Topic: Fungus

Federal health officials warn of a spreading "superbug" known as Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus found in hospitals and nursing homes. The fungus can persist on bed rails and catheters, making it difficult to eradicate. While healthy visitors are at low risk, the infection is deadly for vulnerable patients with underlying illnesses.

Minnesota is reportedly the epicenter of an outbreak of TM7, a rare form of sexually transmitted ringworm. The fungal infection is most prevalent among men who have sex with men. The hosts predict that these fungal outbreaks will lead to the development and promotion of "anti-fungal vaccines," which they view with skepticism.

A lethal fungus called Aspergillosis is reportedly spreading across the U.S., with media outlets attempting to link its survival to rising global temperatures. Meanwhile, a new COVID-19 variant nicknamed "Nimbus" is causing severe "razor blade throat" symptoms in patients. The hosts dismiss the climate change connection to the fungus as a "psyop" and note the rapid spread of the new variant.

Mainstream media outlets like CNBC and experts such as Dr. Paul Offit are intensifying coverage of the Delta variant, claiming it is 60% more transmissible than previous strains. Reports from India link the variant to "black fungus" infections that can lead to severe surgery or death. While the Pfizer vaccine is cited as only 33% effective after one dose, officials continue to push for full vaccination to prevent a fall resurgence.

In Australia, reports indicate parents are being paid cash to enroll their children in drug trials for vaccines. Meanwhile, a mysterious fungus has reportedly destroyed one-third of the Afghan opium harvest, a development that is expected to drive up global heroin prices and benefit those controlling the black market.

Health authorities in Australia suspended swine flu vaccinations for children under five after reports of convulsions and at least one death. The hosts also discuss a new "deadly fungus" strain, Cryptococcus gattii, spreading in the Pacific Northwest. They predict that the World Health Organization will use this fungus outbreak to justify the development of new, mandatory vaccines.

A severe late blight is affecting tomato and potato crops in the Northeast United States, occurring much earlier in the season than typical fall outbreaks. Speculation exists regarding a connection between the blight and the development of resistant "super tomatoes" at Cornell University, which has ties to Monsanto. Some observers suggest the outbreak may be a concerted effort to undermine the organic heirloom tomato market.

A study in the *American Naturalist* describes a fungus that takes control of carpenter ants' brains, turning them into "zombie ants" to optimize spore reproduction. In a separate item, a listener points out a creepy tip on smallsteps.gov suggesting adults "pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games" for exercise. The hosts joke that following such government advice could lead to an arrest.

A recent influx of black truffles from Honduras has hit the local market at significantly lower prices than traditional French or Italian varieties. While high-end white truffles at Alan Ducasse's restaurant in New York can cost $5,000 each, these smaller Honduran truffles were sold for nine dollars. The discussion covers the aromatic nature of the fungus, the difficulty of cultivation, and the use of dogs or pigs to locate them under oak trees.