Fungi borrow bacterial ice-maker to influence rain
A Science Advances study shows Mortierellaceae fungi carry a bacterial ice-nucleating protein nearly identical to InaZ; when the fungal gene was inserted into yeast it conferred ice-forming ability, suggesting fungi acquired the trait via horizontal gene transfer. The protein is secreted and may help lichens pull water from the air, potentially enabling frost to form and later melt to replenish water, and it could mean fungi play a larger role in the weather cycle than bacteria. Scientists also note these fungal proteins could be explored for non-toxic cloud-seeding alternatives if produced safely.