. Radames J. B. Cordero discuss the effects of temperature on fungal diseases, including the impact of warm-blooded mammals' resistance to them. They explore the multifunctional role of melanin in fungi and its potential in capturing solar energy. The podcast also delves into the research on fungal melanin's use in treating melanoma and the medical importance of specific drugs for fungal infections. The guests highlight the influence of temperature on the spread of fungal pathogens and mention their strategy for sharing their work and promoting mushroom products.
Fungi use melanin to adapt to extreme environments and have potential applications in bio-solar panels and eco-friendly materials.
Fungal diseases are often overlooked, and there is a need for better therapies and addressing drug resistance.
Deep dives
The Versatility of Melanin in Fungi
Fungi produce melanin, a multifunctional pigment that offers protection against various stressors such as radiation, temperature, and chemicals. Melanin acts as a shield for fungi, protecting them from the environment and even capturing energy from radiation. It also has a role in visual communication and energy capture, including heat. Fungi are capable of maintaining colder temperatures than their surroundings by evaporating water, which makes their surface colder. This fascinating ability of fungi to adapt to extreme environments and utilize melanin for various functions has sparked interest in harnessing its potential for practical applications, including bio-solar panels and eco-friendly materials.
Fungal Melanin and Its Medical Significance
Fungal melanin has both protective and infectious properties. It can help fungi survive and thrive in their environments, but it can also cause serious diseases when the immune system is weakened. Medical mycology, the study of fungal diseases, is often overlooked in the field of microbiology, despite the increasing importance of fungal infections. With the rise in global temperatures due to climate change, there is a concern that fungi may adapt and develop new diseases, posing greater threats to humans, animals, and crops. Although there are treatments available, such as antifungal drugs, the challenge lies in developing better therapies and addressing drug resistance.
The Potential of Fungi for Biomimicry and Bioenergy
Studying fungi has revealed their amazing capabilities, providing inspiration for biomimicry and bioenergy solutions. Fungi, with their unique properties and adaptations, hold great promise for creating eco-friendly materials, such as bio-solar panels and bio-batteries, that can capture and store energy from sunlight and humidity. By utilizing natural compounds like melanin, these technologies can be environmentally friendly and offer alternatives to toxic synthetic materials. Fungal research has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including renewable energy and sustainable materials.
Challenges and Opportunities in Fungal Research
While fungal research has made great strides, there are still challenges to overcome. Medical mycology requires more attention and support, given the increasing prevalence of fungal diseases. Understanding the vast fungal kingdom remains a priority, mapping and discovering new species to fully grasp its potential for medicine, agriculture, and other fields. With unlimited resources, researchers could delve deeper into fungal exploration and develop comprehensive strategies to address the emerging threats posed by fungi and climate change. The rewarding aspect lies in the continuous discovery and understanding of the complex world of fungi.
When an astroid hit earth and fungi took over, warm blooded mammals were able to survive better than cold blooded amphibians because their higher temperature gave them better resistance to fungal diseases. Since then fungi have been evolving and new fungal diseases, new medicines, and technologies have emerged.
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