Foot fungus, or tinea pedis, is a common issue. It thrives in warm, moist places, like sweaty feet or tight shoes. Keeping feet clean and dry can help stop it. But in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, not many people know much about it. There isn't much research on what people know or do to prevent it. This lack of knowledge is a problem. Foot fungus is easy to prevent. But if ...
Fungi are everywhere. They are in the soil, in compost, and in water. They are part of the vast kingdom of organisms that includes mold and mushrooms. While they play a crucial role in ecosystems, they can also be harmful to human health. Fungal infections are responsible for around 2. 5 million deaths each year. However, the actual number could be much higher due to...
The popular TV series "The Last of Us" has viewers wondering about the real-life possibilities of a fungal apocalypse. The show features a fungus that turns people into zombies. This idea might seem crazy, but it's worth looking into how fungi could change as the planet warms up. Fungi are all around us. They help break down dead stuff in nature and even mak...
Ever heard of a fungal infection called paracoccidioidomycosis, or PCM? It's a big deal in Latin America, especially Brazil. You might ask, what does this have to do with blood vessels? Scientists have been puzzled about a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, and its role in PCM that affects the mouth. VEGF helps blood vessels grow, but its par...
Imagine having a condition like multiple sclerosis (MS), a long-term disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Scientists are busy hunting for potential causes, with viruses like Epstein-Barr (EBV) leading the pack. But did you know fungi might also play a role? It’s true! The most significant genetic risk factor, the HLA-DRB1*15 group, is linked to MS and various...
Fungal infections are becoming more common, affecting agriculture, food production, and human health. Scientists have recently created four new compounds called thiosemicarbazone-chalcones (TCs) to combat these fungi. They tested these TCs using a method called radial diffusion, which measures how well the compounds stop fungi from growing. The TCs were quite effect...
As the iconic leather pants trend makes a comeback, experts are sounding the alarm about the potential risks to our health. Dr. Masarat Jilani, a doctor specializing in bladder care, warns that the sleek silhouette of leather pants can create a warm and moist environment that's perfect for bacteria to thrive. "Leather trousers might look good, but they do not allow a...
Nearly 20 cases of Valley fever popped up after a California music festival, prompting health officials to sound the alarm about this fungal infection. Dr. Tomás Aragón, the California Department of Public Health director, is urging Californians to be on the lookout for symptoms like a lingering cough and fatigue, especially if they've been out and about in dusty are...