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Researchers have harnessed a deadly fungus (Aspergillus flavus) to create a powerful cancer-fighting agent.The development is particularly notable as this toxic crop fungus has a grim historical connection. The fungus was linked to mysterious deaths among archeological teams excavating ancient tombs.For instance, in 1922, the opening of King Tutankhamun's tomb was reportedly followed by unexplained deaths, fueling rumors of a "pharaoh's curse."But it was later hypothesized that a dormant fungus might have been responsible.Fast forward to the 1970s. A similar tragedy unfolded in Poland, where 10 scientists died within weeks of entering the tomb of Casimir IV.The culprit was identified...

Many people died after visiting King Tut's tomb in Egypt. What exactly happened, and how does it involve the Aspergillus fungus?The tomb of the 19-year-old pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt from 1323-1332 BCE was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter and has since become one of Egypt's most popular archaeological attractions. Tourists from all over the world come to the Valley of the Kings on the Nile's west bank to see the tomb. To this day, it remains surprisingly intact, decorated with frescoes, statues and the gilded sarcophagus containing the original mummy of King Tut. But all of this beauty...

Study finds cause of allergic reaction could be growing in your lungs Scientists investigating the allergic reactions that asthmatics suffer towards a common mould have discovered that many people with asthma actually had the mould growing in their own lungs. The research led by University of Leicester scientists at Glenfield Hospital has been published in the December 2010 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The team based in the Institute for Lung Health at the University of Leicester and Glenfield Hospital examined the impact on asthmatics of a common environmental mould, Aspergillus fumigates, usually found...

Researchers at The University of Manchester funded by the Fungal Research Trust have discovered millions of fungal spores right under our noses - in our pillows. Aspergillus fumigatus, the species most commonly found in the pillows, is most likely to cause disease; and the resulting condition Aspergillosis has become the leading infectious cause of death in leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Fungi also exacerbate asthma in adults. The researchers dissected both feather and synthetic samples and identified several thousand spores of fungus per gram of used pillow - more than a million spores per pillow. Fungal contamination of bedding...