Scientists at Harvard have made a groundbreaking discovery about the fungus Entomophthora muscae, which infects flies and causes them to die at sunset. The researchers found that the fungus has a built-in kill clock, which is driven by its own internal clock, and not by the fly’s body clock. This discovery sheds new light on the complex relationship between the fungus and its host, and has implications for our understanding of the evolution of fungal behavior.
Forecast for 6 months: As researchers continue to study the fungus’s internal clock, we can expect to see a surge in scientific publications and research grants focused on understanding the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. This increased attention may lead to the development of new biotechnological applications, such as the use of fungi to control insect populations in agricultural settings.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, we can expect to see the publication of several high-profile studies on the fungus’s internal clock, including its genetic basis and its evolutionary origins. This research may also lead to the development of new methods for controlling insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, we can expect to see the widespread adoption of fungi-based biocontrol methods in agricultural settings, particularly in regions where insect-borne diseases are a significant threat. This may also lead to the development of new fungal-based products for pest control, such as biopesticides and biocides.
Forecast for 10 years: Within the next decade, we can expect to see significant advances in our understanding of the evolution of fungal behavior, including the development of new methods for controlling fungal populations and the discovery of new fungal species with unique properties. This research may also lead to the development of new biotechnological applications, such as the use of fungi to produce biofuels and other valuable chemicals.
