Deadly Bat Fungus from Europe

The mysterious "white nose syndrome" responsible for the deaths of millions of North American bats since it was identified in 2006 has been traced to an invasive-species fungus with European origins, possibly introduced to North American bats by human tourists.

"Zombie" Ant Fungus

A newly discovered fungus (Ophiocordyceps camponoti-balzani) in the Brazilian rain forest creates "zombie" ants by infecting their brain and directing them to an optimal place for the fungus to grow and spread its spres.

Fossils Reveal Zombie Ants

The discovery of a fossilized leaf has revealed a very distinct scar left by an ant infected by an ancient parasitic fungus similar to modern Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which takes over the minds of the ant hosts and forces them to leave their colonies and seek out a plant that provides the ideal conditions for the fungus to reproduce.

Lightning Grows Mushrooms

Recent Japanese experiments have demonstrated that lightning bolt-strength applications of electricity to the soil can more than double the yield of certain varieties of mushrooms, essentially proving an old farmer's superstition.

Warm-Blooded Effects

A new study demonstrates that common elevated mammalian body temperatures (37°C in humans) hinders the growth of most fungal strains, lending a new theory for the rise of mammals as the dominant species after the extinction of the dinosaurs.