SciDev.Net

Pycnoporus sanguineus is one of the species the Malaysian researchers are studying

Wikipedia / Eric Guinther

In many developing countries, mycology — the study of fungi — is neglected relative to other fields of biology. Advances in biochemistry are, however, making it easier to research potential drugs and other compounds from an estimated three million fungal species.

In this article, Theresa Manavalan reports on how two professors at the University of Malaya are trying to reverse Malaysia's lack of expertise in the field by training a small group to become experts on the country's many species of fungus.