Scientists in Malaysia report the discovery of a new parasitic fungus species in Borneo’s rainforests that they describe as a “hyperparasite.” According to multiple outlets, the organism preys on other fungi known as “zombie fungi,” which infect insects and then cause them to die in ways associated with fungal growth. The newly found species is presented as acting against the primary “zombie” fungus pathogen, effectively parasitising it. The research team collected specimens during several field trips in Sabah, carried out by the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation. The fungus is reported to belong to the genus Pleurocordyceps. One outlet characterizes the term “hyperparasite” as reflecting how the fungus parasitises the primary pathogen rather than the insect host directly. While the outlets focus on the predator–prey relationship between the fungi and its effects on infected insects, they consistently frame the finding as a biological discovery from fieldwork in Borneo, based on the identification of a new Pleurocordyceps species that targets the zombie-fungus pathway.
Malaysian scientists discover hyperparasite fungus in Borneo rainforest
Scientists in Malaysia report the discovery of a new parasitic fungus species in Borneo’s rainforests that they describe as a “hyperparasite.” According to multiple outlets, the organism preys on othe...
- Malaysian scientists discover a new species of parasitic fungus in Borneo’s rainforest.
- The fungus is described as a “hyperparasite” that parasitises other fungi.
- It targets “zombie fungi,” which infect insects and are associated with insect death.
- The new species is reported to belong to the genus Pleurocordyceps.
- Specimens were collected during multiple field trips by the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
New ‘hyperparasite’ fungus has been found in Malaysia's Borneo rainforest that lives on other fungi
17 hours agoMalaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus in Borneo's jungles that preys on "zombie fungi" known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death.
22 hours agoKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus in Borneo’s jungles that preys on “zombie fungus” that are known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death. The new species was collected during multiple field trips conducted by the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation. READ: AI-powered autism-detecting pen invented by PH scientists at UST It was dubbed a “hyperparasite” because it “effectively parasitises the primary pathogen,” the institute’s Deputy Director Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan told AFP on Friday. “The fungus belongs to the genus Pleurocordyceps and acts […]...Keep on reading: Scientists discover 'hyperparasite' in Malaysia Borneo jungle
23 hours agoThe new species preys on 'zombie fungus' that are known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death.
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