If you’re asked what you know about fungi (I know it’s not a likely question) you’ll probably answer something about mushrooms.
You’d be correct. But did you know there are more than five million types of fungi in the world and only about 100,000 of them have been identified. There are fungi almost everywhere you look.
So, it’s no surprise scientists are looking closely at fungi to discover new medicines. Penicillin is the most common example of a fungi-based medicine.
Watch this Sci NC story to see how researchers at the University of North Carolina Greensboro are searching for fungi right outside the door of their laboratory.
Fungus cultures have been used in medicine for decades, however so far nothing has been found to treat cancer. But with 5 million fungi in the world, and only 125,000 discovered, researchers at UNCG are searching for the right one.