Taxonomy Tuesday 06.24.2025 White-Nose Bat Syndrome Research Update and Member Finds

Part 1. Chemistry Professor Kyle Root describes the student research (partially funded by NJMA Scholarship funds at Lockhaven University), on the white-nose syndrome caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans—a fungus threatening bat populations. This chemistry-centered research delves into the complex chemical interactions between the fungus and cohabiting bacteria, uncovering how their behavior shifts depending on glucose availability. In the presence of glucose, the microbes seem to collaborate, but in its absence, they unleash an arsenal of antifungal and antibacterial compounds, turning on each other. Using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis and literature-based characterization, the team is uncovering molecules that may even have implications for understanding diabetes-related lesion formation in humans. With the next round of experiments underway this semester, this study promises both ecological insight and biomedical relevance. Intriguing microbe dynamics—and a surprising parallel between hibernating bats and type 2 diabetes. Part 2. Members share their recent fungal finds. Omphalotus illudens (Jack O'Lantern), Unidentified fungus (Agrocybe?), Xanthoconinum affine v affine (bolete), Scutellinia vitreola (eye lash fungus), Amanita mutlisquamosus, Retiboletus griseus, Tetrapyrgos sp., Lactarius volemus, Rickenella swartzii, Helvella costifera, unknown fungus (Hemimycena sp.?), unknown fungus on pine cone (Strobilurus sp.?), Inocybe sp. (identified based on finding pleurocystidia). See species keys for Sculletinia species on https://myfg.org.uk/.