Submitted Abstracts:
Sessions: Mycology Science | Applied Mycology | Myco-Industry
Benou R.1, Marks R.S. 1, 2, Sivan A. 1†, Kramarsky-Winter E. 1, Golberg K.1,3, Kushmaro A.1,2,4 *
1Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
2 The Ilse Katz Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
3 Department of Life Sciences, Achva Academic College, 79804, Israel
4 School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
ABSTRACT
β-lactams are an important family of antibiotics that are prone to undergo resistance inhibition through the production of β-lactamases by some microorganisms. To combat this resistance and preserve the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics, we developed a strategy for the discovery of such β-lactamase inhibitors. When combined with β-lactams, these inhibitors allow the antibiotics to be effective and prevent resistance. To date, the development of such combinatory drugs is limited due to the complexity of screening for new β-lactamase inhibitors. Therefore, to facilitate this development, it was essential to find sensitive assays to effectively screen for lactamase inhibitory compounds. To this end, a novel bioassay utilizing bioluminescent indicator bacteria as bioreporters was developed. The assay was first optimized using commercial antibiotics together with known β-lactamase inhibitors. Using this bioassay, we then screened for novel natural β-lactamase inhibitors derived from coral-associated fungi. We showed that the fungus Penicillium spinulosum, originating from the coral Pocillopora sp. from the Gulf of Aqaba, Eilat, produced compounds with anti-β-lactamase activity. We further demonstrate that the bioreporter bacteria used here responded to the combined antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitors in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating their usefulness for β-lactamase inhibiting compounds discovery.
Keywords: antibiotics; β-lactam; β-lactamase; β-lactamase inhibitors; novel bioassay bioreporter; bioluminescence.
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
Prof. Ariel Kushmaro, environmental and clinical microbiologist at BGU, Israel, Biotechnology Engineering Department. His research activities focus on the development of various techniques for environmental sensing, bioremediation, environmental microbiology, biofilms, and drug discovery; including novel antibiotics and quorum sensing inhibitors. |
Trif C. 1,†, Vunduk J. 2,† , Parcharoen Y. 3, Bualuang A. 3 and Marks R.S 1,*
1 Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er-Sheva 84105, Israel
2 Institute of General and Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 12/V, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
3 Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
ABSTRACT
This study presents a rapid and comprehensive method for screening mushroom extracts for the putative discovery of bioactive molecules, including those exhibiting antimicrobial activity. This approach utilizes a panel of bioluminescent bacteria, whose light production is a sensitive indicator of various cellular effects triggered by the extracts, including disruption of bacterial communication (quorum sensing), protein and DNA damage, fatty acid metabolism alterations, and oxidative stress induction. The bioassay’s strength is its ability to efficiently analyze a large number of extracts simultaneously while also assessing several different mechanisms of toxicity, significantly reducing screening time. All samples analyzed exhibited more than one cellular effect, as indicated by the reporter bacteria. Four samples (C. cornucopioides, F. fomentarius, I. obliquus, and M. giganteus) displayed the highest number (six) of possible mechanisms of antibacterial activity. Additionally, combining extraction and purification protocols with a bioluminescent bacterial panel enables simultaneous improvement of the desired antimicrobial properties of the extracts. The presented approach offers a valuable tool for uncovering the diverse antimicrobial mechanisms of mushroom extracts.
Keywords: antimicrobial activity, bioluminescence, medicinal mushrooms, toxicity, whole-cell bioreporter bacteria, quorum sensing
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Prof. Robert S. Marks is a full professor in the Department of Biotechnology Engineering at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, where he founded the university’s Biosensors Laboratory. He has authored over 235 scientific publications, edited eight books, and holds multiple patents. His work has contributed to the creation of several startups in Israel, the US, and Singapore. Prof. Marks has chaired more than 20 international scientific conferences and serves on various editorial boards and advisory panels. He also created and teaches Ben-Gurion University's Ethnomycology course, which explores the cultural and biomedical relevance of fungi — a passion that helped inspire the launch of Funga Fest. |
Sessions: Medical Mycology | Plant Pathology | Medicinal Macrofungi
Inhibition of Athelia rolfsii-Induced Stem Rot in Tomatoes Using Secretions from the Black Soldier Fly
Dafny Yelin M.1*, Opatovsky I.2, Greber A.1, Farhat S.1, Palevsky E.3 and Shaltel Harpaz L.1
1Northern R&D, Migal, Tel-Hai University on the rise, Israel
2Lab of Insect Nutrition and Metabolism, Migal, Tel-Hai University on the rise, Israel
3 Newe Yaar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Israel
*merydy@migal.org.il/ merydy@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The soil-borne fungus Athelia rolfsii is a major pathogen causing stem and collar rot in industrial tomato crops. With a broad host range, it poses a significant threat to summer crops in Israel’s Northern Valleys. Frass from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae, comprising excrement, exoskeletons, and undigested feed, is rich in organic matter and beneficial microorganisms, making it a promising tool for soil health and disease suppression. This study evaluated the efficacy of frass in controlling A. rolfsii infection. The primary frass tested was derived from larvae fed a mixture of ca. 50% apple waste, wet malt, and baker’s yeas t. Two additional frass samples labeled "O" and "P" were also examined. Only the non-sterile extract from frass "O" significantly inhibited A. rolfsii mycelial growth on PDA plates. This treatment also improved in pot trial canopy coverage and shoot biomass in infected tomato plants. Field trials confirmed that frass-treated plants exhibited significantly greater canopy and root development compared to untreated controls. A strong correlation was observed between frass application rate (1–2 L/m²) and plant height and node number. Notably, frass that had not undergone heat treatment significantly reduced disease progression compared to both untreated controls and frass treated at 70°C, with no significant difference between frass treatments. The beneficial effects of frass may result from direct pathogen inhibition via its microbiome, changes in soil chemistry, or enhanced plant resistance.
Keywords: Soil-borne fungal pathogens, Plant disease, Frass, Tomato stem rot, Sustainable agriculture
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Dr. Mery Dafny Yelin is a phytopathologist and senior researcher at Northern R&D, MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute, affiliated with the emerging Tel-Hai University in northern Israel. Her research focuses on applied plant pathology and integrated pest management (IPM) for fruit trees, grapevines, and field crops. Dr. Dafny Yelin combines laboratory and field approaches to develop sustainable solutions for fungal and bacterial diseases. Her work integrates resistant cultivars, innovative antimicrobial strategies, and ecological methods to enhance crop resilience and productivity. She has pioneered the use of directed enzyme evolution to disrupt quorum sensing in plant pathogens and plays a key role in advancing disease management strategies in Israel’s Northern Valleys. Dr. Dafny Yelin is dedicated to supporting local agriculture and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. |
Degani O.1,2* and Shofman G.1,2
1Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Israel
2Department of Plant Sciences, MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, Israel
ofird@telhai.ac.il; d-ofir@migal.org.il*
ABSTRACT
Maize late wilt disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthiopsis maydis, represents a significant threat to susceptible cultivars. This study demonstrates that M. maydis populations in Israel exhibit various aggressiveness levels independent of geographic origin. Distinct subspecies groups were identified: some primarily disrupted plant growth, while others induced wilting symptoms, suggesting both biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogenic strategies. In pathogenicity assays, weakly virulent strains impacted the susceptible Prelude cultivar. In contrast, the resistant cultivar 'Royalty' was only affected by highly aggressive isolates, resulting in a 7% growth reduction and 11% mortality at harvest. Interestingly, early-stage inoculation with a mixture of the two most virulent isolates initially reduced disease severity, but this effect was reversed by harvest. Moreover, including a weakly virulent strain in the inoculum significantly worsened disease outcomes, with a 23% reduction in plant growth, 71% decline in plant health, and high M. maydis colonization. Compared with Fusarium verticillioides, another stalk rot pathogen affecting maize after flowering, M. maydis showed markedly higher aggressiveness, with only 40% plant survival and up to 1,000-fold greater fungal DNA accumulation in the roots. However, co-inoculation with both pathogens increased the proportion of healthy plants from 10% (with M. maydis alone) to 30%. Furthermore, sequential infection with F. verticillioides before M. maydis reduced symptom severity and pathogen colonization, though plant growth remained suboptimal. These findings highlight the complex intra- and interspecific interactions shaping the damages caused by late wilt disease and provide new ecological insights into pathogen dynamics under multifactorial infection scenarios.
Keywords: Crop protection, Fungus, Harpophora maydis, Microbiome, Pathogenicity, Real-time PCR
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Dr. Ofir Degani completed his Ph.D. at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (Haifa, Israel), specializing in genetic engineering approaches in phytopathology. He carried out his post-doctoral studies at the Migal-Galilee Research Institute (Israel). Currently, Dr. Degani serves as the research group director of the Phytopathology Laboratory at this institute and a senior staff member at Tel-Hai Academic College (Israel). His research integrates molecular, biochemical, and microbiological tools to advance the understanding and management of plant fungal diseases. His group focuses on: 1) Developing biological, chemical, and agrotechnical strategies to control major plant diseases such as maize late wilt and stalk rot, cotton charcoal rot, and onion basal rot. 2) Engineering and utilizing the plant microbiome to create eco-friendly solutions for crop protection. 3) Investigating pathogen-pathogen interactions and their implications in plant pathology to enhance integrated disease management practices. |
Eltzov E.1,*
1Department of Postharvest Science, Institute of Postharvest and Food Science, Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel.
ABSTRACT
The problem of postharvest food losses is a major issue, having been estimated at 40% to 50% of harvested crops worldwide, mostly due to rots caused by fungi. After penetrating the unripe fruit, pathogenic fungi remain quiescent (“sleeping”) until the fruit ripens. The quiescent infections are microscopic and cannot be visually detected during packaging or subsequent transport. Thus, there is a need to design assays that allow the identification of the fungi at an initial quiescent stage of infection to prevent potential fruit decay during the supply chain and consumer storage. A rapid and easy-to-use paper-based LAMP assay was designed for detecting quiescent markers of pathogen fungi. The developed method requires a cheap cellulose membrane and heat block, enabling this method to be employed in resource-limited settings. Additionally, a 384-well plate application was also developed for high-throughput detection, enabling simultaneous analysis of many pathogens across multiple samples. This high-throughput capability is crucial for rapid screening and identification, significantly reducing the time and resources required for large-scale pathogen surveillance and ensuring comprehensive and timely intervention in disease management strategies. Both assays demonstrated high specificity for the quiescent stage of fungal pathogens, achieving an analytical sensitivity of 0.5 pg of total extracted RNA and delivering results within 40 minutes from sampling. The unique ability of the proposed system to detect and recognize the fungus during the quiescent (latent) stage will decrease food losses by allowing improved postharvest management. For example, fruit with a high inoculum rate will be sold to the local market or as processed food, whereas fruit with low inoculum rates can be stored for long periods or exported.
Keywords: loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), mRNA, fungal pathogen, fruit, point of care technology (POCT), paper-based analytic devices (PADs).
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Evgeni Eltzov is a researcher in the Department of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Volcani Center, Israel. He completed his Ph.D. in the Environmental Engineering department at Ben-Gurion University. Dr. Eltzov leads the Biosensors Research Group, which focuses on the development and miniaturization of advanced biosensor platforms for applications in food safety and agriculture. His work integrates novel micro-/nano-structures with biorecognition elements such as DNA, antibodies, enzymes, and whole cells to create innovative diagnostic devices. Key areas of his research include biosensor and bioassay development, point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, real-time multianalyte monitoring systems, and the application of nanotechnology in biosensing. |
1Unit of Plant Pathology, Valley of Springs Research & Extension Center, Beit She'an
ABSTRACT
Onion and garlic are cornerstone crops in Israel, especially in the Jezreel and Beit She’an Valleys. Over the past decade, these crops have suffered from Stemphylium leaf blight, caused by the ascomycete fungus Stemphylium vesicarium. The disease kills foliage, reducing photosynthesis and ultimately bulb yield. Our working hypothesis is that the recent increase in disease severity stems from reduced sensitivity of the pathogen population to the fungicides currently used commercially. Therefore, profiling the pathogen’s fungicide sensitivity is essential for fine-tuning and improving spray programs. We evaluated the efficacy of boscalid (an SDHI) and the triazoles difenoconazole and cyproconazole. Cyproconazole was found to be at the brink of failure, and boscalid efficacy was limited. In contrast, difenoconazole remained effective, although some isolates showed reduced sensitivity. Overall, Israeli isolates exhibited EC₅₀ values up to ten-fold higher than those reported in the literature. The isolates split into two sensitivity groups: “Group 1” was more sensitive to boscalid but more resistant to cypro- and difenoconazole; “Group 2” was more resistant to boscalid but more sensitive to the triazoles. It is therefore recommended to discontinue cyproconazole use for now and to limit boscalid applications. Nevertheless, applying boscalid in combination with difenoconazole is advised to control both sensitivity groups simultaneously in the field.
Keywords: Onion, phytopathogens, Stemphylium, fungicide, resistance
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Dr. Nadav Nitzan is an extension and research plant pathologist with The Valley of Springs Research & Extension Center. He has 20 years of applied agriculture R&D experience from Washington State University, USDA-ARS, and commercial companies. He is skilled with soil-, seed-, foliar-borne, and postharvest diseases of potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, sweet basil, grapes, table beet, sweet potato, and postharvest of fresh produce. His research encompasses plant epidemiology, etiology, development of disease management protocols, disease forecasting systems, breeding potato and sweet basil varieties for disease resistance, fungicide insensitivity monitoring, teaching, and mentoring of students. |
Nadav S.1,2, Ginat R.1, Nadav N.3 and Carmit Z.1,*
1Department of Postharvest Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Israel.
2The Institute of Agroecology & Plant Health, the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, HUJI, Israel.
3The Valley of Springs Agricultural R&E Center, Israel.
*Carmit.Ziv@volcani.agri.gov.il
ABSTRACT
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Nadav Smila is an M.Sc. student in plant pathology and postharvest sciences at the Hebrew University and Volcani Institute, specializing in postharvest pathology and fungal–host interactions. His current research focuses on the identification and management of fungal pathogens affecting cold-stored carrots, with an emphasis on fungicide resistance mechanisms in Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. He has a background in molecular diagnostics, fungicide mode of action, and sustainable disease control strategies, including the use of GRAS compounds and integrated pest management (IPM). Nadav is about to complete a master’s degree in plant pathology, where he studied the effects of environmental conditions and chemical treatments on fungal pathogen aggressiveness. Nadav is actively involved in collaborative projects with commercial packinghouses and contributes to the development of science-based solutions for crop protection in Israel. Nadav has been awarded an Excellence Scholarship from the Israeli Phytopathological Society and a full tuition scholarship from ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd. |
Avron T.*
ABSTRACT
Women have historically played a central role in the use and transmission of psilocybin mushroom knowledge, particularly in cultural and healing contexts often excluded from formal records. This presentation explores the intersection of that legacy with emerging psychedelic science, focusing on sex- and hormone-related differences in psilocybin’s effects and implications for gender-informed research. The problem addressed is the persistent lack of data and protocols in psychedelic clinical studies that account for female hormonal cycles, life-stage variation, and sex-based physiological factors. The objective of this work is to synthesize historical insight with current research and to identify gaps that hinder inclusive and biologically relevant psychedelic science. The methods include a narrative review of key cultural and historical case studies—such as that of Mazatec healer Maria Sabina—alongside an analysis of early-stage scientific literature related to psilocybin’s effects in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perimenopause-related depression, and other hormonally influenced mental health conditions. Results show a growing body of anecdotal and preliminary clinical evidence suggesting psilocybin may modulate mood, emotional regulation, and sense of connectedness in ways that intersect with hormonal patterns in some women. In addition, microdosing self-report data indicates that certain dosing schedules may align more effectively with menstrual cycle phases, though further controlled research is needed. This presentation concludes that current clinical protocols and inclusion criteria often fail to reflect the lived realities of half the population and that meaningful innovation in psychedelic research will require frameworks that center sex, gender, and hormonal health. The contribution of this work is a call for interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges feminist history, clinical science, and lived experience to design more responsive, equitable psychedelic therapies.
Keywords: psilocybin, women, hormonal health, menstrual cycle, psychedelic research
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Tali Avron is a clinical research manager and psychedelic science advocate with over a decade of experience in cannabinoid and psychedelic research. She is the co-founder of the Psychedelic Women Network and leads initiatives exploring the intersection of gender, hormonal health, and psychedelic medicine. Her work focuses on integrating menstrual cycle awareness and sex-based biological variables into clinical trial design and harm reduction practices. Talia also volunteers as a space holder and facilitator in underground and festival settings. She is passionate about bridging scientific rigor with feminist-informed frameworks to advance more inclusive psychedelic research. |
Haklai E1,*
Israel
ABSTRACT
The effects of mushroom-derived compounds on cancer cells and patients have been increasingly documented. Some mushroom-derived substances are even approved as medical treatments for cancer patients. Although the health benefits of mushrooms for cancer patients are known, the underlying biochemical pathways and mechanisms of action are rarely addressed. This lecture will present the 14 updated hallmarks of cancer (2022) and explore how mushrooms interact with them. Understanding the mechanisms through which mushrooms exert their effects is important for those who treat cancer patients (e.g., oncologists, practitioners of complementary medicine, etc.). This understanding may help improve the treatments patients receive.
Keywords: cancer hallmarks, medicinal mushrooms, integrative oncology, bioactive compounds
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Eshed Haklai, M.Sc., N.D., Eng., is an R&D and regulatory manager in the cosmetics industry and a certified practitioner of complementary medicine, specializing in medicinal herbs and mushrooms. He is also a registered and licensed engineer in the field of pharmaceutical engineering. Eshed holds a B.Sc. in pharmaceutical engineering and an M.Sc. in chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also earned a second M.Sc. in pharmaceutical science from the University of East London. In recent years, he has specialized in supporting cancer patients through integrative approaches. |
Wild Mushroom Foray | Mycophagy Potluck & Cookery (Field Day)
Sessions: Fungal Taxonomy & Evolution | Biodiversity & Ecology of Fungi | Ethno-Mycology
Masaphy S.1,2*, Levi N.1,2, Zabari L.1, Orlofsky E.1
1Tel-Hai College
2Applied Mycology Lab, MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona
ABSTRACT
The Fungal kingdom is critically important for forest and environmental health due to the diverse functions that are influenced by the forest structure and, in turn affect the forest ecosystem. In Israel, most forests planted in the past century are dense, single-species stands of Jerusalem pine (Pinus halepensis). Recently, thinning practices of coniferous forests have been used, and their ecological impacts are being studied. The current study examined the effect of forest thinning affects the taxonomic and functional diversity of soil fungi. The research took place in a long-term ecological research (LTER) station in the Kdoshym forest, 12 years after the thinning of trees took place. Four thinning regimes were used to create varied tree densities: dense, medium, low, fully cleared, and an unplanted control plot. Soil fungal diversity was sampled 12 years after the thinning. Soil fungi were identified molecularly using the ITS region sequencing and classified as mycorrhizal, saprotrophic, or pathogenic based on functional databases. All three plots with mature pine trees were similar in terms of fungal taxonomic composition, and they differed from the plots without mature pines. All trees containing plots had higher symbiotic fungi than plots with no trees, while pathogenic and unidentified fungi were more common where mature pines were absent. Saprotrophic fungi were evenly distributed. These results suggest that even 12 years post-thinning, a small number of mature pine trees can sustain soil fungal populations similar to non-thinned pine forests.
Keywords: Forest health, Pinus halepensis, Soil fungal biodiversity, Thinning, Trophic mode.
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Prof. Segula Masaphy is a lecturer at Tel Hai College and an emeritus scientist from Migal-Galilee Research Institute in Kiryat Shmona. Prof. Masaphy specializes in the field of applied mycology. Along with research work, Prof. Masaphy served as scientific head of "The Water and Food Microbiology Service Lab" at Migal and as Head of "The Food Sciences Studies" department at Tel Hai College. Her research focused on different aspects of the fungal world, especially mushroom-producing fungi, including research into the environmental conditions affecting edible mushroom growth and fruiting (Agaricus, Pleurotus, Shiitake, Volvariella, Morchella), fungal-bacteria relationships, biotransformation and biodegradation of pollutants by higher fungi, fungal oxidative enzymes, bioactivity of fungal mycelium and fruitbodies, fungal ecological aspects and effect of forest management on soil fungi biodiversity. In recent years, her research has focused on the ecology and biotechnology of mushrooms: biodiversity, cultivation, bioactive compounds, and more. |
Różalska S.1*, Nowak M.1 and Rudnicka K.2
1Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
2Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
sylwia.rozalska@biol.uni.lodz.pl*
ABSTRACT
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are microorganisms capable of infecting and killing arthropods, contributing significantly to the natural regulation of insect populations. Easily propagated on a large scale, they are widely employed as bioinsecticides, offering a safer alternative to conventional chemical agents. Among the most commonly used genera are Beauveria and Metarhizium. Importantly, the potential of EPF extends far beyond arthropod control. They can also degrade or biotransform toxic pollutants. Metarhizium strains, for instance, are able to degrade triazine herbicides such as ametryn and persistent pollutants like nonylphenol. Beauveria bassiana has demonstrated the capacity to remove the insecticide cypermethrin, while Metarhizium anisopliae effectively breaks down the mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN), yielding less harmful derivatives such as trihydroxybenzene. In most of these degradation processes, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases appear to play a key role, as suggested by increased mRNA expression upon exposure to specific contaminants. Moreover, some EPF can accumulate chemical insecticides—Metarhizium brunneum spores enriched with acetamiprid retained full insecticidal efficacy at doses 180 times lower than the pure compound. Additionally, certain strains can synthesize metal nanoparticles, expanding their application potential in nanotechnology and environmental remediation. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration of EPF multifunctionality, particularly in integrated strategies combining biological control with pollutant degradation.
Keywords: Entomopathogenic fungi, biocontrol, bioremediation, pollutant degradation.
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 |
Dr hab. Sylwia Różalska is a biotechnologist, microbiologist, and mycologist, associate professor at the Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Lodz, Poland. Her research explores the biotechnological potential of microscopic fungi, focusing on pollutant degradation and biocontrol. She leads projects on entomopathogenic fungi, including their unconventional applications and ecological roles. Her work integrates microbiology, molecular tools, and environmental sciences to study fungus–plant–insect interactions. A former Vice President of the Polish Mycological Society (2016–2020) and its active member since 2013. Her broader interests include fungal responses to environmental stress and toxic compounds. |
Narcross F.W.1* and Marks R.S.1
ABSTRACT
A research article on dermatophytosis in fine art was published in 1991 by Robert S. Marks. At that time, Marks was a graduate student, and he performed the research in university libraries from hardbound books, journals, as well as visits to museums. A search for a book of interest was performed using index cards stored alphabetically in wooden boxes that stretched out over a large portion of the library floor. This research process changed considerably with the advent of the Internet and the availability of books and journals online. The tedious manual search through index cards was replaced by a commercial search engine, and from the comfort of one’s desk at home or school, research resources were available directly from a computer screen. In the last few years, search engines have become increasingly replaced by, or at least augmented with, Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT. Today, one doesn’t even need to be precise in what one is looking for. A user can simply ask an LLM for guidance in researching a topic, and the LLM will provide advice or details on a subject of interest. So, how effective is this new tool compared to the processes that predate it? Can LLMs do research? This article compares the original research by Marks to research conducted using the latest LLMs.
Keywords: mycology, dermatophytosis, art, artificial intelligence, Large Language Models
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Fredric Narcross is a PhD candidate at the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. His PhD research focuses on automating knowledge discovery in the biotechnical and biomedical sciences. Fredric is also a lifelong neuroscience researcher dedicated to modeling nervous systems and creating a new paradigm for artificial intelligence – artificial nervous systems. He has crafted tools which create artificial nervous systems with neurophysiological accuracy including tools to place the artificial nervous systems onto Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) microchips. Fredric has 3 patents and 3 pending for his neuroscience research. |
Opatovsky I.1,2* and Ben-Mordehchai L.1,2
1 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Science, Tel-Hai Academic College, Tel-Hai, Israel
2 Department of Nutrition, MIGAL, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
ABSTRACT
Information on the nutritional contribution of fungi located in insect’s gut on their hosts is still scarce and fragmentary. Our research model is the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF), a cosmopolitan species that thrives in rotten organic matter. Therefore, it is hypothesized to interact with the microorganism community in its surroundings. The most common fungi in the BSF environment (household compost bins) was found to be Candida tropicalis, which when supplemented to the larvae feeding substrate, increased the larval weight. This research further investigated whether the metabolic effect of the Candida on the BSF is directly, through consumption, or indirectly, through metabolic changes in the substrate. The larvae that were supplemented with C. tropicalis displayed an increase in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, due to an increase in the palmitic and myristic acids that are abundant in the fungi. In addition, the presence of C. tropicalis in the substrate caused an increase in threonine, leucine, and isoleucine in the larvae and may affect larval weight through the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway. This study suggests two mechanisms underlying the nutritional effect of fungi on BSF larvae. The first involves direct digestion of fungi or nutrients that are extracted by fungi in the insect gut, while the other implies an indirect fungal effect due to the digestion of the feeding substrate and extraction of nutrients in the substrate.
Keywords: Candida tropicalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Symbiotic interactions, Diptera
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
 | Dr. Itai Opatovsky studies insect nutrition and metabolism at Tel-Hai Academic College and MIGAL Research Institute. Part of his research deals with fungal occurrence in the gut and surrounding areas of insects and how it affects the insect's metabolism and immune system. In addition, part of his work studies the effect of fungi on colonization of the insect in novel patches. |
Mushroom Farms Tour (Field Day)
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