All lichens articles
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NewsA step towards life on Mars? Lichens survive Martian simulation in new study
For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that certain lichen species can survive Mars-like conditions, including exposure to ionising radiation, while maintaining a metabolically active state.
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NewsProfessor investigates how symbiotic groups - like corals and biofilms - can behave like single organisms
UNCG philosopher of biology Dr. Derek Skillings is the lead investigator on a new, three-year, $600,000 grant from the John Templeton Foundation for a study of the emergence and evolution of goal-directed behavior in collective entities.
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NewsThe mystery of the secretly sexual lichens
Researchers were shocked to find that a type of lichen called Lepraria, long assumed to be asexual, still has the genes that govern sexual reproduction.
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NewsCrews sample lichens in ‘dress rehearsal’ for Martian exploration
During simulated extra-vehicular activities, Mars 160 mission specialists wearing simulated spacesuits scouted out various habitats in two Mars analog stations, seeking out lichen species growing in various microhabitats.
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NewsDesert-loving fungi and lichens pose deadly threat to 5,000-year-old rock art
A study has revealed that the petroglyphs of the Negev desert are home to a community of uncommon specialist fungi and lichens. Unfortunately, these species may pose a serious threat to the rock art in the long term.
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NewsBright orange lichens use their pigments as a ‘sunscreen’ while avoiding toxic effects
Fungi in orange lichens can avoid the toxic effects of bright pigments, allowing them to handle high UV loads.
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NewsGenome studies uncover common ancestor for 600 scattered fungal species
About 600 seemingly disparate fungi that never found a good fit along the fungal family tree have been shown to have a common ancestor, according to a University of Alberta-led research team that used genome sequencing to give these peculiar lifeforms their own taxonomical grouping.