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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Climate change may fuel spread of fungi that could 'eat you from inside out'
As Covid-19 cases begin to rise again in parts of the world, including India, there's another silent but serious health threat emerging, this time from the fungal kingdom. The rising global temperatures could accelerate the fungi capable of eating you from inside out. A new climate modelling study by researchers at the University of Manchester shows that rising temperatures could dramatically alter the spread of Aspergillus, a group of airborne fungi known to cause severe respiratory infections in humans and widespread damage to crops. Published on the preprint platform Research Square, the study titled Climate change-driven geographical shifts in Aspergillus species habitat and the implications forplant and human health maps how the geographical range of three major Aspergillus species could expand significantly by year 2100, exposing millions more people to the risk of infection, especially across Europe and Asia. Why are Aspergillus fungi a growing concern? The Aspergillus genus includes several common environmental fungi found in soil, compost, and air. While generally harmless to healthy people, they can cause aspergillosis, a serious respiratory infection, in those with weakened immune systems. These fungi are also notorious for spoiling crops and producing dangerous mycotoxins. But here's the real problem — they're evolving. Rising global temperatures and widespread use of agricultural fungicides are helping these pathogens become more heat-tolerant and resistant to antifungal drugs, leaving doctors with fewer tools to treat infections. How rising temperatures increase fungal risks Using global climate models and species distribution tools, the University of Manchester team simulated how suitable habitats for Aspergillus fungi will shift under three scenarios, including low, intermediate, and high warming. Impact in a low warming scenario (below 2°C): Minimal changes in habitat range for Aspergillus species, and the spread is relatively contained. Impact in intermediate warming (2.5–3°C by 2100): Noticeable spread of fungal pathogens into new regions, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Impact in high warming (around 4°C by 2100): Significant and rapid expansion of Aspergillus habitats, particularly A. flavus and A. fumigatus, into Europe, North Asia, and North America, putting millions at increased risk. ALSO READ | Why scientists are especially alarmed by these findings Antifungal resistance: A. flavus, in particular, is already resistant to many existing treatments. Lack of medical tools: There are no vaccines, diagnostics are limited, and antifungal options are few. Dr Norman van Rhijn, lead author of the study, explains in a statement, 'We've already seen the emergence of Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but this is just the beginning. These maps show how fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future. Raising awareness and developing effective interventions is essential.' Fungi are shifting toward the Northern Hemisphere According to the study, the biggest changes will happen in the Northern Hemisphere. Europe and North Asia: Projected to see the largest increase in fungal suitability due to milder climates becoming warmer. Africa and South America: Paradoxically, these regions could become too hot for fungi like A. flavus to survive — threatening ecosystems that rely on fungi to decompose organic matter and regulate the carbon cycle. The study shows a striking poleward shift: fungi are moving north, where millions more people could be exposed. Climate change threatens food security via fungal spread The study highlights that A. flavus and A. niger are major crop pathogens, especially for maize, rice, and grapes. The research warns of: Reduced habitat suitability in current crop-growing zones Increased risk of contamination in new areas Food insecurity due to loss and spoilage of yields Antifungal resistance is also being driven by overuse of fungicides in agriculture, which compromises both plant and human health. Why fungal threats are difficult to fight Unlike bacteria, fungi are biologically closer to humans, meaning antifungal drugs often have toxic side effects. Plus, only a tiny fraction of the estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million fungal species have been studied, and less than 10 per cent have been sequenced genetically. How to prepare for a warming-driven fungal threat According to the study and public health experts: Accelerate climate action to limit warming and slow fungal spread Invest in fungal diagnostics, surveillance, and treatments Improve awareness among healthcare workers and the public Develop sustainable farming practices to reduce fungicide-driven resistance Fungi may not make daily headlines like viruses do, but they are quietly becoming one of the most dangerous climate-driven health threats of our time. As global warming accelerates their spread and evolution, ignoring them is no longer an option. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Toxic Fungi Could Threaten Millions of Lives Within 15 Years
Here's what you'll learn in this story: A new study analyzing different climate scenarios discovered that toxic fungi will likely spread into new areas in the future, possibly threatening millions. Life-sustaining fungi that break down plant and animal matter could also be at risk of extinction in some of the warmest regions of the Earth—particularly on the African continent. It's estimated that scientists have only cataloged about 10 percent of all fungi on Earth, so unknown surprises would likely be in store as fungi spread beyond their historic regions. When writing about climate, lots of ink—or pixels, in a 21st-century context—is spent talking about the potentially devastating impacts that climate change will have on plant and animal life. However, little is mentioned about the kingdom Fungi. Hundreds of thousands of species of fungi have been described, but that's likely only 10 percent of the total number of fungal species that exist on Earth. These species include everyone's delicious favorites, but also some more dangerous species that can cause toxic infections in animals and agricultural crops. So, in a new study from the University of Manchester, scientists asked the question of what rising global temperatures could mean for the proliferation of some of these meaner mycelia. In a paper published on the preprint platform ResearchSquare, Norman van Rhijn, the lead author of the study, and his team describe what our fungal future has in store. 'Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread,' van Rhign said in a press statement. 'We've already seen the emergence of the fungus Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information of how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment.' The researchers analyzed the effects of rising temperatures on infection-causing fungi using different climate scenarios up to the year 2100. The study showed that within 15 years, if the world still relies on mostly fossil fuels instead of clean energy, fungi like Aspergillus flavus—a cause of agricultural rot that also produces mycotoxins that are harmful to mammals—will spread by 16 percent, which would put an additional 1 million people at risk of infection in Europe alone. This is largely because A. flavus is more thermotolerant than other fungi, meaning that it can thrive in hot, humid climates where other fungi simply could not. Unfortunately, this proliferation is relatively tame compared to Aspergillus fumigatus, which would increase its range by 77.5 percent and put an additional nine million people in Europe at risk under this worst-case scenario. While described as a weak pathogen in previous studies, A. fumigatus can cause a severe or even fatal infection for people with immune deficiencies. '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,' van Rhign said in a press statement. 'Raising awareness and developing effective interventions for fungal pathogens will be essential to mitigate the consequences of this.' While the spread of these toxic fungi—whose infections are hard to avoid, as they mostly travel in the air we breathe— the inverse may also be a cause for concern. Some life-sustaining fungi, responsible for breaking down plant and animal matter, may not be able to survive in some of the hottest parts of the world (especially on the African continent). It's basically a one-two punch of bad news. Additionally, the study only examined the roughly 10 percent of the fungi we know about, so even more infections or health concerns could arise from surprising sources currently unknown to us. Though it has yet to be peer-reviewed, the paper details compelling evidence that our fungal future is a dismal one unless we seriously curtail carbon emissions in the coming years. Transitioning to a clean energy future is the best path forward—for all of the plants, animals, and overlooked fungus among us. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
An Apocalypse of Toxic Fungi Could Threaten Millions of Lives Within 15 Years
Here's what you'll learn in this story: A new study analyzing different climate scenarios discovered that toxic fungi will likely spread into new areas in the future, possibly threatening millions. Life-sustaining fungi that break down plant and animal matter could also be at risk of extinction in some of the warmest regions of the Earth—particularly on the African continent. It's estimated that scientists have only cataloged about 10 percent of all fungi on Earth, so unknown surprises would likely be in store as fungi spread beyond their historic regions. When writing about climate, lots of ink—or pixels, in a 21st-century context—is spent talking about the potential devastating impacts that climate change will have on plant and animal life. However, little is mentioned about the kingdom Fungi. Hundreds of thousands of species of fungi have been described, but that's likely only 10 percent of the total number of fungal species that exist on Earth. These species include everyone's delicious favorites, but also some more dangerous species that can cause toxic infections in animals and agricultural crops. So, in a new study from the University of Manchester, scientists asked the question of what rising global temperatures could mean for the proliferation of some of these meaner mycelia. In a paper published on the preprint platform ResearchSquare, Norman van Rhijn, the lead author of the study, and his team describe what our fungal future has in store. 'Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread,' van Rhign said in a press statement. 'We've already seen the emergence of the fungus Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information of how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment.' The researchers analyzed the effects of rising temperatures on infection-causing fungi using different climate scenarios up to the year 2100. The study showed that within 15 years, if the world still relies on mostly fossil fuels instead of clean energy, fungi like Aspergillus flavus—a cause of agricultural rot that also produces mycotoxins that are harmful to mammals—will spread by 16 percent, which would put an additional 1 million people at risk of infection in Europe alone. This is largely because A. flavus is more thermotolerant than other fungi, meaning that it can thrive in hot, humid climates where other fungi simply could not. Unfortunately, this proliferation is relatively tame compared to Aspergillus fumigatus, which would increase its range by 77.5 percent and put an additional nine million people in Europe at risk under this worst-case scenario. While described as a weak pathogen in previous studies, A. fumigatus can cause a severe or even fatal infection for people with immune deficiencies. '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,' van Rhign said in a press statement. 'Raising awareness and developing effective interventions for fungal pathogens will be essential to mitigate the consequences of this.' While the spread of these toxic fungi—whose infections are hard to avoid, as they mostly travel in the air we breathe— the inverse may also be a cause for concern. Some life-sustaining fungi, responsible for breaking down plant and animal matter, may not be able to survive in some of the hottest parts of the world (especially on the African continent). It's basically a one-two punch of bad news. Additionally, the study only examined the roughly 10 percent of the fungi we know about, so even more infections or health concerns could arise from surprising sources currently unknown to us. Though it has yet to be peer-reviewed, the paper details compelling evidence that our fungal future is a dismal one unless we seriously curtail carbon emissions in the coming years. Transitioning to a clean energy future is the best path forward—for all of the plants, animals, and overlooked fungus among us. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly fungus could spark health concern in parts of the US: Experts sound alarm
Aspergillus, a common but potentially deadly fungus, may spread across parts of the US, Europe, and Asia due to rising global temperature, researchers have warned. A new study foresees a dramatic increase in infection rates of the deadly fungus that is known to affect the respiratory system and damage lungs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aspergillosis, caused by a mold or fungus, can turn life-threatening, particularly for immunocompromised people. It may also impact crops, animals, and ecosystems. While most healthy people are unaffected by inhaling its spores, experts in the new research published in pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) on Research Square, warn that a warming climate could expand its reach, causing a rise in infection rates, and strain medical systems. The study also mentions the projected year when the fungus prevalence will grow drastically. According to researchers, the deadly infection may rise by 77% by the year 2100, exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. 'The study indicates that some global climate change scenarios will result in changes of habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic ,' Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, told Fox News. 'Given that Aspergillus is prevalent in the environment and ongoing changes in climate favor growth of Aspergillus in the environment, it is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals,' Cornelius Clancy, MD, associate chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh told Fox News Digital. Who is at risk? Aspergillus spores aren't a threat for healthy people, but for those who are immunocompromised. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now People who are receiving chemotherapy may face a risk of the spores affecting their lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can spread in the blood to other organs, according to Clancy. 'If your immune system is intact, then these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airways and lungs and disease does not occur," Clancy said. But for people whose immune systems respond excessively to proteins in the spores, infection can cause reactions ranging from allergy-like symptoms to invasive disease. 'In persons who are immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk of spores invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs,' Clancy cautioned. Elderly or asthmatic Older people or people with pre-existing respiratory diseases like asthma may be at a higher risk of complications from the fungal infection. According to mayoclinic, some people with asthma or cystic fibrosis have an allergic reaction to aspergillus mold. Signs and symptoms of this condition, known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, may include fever, a cough that brings up blood or plugs of mucus, and worsening asthma. Some fungi may also become resistant to drugs over time, according to experts. Immunosuppressed people should be the most cautious group as per experts and they must talk to their healthcare experts for protective measures. Explained: Disease X - The threat that could trigger the next pandemic
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Dangerous fungus could spread to parts of US, researchers claim
Advertisement Some researchers are sounding the alarm about a potentially deadly fungus that could spread throughout parts of the US, Europe and Asia. The study article, which was published in pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) in Research Square, claims that 'rising global temperatures' could lead to severe infections of Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates. The resulting infection — called Aspergillosis — can impact humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote. In the study, scientific models were used to predict where Aspergillus is expected to increase based on different climate scenarios. Advertisement The researchers predict that the fungus' prevalence could increase by 77% by the year 2100, potentially exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, was not involved in the research but reviewed the findings. 4 Aspergillus is a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates. sinhyu – 'The study indicates that some global climate change scenarios will result in changes of habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic fungal infections,' he told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and infectious disease at Columbia University in New York, agreed that the study highlights concerns if Aspergillus becomes more prevalent in warmer climates. 'We do know that there are increased cases in regions of the world that are more temperate,' Vyas, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital. Cornelius Clancy, MD, associate chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh, said he has seen an increase in fungal infections in humans, as well as fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture and veterinary medicine. 4 The resulting infection — called Aspergillosis — can impact humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote. brizmaker – Advertisement 'Given that Aspergillus is prevalent in the environment and ongoing changes in climate favor growth of Aspergillus in the environment, it is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals,' he predicted to Fox News Digital. Potential risks of infection For most healthy people, Aspergillus spores won't cause any adverse effects, the experts noted. 'Most people will typically inhale some spores every day,' Clancy said. 'If your immune system is intact, then these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airways and lungs and disease does not occur.' But for people whose immune systems respond excessively to proteins in the spores, infection can cause reactions ranging from allergy-like symptoms to invasive disease. 'In persons who are immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk of spores invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs,' Clancy cautioned. 'These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts.' Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations can also occur in people who are not known to be immunosuppressed, but who are predisposed to allergies and asthma, he added. Advertisement 'In patients whose immune system may be compromised — most commonly as a result of medications for cancer or other conditions — these organisms can invade the lung to cause significant pneumonia, and may even travel throughout the body to cause systemic disease,' Vyas cautioned. 4 The researchers predict that the fungus' prevalence could increase by 77% by the year 2100, potentially exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. REUTERS 'These patients are typically quite sick and require hospitalization.' People who are elderly or have asthma are also at a higher risk, noted Glanville. Advertisement 'Unfortunately, there is also a global trend toward increases in rates of asthma and general demographic shifts toward a more elderly population in many areas,' he added. 'As clinicians, we worry about this infection because it is both hard to diagnose and even harder to treat,' Vyas told Fox News Digital. 'We don't have great drugs to effect cures for invasive fungal infections, including Aspergillus infections.' Another obstacle is that some fungi become resistant to drugs over time, the experts agreed. 4 In the study, scientific models were used to predict where Aspergillus is expected to increase based on different climate scenarios. Doodeez – Prevention and protection Advertisement As Aspergillus is an environmental organism associated with soil, it is difficult to fully avoid, according to Vyas. Those who are immunocompromised should avoid working with soil unless they have had a discussion with a doctor, he recommends. 'Research into how Aspergillus causes diseases, better ways to diagnose this disease and the development of better treatments is sorely needed,' Vyas added. Advertisement Glanville reiterated that there are anti-fungal treatment options for Aspergillosis, although the infections are often missed during initial diagnosis. 'It would be a good idea to increase medical training to recognize these infections and to subsidize the development of new antifungals,' Glanville recommended. People who are known to be immunosuppressed or who are taking drugs that can cause immunosuppression should talk to their health providers about protective measures, Clancy advised.
