MIT researchers are genetically engineering yeast to break down stubborn plant fibers into sugars that it can then ferment. This is a step towards a potentially cost-effective single-organism process for manufacturing cellulosic biofuels. The source of the genetic material: anaerobic fungi from the digestive system of a horse on a hay-only diet. By teaming up with genetic-sequencing experts at MIT, the researchers have developed a novel analytical approach that will enable them to determine which enzymes in gut fungi are key players in plant digestion and how those enzymes are made and assembled — information that will help them replicate the fungi’s cellulose-destroying capabilities in yeast. Their approach could reveal new enzymes that are champion cellulose degraders but naturally occur only in unknown organisms that cannot be grown in a lab. One promising source of renewable fuels is biomass from agricultural residues, grasses, and other dedicated energy crops. Methods exist ...

A recent meningitis outbreak has killed 30 people and sickened over 400. The involved fungus, typically has not been associated with such outbreaks. There is a reason, continue reading. The fungus of topic is Exserohilum rostratum . The fungus is typically found eating plant matter in nature.  As we know, mold is very opportunistic and will pretty much flourish anywhere in the right conditions. Exserohilum rostratum  has been identified in lab samples from 52 of those affected and was similarly found growing in unopened vials of steroids. These steroids  seem to be the cause of the outbreak. Exserohilum rostratum  prefers warmer, wetter environments, and has been found on a number of different plant species. They infect plants and in some cases precipitate tissue death. Once the plant dies, the fungus can feast on the remains. It could have found it's way into human patients through tainted steroids. Once inside a patient the fungus enters the dura matter, which encl...

  Let's talk about Radon, here are a few points. * Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas, meaning, you can’t see it or smell it. * Radon naturally occurring in the air and water from rivers/streams. (low levels) * Higher radon levels are found indoors and from well water. Most of the time if you have a mold issue there is an associated odor. Well, unlike mold, Radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Oh, do I need to mention again, it's radioactive?  There are two sides of the fence regarding Radon.  Side #1 - Oh my Gosh, we detected Radon...run or you will die!  Side #2 - You have Radon? Eh, no big deal.  The truth is, we are all physiologically, genetically different.  We have different diets and different vocations. We are not cookie cutter people. So the EPA has to give us guidelines and standards to work with, based on what they determine to be deemed safe for the average person. That being said, is there any safe level for Radon in our h...

      If you have read my other posts, you should know I do not think chlorine should be used anywhere around humans and pets for any reasons. Although Chlorine has been used in swimming pools for decades, it does not mean it is safe. This is also true for Chloramines. Chloramines have to be removed from tap water that will be used in aquariums, because it is toxic to fish! Yet they put it in our drinking water and say it is safe to drink....    Ocular and Respiratory Illness / Indoor Swimming Pools   On December 26, 2006, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) received a report of a child hospitalized in an intensive care unit for severe chemical epiglottitis and laryngotracheobronchitis after swimming in an indoor motel swimming pool. The pool was inspected the same day and immediately closed by NDHHS because of multiple state health code violations. NDHHS initiated an outbreak investigation to identify additional cases and the cau...

  Often clients relay they or their children have asthma. I also had a client that worked in a maintenance department that complained of "asthma like symptoms". His desk was in the basement of a building which was infected with mold. Often we hear of complaints of allergy symptoms from our clients. Often these same clients will report their allergy symptoms diminishing or completely going away once the mold issue is properly addressed.   This should not be a surprise since molds are directly related to pulmonary illnesses.  2006 Journal Occupational Environmental Medical Study - 80% likelihood of finding an asthmatic child in the home when  ERMI >1 value was determined.   Last year I received a call from a gentleman in Boston that had sewage backup into his basement. The sewage level was almost 1ft. high. He also stated that his young son had developed asthma over the past year. Is it related to the sewage problem? Let me break it down for you. The sewage...

  How many times have you opened up your fridge to find mold has grown on your food? Every year, the average family throws away hundreds of dollars in "spoiled" food due to mold. The average commercial kitchen can throw away thousands of dollars a year. One way to avoid molds in your refrigerator is to treat your produce gently, Molds love bruises.    Food Molds    The bluish-green molds that grow on breads and on acidic fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, for example, belong to the Penicillium family. Some penicilliums can produce unsavory mycotoxins like ochratoxin , but many others seem to be benign. Some of these molds produce toxic chemicals, known as mycotoxins . The same goes for the molds that will form on cheeses. Most of the toxins they produce are unstable or can be removed by trimming. The bottom line is that if you carefully trim away mold on firm fruits and vegetables and hard cheeses, and if you throw away soft foods and dairy products wi...

  As time goes on and the study of mycology advances we are seeing more and more evidence of "mold" related afflictions. We see humans, animals and insects all suffer from the diabolical nature of "mold". Given my vocation, I often wonder on how my 20+ years of exposure to mold with affect my future health. You are what you eat. Treat your body well, give it clean vibrant foods as often as you can. Stop drinking alcohol and eating processed foods and foods with sugar. MS Definition (as defined by the national ms society) - Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS).  The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. So, does the definition of MS coincide with the scientific research involving mycotoxins? "Future research should be directed at treating the disease as if it were caused by fungi and their devastating myco...