All articles tagged with #cordyceps
Scientists describe Taczanowskia waska, a newly identified spider from Ecuador's Amazon that mimics the fruiting bodies of parasitic fungi to look dead and deter predators (and possibly lure prey). The discovery, published in Zootaxa, reveals a broader pattern of fungal mimicry across continents and highlights citizen science platforms like iNaturalist in uncovering rare spiders.
The article surveys six fictional diseases from films and TV—The Last of Us’ fungus-driven apocalypse, the Rage virus from 28 Days Later (a lab-made Ebola variant), rabies in REC/Quarantine, Cooties, The Bay’s mutated isopods, and Contagion’s MEV-1 inspired by Nipah—pairing them with real-world pathogens and outbreaks. It also notes real science threads like climate-driven fungal adaptations, Nipah’s ongoing outbreaks with high fatality, and persistent rabies and foodborne illness risks, grounding horror in plausible biology.
Scientists discovered 99-million-year-old amber fossils of insects infected with new species of parasitic fungi related to cordyceps, revealing that such zombie-like fungi existed during the age of dinosaurs and have a complex evolutionary history.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that cordycepin, a compound from the parasitic fungus Cordyceps militaris, can block critical pathways for cancer cell growth. This compound, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, converts into cordycepin triphosphate, which inhibits cancer cell activity by targeting two signaling pathways. The findings, published in FEBS Letters, suggest potential for developing new cancer treatments that minimize damage to healthy tissue, though further research is needed.
A TikTok user, known as @Southernspore, grew cordyceps fungus on his own blood and skin and then proceeded to eat it. The user documented the process, showing the fungus growing on his own skin under a microscope. Despite the "disgusting yellow tinge," he found the taste strangely sweet and claimed he would eat it again. Cordyceps, a staple of Chinese medicine and popularized in the video game The Last of Us, has various health benefits, including potential cancer-fighting properties and the ability to boost energy and treat diabetes.
Cordyceps, a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, is believed to have various health benefits. It may improve athletic performance, heart health, blood sugar levels, inflammation, aging, and cancer outcomes. However, research is limited to animal studies and small clinical trials, and human studies are needed to confirm these effects. Cordyceps supplements are available in various forms, but it's important to purchase from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking cordyceps supplements to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions with medications.
Cordyceps is a type of fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health benefits. While research is limited to animal models and small clinical trials, it shows potential in improving athletic performance, heart health, blood sugar control, reducing inflammation, and potentially treating cancer. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking cordyceps supplements, especially for individuals with autoimmune diseases. Additionally, there have been reports of lead poisoning from contaminated cordyceps powder, and the FDA does not evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cordyceps supplements.