Wellcome.org Fungal infections are an increasing threat and we need researchers around the world to work on these problems. But fungal research is very challenging in resource-limited settings. Dr Elizabeth Ballou explains how promising new technologies could change that. Fungi are beautiful and very charismatic. The most fascinating thing about them is that they’re incredibly adaptable.
These ancient organisms are experts at colonising new and challenging locations. Parts of Chernobyl are covered in black fungus because it’s the only thing that can grow there. There are fungi growing on the space station, at the bottom of the ocean, and in our bodies.
As the climate and our environments change, fungi will take advantage. One of the newest fungi to cause human disease is Candida auris, which is well-adapted to grow on plastic. It can create colonies on the microplastics in our oceans, in our water and in our environments. It’s becoming a pathogen because it sticks to catheters and other plastics used in hospitals.