<p>Researchers have uncovered several new species of fungi lurking in the sediment of riverbeds across Spain, raising concerns about their potential harm to humans.</p>

<p>The study was published in the Journal of Fungi.</p>

<p>These newly discovered fungi are closely related to pathogenic&nbsp;species known to cause infections in humans. The research notes that during periods of drought, these fungi could become airborne and pose a risk of infection to both humans and animals.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Scientists develop fabric made of 'Fungi' which needs no stitching</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-develop-fabric-made-of-fungi-which-needs-no-stitching-590884/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Lead author of the study, Josepa Gené from the public university of Tarragona in Spain, said in an official statement: "When sediments are exposed to air, these fungi may produce many spores that disperse, interacting with humans and animals during this dispersion. Infections tend to affect the most vulnerable populations and are not transmitted between humans but rather result from some form of injury."</p>

<p>These fungi also pose a potential threat to individuals swimming in the rivers where they reside.</p>

<p>Gené further said:&nbsp;"Other fungi are opportunistic pathogens of mammals, cold-blooded animals, and other creatures, causing mild and serious infections, not only in aquatic animals but also in those that pass through the environment, like humans swimming in rivers."</p>

<h2><strong>What exactly are these newly discovered&nbsp;fungi species?</strong></h2>

<p>The newly identified fungi belong to the category of <em>ascomycetes</em>, which includes yeasts like <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em>, filamentous fungi like <em>Penicillium</em>, and various plant pathogens.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-oldest-disease-causing-species-found-its-407mn-year-old-fungus-667950">World’s oldest disease-causing species found: It’s 407mn-year-old fungus</a></strong></p>

<p>Gené further said, "These findings allow us to complete our understanding of the evolution of fungi and determine if some of these microorganisms may be a threat to our health." The researchers plan to conduct lab investigations to understand the fungi's operation and growth at human body temperature, assessing their pathogenic potential during periods of drought.</p>

<p>Researchers say that&nbsp;the more information is&nbsp;accumulated, the better humanity can&nbsp;determine potential risks in specific areas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers have uncovered several new species of fungi lurking in the sediment of riverbeds across Spain, raising concerns about their potential harm to humans.

Researchers have uncovered several new species of fungi lurking in the sediment of riverbeds across Spain, raising concerns about their potential harm to humans. The study was published in the Journal of Fungi. These newly discovered fungi are closely related to pathogenic species known to cause infections in humans. The research notes that during periods of drought, these fungi could become airborne and pose a risk of infection to both humans and animals. Also watch | Scientists develop fabric made of 'Fungi' which needs no stitching × Lead author of the study, Josepa Gené from the public university of Tarragona in Spain, said in an official statement: "When sediments are exposed to air, these fungi may produce many spores that disperse, interacting with humans and animals during this dispersion. Infections tend to affect the most vulnerable populations and are not transmitted between humans but rather result from some form of injury." These fungi also pose a potential threat to individuals swimming in the rivers where they reside. Gené further said: "Other fungi are opportunistic pathogens of mammals, cold-blooded animals, and other creatures, causing mild and serious infections, not only in aquatic animals but also in those that pass through the environment, like humans swimming in rivers." What exactly are these newly discovered fungi species? The newly identified fungi belong to the category of ascomycetes, which includes yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, filamentous fungi like Penicillium, and various plant pathogens. Also read | World’s oldest disease-causing species found: It’s 407mn-year-old fungus Gené further said, "These findings allow us to complete our understanding of the evolution of fungi and determine if some of these microorganisms may be a threat to our health." The researchers plan to conduct lab investigations to understand the fungi's operation and growth at human body temperature, assessing their pathogenic potential during periods of drought. Researchers say that the more information is accumulated, the better humanity can determine potential risks in specific areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Discovery of mysterious fungi lurking in Spanish riverbeds sparks warnings

The annual total of deaths from fungal disease worldwide has risen to 3.75 million, double the previous estimate, according to a global study. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, also calculates an annual total at about 6.55 million acute cases using data from over 80 countries.

Fungal disease deaths double the old estimate: Lancet study

The effects of climate change are being felt around the world. Now, the fungal disease could kill millions of trees. 80% of the UK's Ash trees are at risk.

WION Climate Tracker | The fungal disease could kill millions of trees

fungal-disease

Fungal Disease, News on Fungal Disease, stories on Fungal Disease, articles on Fungal Disease, Fungal Disease stories at Wion, Fungal Disease news, Fungal Disease latest news