Deadly ‘Pharaoh's Curse' Fungus may hold key to beating cancer
Imagine an ancient curse holding the key to a much-coveted cure!
When Tutankhamun's tomb was cracked open in 1922, the world was mesmerized and somewhat terrified. Tales of the 'Pharaoh's Curse' swiftly followed: mysterious illnesses, sudden deaths, and a malevolent ancient hex.
But modern science has unearthed a far more compelling explanation: a deadly fungus lurking in those sealed chambers, not dark magic.
The lurking menace:
Fungi like Aspergillus flavus, which thrive in hermetically sealed, humid environments, were dormant in King Tut's tomb for centuries. Once the tomb was opened, spores could disperse into the air, triggering respiratory infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Indeed, researchers hypothesize that Lord Carnarvon's pneumonia and death may have been tied to invasive aspergillosis acquired shortly after exposure to these ancient molds.
But what began as a harrowing cautionary tale has now become a beacon of hope. That very fungal kingdom, once an incidental actor in macabre legends, is now a treasure trove for anticancer compounds.
How?
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that the same notorious fungus, Aspergillus flavus (the "pharaoh's curse fungus"), may hold the key to fighting cancer.
What does the new discovery say?
Despite its dark history, the recent research, published recently in the journal
Nature Chemical Biology
, reveals that the fungus, Aspergillus flavus, contains a special compound capable of targeting cancer cells – a promising breakthrough in the realm of cancer treatment!
The research team isolated a new group of molecules from this fascinating fungus and, after modifying them, tested their effects on leukaemia cells.
To their surprise, they found some remarkable results. By exploring various strains of Aspergillus flavus, they uncovered that some might contain even more of these powerful compounds.
They managed to purify four different peptides, known as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), which they named asperigimycins. These compounds demonstrated impressive potential against leukaemia cells, even without any modifications. It turns out that asperigimycins work by disrupting the way cancer cells divide – an exciting mechanism that could lead to new treatments!
As per Sherry Gao, a key researcher and Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, "Fungi gave us penicillin, and these results show that there are still many more medicines to discover from nature."
Dr. Gao added that these compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are crucial for cell division, thus halting the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
From mythological curse to medicinal cure
The journey of the Pharaoh's Curse fungus – from deathly spores haunting tombs to life-saving cancer therapies – is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as superstitious fear has, through the lens of science, come full circle to become a source of healing.
The narrative arc – from the 'Pharaoh's Curse' mythos to molecular oncology – highlights humanity's evolving relationship with the natural world. It reminds us that nature's mysteries, even the ominous ones, can inspire medical miracles.
Fungi that once triggered fear are now seen as a pharmacopeia waiting to be unlocked.
As phase II clinical trials for fungal‑derived drugs like NUC‑7738 advance, the science and medical community stand on the brink of novel, eco-friendly cancer therapies. These efforts honor ancient lore while forging a hopeful, evidence-based future. After all, who knew a fungus with such a fierce reputation could also be a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer!
Cancer immunotherapy may also treat certain autoimmune diseases, claims study
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
What! This ancient king's dagger was made from a space metal!
History has been a witness of innumerable rules but only a few have always interested archaeologists and researchers for the mysteries associated with their stories. One among these is King Tutankhamun, who is famous as the "boy king," Tut, who ruled Egypt for just a decade before dying mysteriously at the age of 19, possibly from complications caused by a broken leg. Since the discovery of his lavish tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, fascination with Tut has only grown, and given rise to innumerable stories of curses, golden treasures, and a mysterious life cut short. Whether it's his iconic golden mask or the legends surrounding the 'curse of the pharaohs,' King Tut has become a symbol of ancient Egypt's allure and mystique. Now, nearly a century after his tomb was dug out, another interesting detail about Tutankhamun has surfaced. Recent research reveals that one of the ornate daggers found in his sarcophagus was crafted from a metal that is not from the Earth but is cosmic in nature. This artifact is made of a space metal! Among the many treasures buried with King Tutankhamun, this artifact stands out not just for its beauty, but for its extraterrestrial origin. Researchers from Egypt and Italy have confirmed that a dagger found in the boy pharaoh's tomb was made from meteoric iron, giving it the nickname 'space dagger.' This discovery adds a cosmic twist to the already legendary story of King Tut. The dagger was originally described by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1925 as "a highly ornamented gold dagger with crystal knob," according to Rossella Lorenzi for Discovery News. However, further analysis revealed that while its handle and sheath are golden and intricately designed, the blade itself is made of iron and is quite different from the kind that comes from Earth. Researchers analysed the piece Using a non-invasive technique called X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, the team was able to analyse the metal's composition without damaging the artifact. The results showed the blade contains about 11 percent nickel, significantly more than the typical iron found on Earth, which averages around 4 percent nickel. This high nickel content strongly suggests the iron came from a meteorite. "Meteoric iron is clearly indicated by the presence of a high percentages of nickel," said Daniela Comelli from Milan Polytechnic in Italy, the lead researcher on the project, in her interview with Discovery News. "The nickel and cobalt ratio in the dagger blade is consistent with that of iron meteorites that have preserved the primitive chondritic ratio during planetary differentiation in the early solar system. " Did researchers find the meteorite? The research team even tried to track down the specific meteorite that may have supplied the iron. They studied 20 meteorites found within a 2,000-kilometer radius of the Red Sea and identified one, named Kharga, that had a similar nickel and cobalt composition to the blade. Kharga was discovered in 2000 near a seaport west of Alexandria, making it a strong candidate. Another very interesting fact about King Tut's artifacts is that this isn't the only otherworldly item buried with King Tut. His famous scarab necklace contains Libyan desert glass, a substance formed when a meteor strikes sand. The Great Sand Sea, where such glass is found, lies around 800 kilometers from where the ancient Egyptians lived. Why would the Egyptians go to such lengths to use meteor materials? They likely saw these 'gifts from the heavens' as divine. The dagger, in particular, suggests they valued and possibly understood ironworking before the official start of the Iron Age by at least 100 years. Tutankhamun's tomb may still hold more secrets. Some archaeologists believe the hidden tomb of Queen Nefertiti could lie just beyond its walls. Modern scanning technologies, like the one used to analyze the dagger, may help reveal more about this theory in the near future.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Deadly ‘Pharaoh's Curse' Fungus may hold key to beating cancer
Imagine an ancient curse holding the key to a much-coveted cure! When Tutankhamun's tomb was cracked open in 1922, the world was mesmerized and somewhat terrified. Tales of the 'Pharaoh's Curse' swiftly followed: mysterious illnesses, sudden deaths, and a malevolent ancient hex. But modern science has unearthed a far more compelling explanation: a deadly fungus lurking in those sealed chambers, not dark magic. The lurking menace: Fungi like Aspergillus flavus, which thrive in hermetically sealed, humid environments, were dormant in King Tut's tomb for centuries. Once the tomb was opened, spores could disperse into the air, triggering respiratory infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Indeed, researchers hypothesize that Lord Carnarvon's pneumonia and death may have been tied to invasive aspergillosis acquired shortly after exposure to these ancient molds. But what began as a harrowing cautionary tale has now become a beacon of hope. That very fungal kingdom, once an incidental actor in macabre legends, is now a treasure trove for anticancer compounds. How? A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that the same notorious fungus, Aspergillus flavus (the "pharaoh's curse fungus"), may hold the key to fighting cancer. What does the new discovery say? Despite its dark history, the recent research, published recently in the journal Nature Chemical Biology , reveals that the fungus, Aspergillus flavus, contains a special compound capable of targeting cancer cells – a promising breakthrough in the realm of cancer treatment! The research team isolated a new group of molecules from this fascinating fungus and, after modifying them, tested their effects on leukaemia cells. To their surprise, they found some remarkable results. By exploring various strains of Aspergillus flavus, they uncovered that some might contain even more of these powerful compounds. They managed to purify four different peptides, known as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), which they named asperigimycins. These compounds demonstrated impressive potential against leukaemia cells, even without any modifications. It turns out that asperigimycins work by disrupting the way cancer cells divide – an exciting mechanism that could lead to new treatments! As per Sherry Gao, a key researcher and Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, "Fungi gave us penicillin, and these results show that there are still many more medicines to discover from nature." Dr. Gao added that these compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are crucial for cell division, thus halting the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. From mythological curse to medicinal cure The journey of the Pharaoh's Curse fungus – from deathly spores haunting tombs to life-saving cancer therapies – is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as superstitious fear has, through the lens of science, come full circle to become a source of healing. The narrative arc – from the 'Pharaoh's Curse' mythos to molecular oncology – highlights humanity's evolving relationship with the natural world. It reminds us that nature's mysteries, even the ominous ones, can inspire medical miracles. Fungi that once triggered fear are now seen as a pharmacopeia waiting to be unlocked. As phase II clinical trials for fungal‑derived drugs like NUC‑7738 advance, the science and medical community stand on the brink of novel, eco-friendly cancer therapies. These efforts honor ancient lore while forging a hopeful, evidence-based future. After all, who knew a fungus with such a fierce reputation could also be a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer! Cancer immunotherapy may also treat certain autoimmune diseases, claims study One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
From Pharaoh's curse to cancer cure: Deadly Tutankhamun's tomb fungus may turn out to be a blessing in disguise
A deadly fungus once feared for causing mysterious deaths in ancient tombs may now offer hope in the fight against cancer. Aspergillus flavus , the toxic mould linked to the so-called "curse" of Tutankhamun's tomb, has surprised scientists by producing powerful cancer-fighting compounds . The fungus, known to trigger severe respiratory issues in people with weakened immune systems, was discovered in the sealed tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and the 15th-century Polish King Casimir IV. After the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1923, the sudden deaths of several people involved—including Lord Carnarvon and financier George Jay Gould—fueled rumours of a pharaoh's curse. Later investigations suggested the culprit may have been dormant spores of A. flavus , reactivated after centuries. Now, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that this same fungus produces a new class of cancer-killing molecules called asperigimycins. These compounds, a rare type of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), were found to be highly effective against leukaemia cells. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist: The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo Without any modification, some asperigimycins already showed strong anti-cancer activity. In further experiments, researchers enhanced their potency by adding a molecule found in royal jelly, boosting their effects to match those of well-established chemotherapy drugs like cytarabine and daunorubicin. The scientists believe the asperigimycins work by halting cell division—specifically, by interfering with microtubules that are essential for cancer cells to multiply. Importantly, the study also uncovered the key role of a gene, SLC46A3 , which helps usher the compound into cancer cells. Live Events The breakthrough offers not only a potential new treatment for blood cancers but also a roadmap to discovering more fungal RiPPs. Despite their scarcity in fungi compared to bacteria, these compounds show remarkable promise. As lead researcher Qiuyue Nie puts it: 'This is an unexplored region with tremendous potential.' The findings were published in Nature Chemical Biology .
