Duke University School of Medicine has released the findings of a new study on the impact of elevated temperatures on the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus deneoformans. The research shows that increased temperatures result in increased genetic changes in the fungus, including an increase in heat resistance and a heightened ability to cause disease. The study found that higher temperatures activate the fungus’ transposable elements, leading to changes in gene regulation and an increase in mutations five times faster than in fungi grown at 30°C. These findings highlight the potential for pathogenic fungi to evolve and become more dangerous as global temperatures rise.
