Lichen symbioses constitute a remarkable model of mutualistic interaction, wherein a fungal partner (mycobiont) forms a close and dynamic association with a photosynthetic partner (photobiont), either ...

• Background and AimsLichens represent a symbiotic relationship between at least one fungal and one photosynthetic partner. The association between the lichen-forming fungus Mastodia tessellata ...

A group of researchers supported by FAPESP has confirmed the identity of the first lichens to inhabit Earth, Spongiophyton, around 410 million years ...

For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that certain lichen species can survive Mars-like conditions, including exposure to ionising radiation, while maintaining a metabolically active state ...

Most planetary scientists agree that Mars’ extreme conditions would be uninhabitable to life as we know it. New research, however, suggests that we might be underestimating the hardiness of lichens.

Lichens have no roots, no waxy leaves and no way to filter what they absorb. Everything they take in comes directly from the ...

CC0 Usage Conditions ApplyClick for more information. Dr. Manuela Dal Forno is a research scientist with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Ever since she was a young child, she ...

Lichens have long been regarded as emblematic examples of mutualistic symbioses between fungi and photosynthetic partners. Recent research, however, has revealed that these organisms also harbour ...