Latest news with #ElaineBignell
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Zombie Apocalypse? The fungus that eats you alive is coming, and climate change just gave it a passport
There are several movies on zombies and how they turn into vicious monsters. It seems such a moment is coming soon due to global warming . Scientists are sounding the alarm over the expanding threat of deadly fungal infections , as global temperatures rise, particularly those caused by the Aspergillus species. A recent study from the University of Manchester reveals that climate change is enabling these fungi to colonize new regions, potentially exposing millions more people to life-threatening diseases. Fungal infections are spreading across the world by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Aspergillus fungi are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly found in soil, compost, and water. While most people inhale their spores daily without consequence, individuals with compromised immune systems or existing lung conditions face significant risks. Infections can escalate into aspergillosis, a severe disease primarily affecting the lungs, with mortality rates ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent. Live Events The study projects that Aspergillus fumigatus, which thrives in temperate climates, could expand its range by 77.5 percent by 2100, potentially exposing an additional 9 million people in Europe alone. Similarly, Aspergillus flavus , which favors hotter, tropical climates, is expected to increase its spread by 16 percent, affecting parts of North America, northern China, and Russia. Agriculture also affected These fungi are not only a threat to human health but also to agriculture. A. flavus produces aflatoxins, toxic compounds that contaminate crops like maize and peanuts, posing a significant risk to food security . The World Health Organization recognized the severity of these threats by adding both A. fumigatus and A. flavus to its list of critical fungal pathogens in 2022, citing their public health impact and emerging antifungal resistance . Norman van Rhijn, a researcher at the University of Manchester and co-author of the study, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future." The increasing prevalence of these infections is compounded by the limited availability of antifungal treatments. Currently, there are only four classes of antifungal medications, and resistance is on the rise. Moreover, diagnosing fungal infections remains challenging, often leading to delayed treatment and higher mortality rates. Elaine Bignell, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the broader implications: "The new Aspergillus study rightfully shines a light on the threat of fungi that dwell in our natural environment and how under-prepared we are to cope with shifts in their prevalence." Public awareness and proactive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of these silent but deadly pathogens. FAQs What is Aspergillus? Aspergillus is a type of common fungus found in soil, dust, and decaying plants. Most people inhale its spores daily without harm, but those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions (like asthma, COPD, or after severe flu/COVID-19) can develop a serious infection called aspergillosis, which attacks the lungs and can spread throughout the body. How deadly is aspergillosis? Aspergillosis can be life-threatening, especially in vulnerable patients. The mortality rate ranges from 20 percent to 40 percent, partly due to difficulty diagnosing it early and growing resistance to antifungal drugs. Why is climate change making this worse? Warming global temperatures are expanding the habitats where dangerous species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus can survive and thrive. These fungi are now projected to spread into parts of North America, Europe, China, and Russia, putting millions more at risk.
Metro
07-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
Warning over killer fungus spread in the UK that eerily echoes The Last Of Us
A killer fungus is spreading through Europe and may contribute to millions of deaths worldwide thanks to the most recent heatwave. Aspergillus, which is a type of mould that can cause breathing problems, could infect millions of people a year as it spreads to Northern Europe due to rising temperatures. It comes as research has found the world is nearing a tipping point with the rise of fungal pathogens, and will contribute to millions of deaths each year. The warning rings eerily similar to hit TV show The Last of Us, which saw society collapse after a zombie virus spread across humans. In both the show and the video game it was based on, the disease also came about due to rising temperatures caused by climate change. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Norman van Rhijn, co-author of the study, said: 'We're talking about hundreds of thousands of lives, and continental shifts in species distributions. 'In 50 years, where things grow and what you get infected by is going to be completely different.' Aspergillus can be particularly threatening to people with lung conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and weakened immune systems. More Trending But fungal research has found it could spead across 77% of terriroty by the year 2,100. This is due to the world's heavy use of fossil fuels, exposing an additional nine million people in Europe to the infection. Elaine Bignell, co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at Exeter University, said: 'Its lifestyle in the natural environment may have provided Aspergillus fumigatus with the fitness advantage needed to colonise human lungs.' Another species, aspergillus flavus, lives on crops and could spread to another 16% of territory in north China, Russia, Scandinavia and Alaska by the year 2,100. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Elon Musk reveals terrifying reason Mars is 'life insurance for humanity' MORE: Games Inbox: When will Halo be released on PS5? MORE: Scientist let deadly snakes bite him 200 times to create 'unparalleled' anti-venom
Arab Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Deadly fungus could kill millions in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, study warns
NEW YORK, May 6: A new study has raised concerns that a harmful fungus, Aspergillus, could spread across parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, posing significant lung health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals. The rise in temperatures is expected to exacerbate the spread of this fungus, which thrives in warm, damp environments. If it extends into new regions, it could infect millions of people. Norman van Rhijn, a co-author of the study, warned that the world is approaching a "tipping point" where fungal pathogens may become increasingly common. "In 50 years, where things grow and what you get infected by is going to be completely different," he told the Financial Times. The study highlighted the growing concern about the potential spread of these pathogens, which could lead to widespread health issues. Aspergillus grows quickly in high temperatures, including in compost, which is why it is well-suited to thrive at the human body's internal temperature of 37°C. Fungi like Aspergillus are particularly resilient, able to survive in extreme environments, such as inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactors. While inhaling Aspergillus spores doesn't make everyone sick, individuals with conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. The fungus could pose a serious health threat as it spreads across new regions due to rising temperatures. The study also pointed out that the fungal kingdom is still largely unexplored, with only a small fraction of the estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million fungal species having been studied in detail. Only a tiny number of these fungi have had their genomes sequenced, making it difficult to understand how they adapt to and affect human health. Professor Elaine Bignell, a co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, noted that Aspergillus fumigatus, a dangerous species of the fungus, may have developed advantages in its natural environment that help it colonize the human lungs. The study predicts that by the year 2100, Aspergillus fumigatus could spread across 77% more territory due to the ongoing impact of fossil fuel use, potentially exposing millions more people in Europe to infection. The fungus' spread could result in up to nine million Europeans being exposed to it. Despite the threat, the development of antifungal treatments has been slow due to a lack of financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies. High production costs and doubts about the profitability of such medications have hindered progress in combating these dangerous fungi. The research also highlighted the spread of another Aspergillus species, Aspergillus flavus, which could expand into regions like north China, Russia, Scandinavia, and Alaska by 2100. This could impact food security, as A. flavus commonly affects crops. Some areas in Africa and Brazil may become inhospitable due to the spread of these fungi, disrupting local ecosystems. Darius Armstrong-James, a professor at Imperial College London, emphasized the dual threat posed by these organisms, not only to human health but also to food security, noting that the consequences of this spread could be severe.
