Key research themes
1. How have German-speaking mycologists historically contributed to the development of medical mycology and fungal pathogen identification?
This theme investigates the historical progression and pivotal scientific contributions originating from German-speaking mycologists that shaped medical mycology's foundation, fungal taxonomy, and diagnostic methodologies. Understanding this historical context elucidates the evolution of microscopy, cultivation media, and pathogen classification, which remain critical in contemporary fungal research and clinical diagnostics.
2. What roles do fungal communities (mycobiome) play in cancer pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic response?
This theme focuses on emerging research elucidating the influence of the human mycobiome—the fungal component of the microbiome—on cancer development, progression, and treatment outcomes. It encompasses the mechanisms by which fungal dysbiosis and species-specific colonization contribute to tumor biology, the interaction between fungi and bacterial communities, and the exploitation of fungal biomarkers or therapeutics in oncology.
3. How can solid-state fermentation (SSF) with indigenous fungal strains optimize industrial enzyme production using agro-industrial waste substrates?
This theme explores methodological advancements in leveraging indigenous fungal biodiversity to enhance enzyme yields, focusing on sustainable bioprocessing approaches such as SSF. It evaluates substrate selection, fermentation parameters, and fungal strain optimization aimed at cost-effective, environmentally friendly enzyme production with implications for biotechnological and industrial applications.
4. How does substrate composition influence the nutrient profile and bioactive compound content of cultivated mushrooms, specifically Hypsizygus ulmarius?
This theme examines the impact of different agricultural waste substrates on the proximate composition, mineral content, vitamin levels, and bioactive compounds (including lovastatin) of the elm oyster mushroom Hypsizygus ulmarius. It considers how substrate selection modulates fungal metabolism and nutritional value, informing strategies to optimize mushroom cultivation for enhanced health benefits and functional food production.
5. What insights do modern palaeoecological studies of dung-related fungal spores provide into past animal husbandry practices and environmental conditions?
This theme investigates how the analysis of coprophilous fungal spores and non-pollen palynomorphs in modern sediments informs the interpretation of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental contexts, particularly livestock density, land use, and taphonomic processes. It evaluates the variability in fungal spore assemblages relative to environmental parameters and anthropogenic activities, with implications for reconstructing ancient pastoralism.