The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Topic started by: rangerrebew on February 24, 2018, 02:26:20 pm
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Foot fungus forgoes sex to invade toenails
"It is commonly thought that if an organism becomes asexual, it is doomed to extinction," said Duke microbiologist Joseph Heitman.
By Brooks Hays | Feb. 22, 2018 at 4:33 PM
An image captured with a microscope showcases the fungal species responsible for athlete's foot and most toenail fungal infections. Photo by Duke/NC State
Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The fungus responsible for tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete's foot, has given up sex, new research suggests.
When scientists at Duke University analyzed dozens of samples of Trichophyton rubrum, the fungus responsible for a variety of toenail and skin infections, they found they were all from the same mating type. The homogeneity suggests the species has adopted a sexless existence.
https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2018/02/22/Foot-fungus-forgoes-sex-to-invade-toenails/4071519332610/?utm_source=sec&utm_campaign=sl&utm_medium=6 (https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2018/02/22/Foot-fungus-forgoes-sex-to-invade-toenails/4071519332610/?utm_source=sec&utm_campaign=sl&utm_medium=6)