From medical achievements to environmentally friendly materials, fungi play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. However, Professor Arturo Casadevall, an expert in mycology, warns of the potential for fungal pandemics and urges the world to seriously confront the hidden threat posed by this “silent enemy.”
Professor Arturo Casadevall, a specialist in molecular microbiology and immunology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, has dedicated four decades to researching fungi, exploring their capacity to sustain and destroy life. In his new book, What If Fungi Win?, he analyzes how humanity might overcome the increasing threat posed by fungi. While he argues that a fungal pandemic like that depicted in the series “The Last of Us” is unlikely, Professor Casadevall asserts that the emergence of new and extremely dangerous fungal pathogens in the future is highly possible. Candida auris, a mysterious fungus first identified in Japan in 2007 and which has spread across three continents within just a few years, serves as a prime example of how climate change may enable fungi to “break thermal barriers.”
In the future, dangerous fungal pathogens may emerge. (Illustrative image).
Beyond the potential dangers, fungi are indispensable for life on Earth, providing numerous benefits to humanity. Fungi are essential ingredients in the production of food such as wine, beer, and fermented products. They are also the source of many breakthrough medications, including penicillin and statins. Today, fungi are widely applied across various industries, from producing vegan leather to construction materials. Some fungi are even utilized to decompose plastics, contributing to the resolution of environmental pollution.
However, Professor Casadevall also warns about the potential misuse of fungi for malicious purposes, such as biological weapons. “One must always be cautious about the genetic modification of organisms for nefarious ends. I don’t know if that is happening, but with such a vast and diverse microbial world, and many powerful species, we must remain vigilant against the risk of dark forces exploiting them,” he shared.
Finding effective treatments for fungal infections poses a significant challenge for scientists. “Since fungi are our closest relatives, it’s very difficult to find drugs that can kill them without harming humans,” Professor Casadevall stated. Additionally, economic barriers present a complex issue. Pharmaceutical companies often prioritize investments in drugs for conditions with higher demand and broader markets, while antifungal medications do not meet these criteria.
Professor Casadevall also expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of fraudulent scientific research, “due to data manipulation and sloppy science.” He emphasized: “I have been very worried for a long time that science is not functioning as it should. […] If science does not operate effectively, it will not provide humanity with the necessary tools. If people lose faith in us [scientists], they will cut budgets, and then it will spiral downwards. Less funding, less scientific research, fewer solutions.”
