Ancient fungus linked to tombs may help fight cancer.
In the 1920s, several archaeologists involved in the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb passed away mysteriously, and the press dubbed it a “pharaoh’s curse”. While the cause was unclear at the time, scientists now believe exposure to a toxic mold called Aspergillus flavus may have played a role. This fungus is known to grow in soil, contaminate crops, and cause serious infections in vulnerable people.
In a surprising turn, modern researchers have discovered that the same fungus may also produce compounds with powerful anti-cancer potential. In a study published in Nature Chemical Biology, scientists isolated four previously unknown molecules from A. flavus, known as asperigimycins.
