Twilight zone fungi could be used to develop new drugs

The largest-ever study of ocean DNA, published in the journal Frontiers in Science, reveals a significant abundance of fungi thriving in the twilight zone of the ocean, between 200 meters and 1,000 meters below the surface. This region, characterised by high pressure, lack of light, and cold temperatures, presents an extreme environment where fungi might exhibit unique adaptations. The discovery could potentially lead to the identification of new species with unique biochemical properties, unlocking the door to new drugs. The study, which catalogued more than 317 million marine organism gene groups, offers valuable insights into the ocean's biodiversity and potential for biotechnological discoveries. (Frontiers)