Scientists say a deadly fungus found in Australia can shrink the brain and cause organ failure when touched. A deadly fungus that can shrink a person's brain and cause multiple organ failure has been discovered growing in Australia. The bright red poison fire coral fungus was discovered growing on tree roots in Queensland rainforest near Cairns by Redlynch fungus photographer Ray Palmer. READ MORE:* Waikato farmer's paddock contaminated with deadly fungus* Protected rātā tree may have succumbed to native fungus* Banana plantations in Colombia threatened by deadly fungusUniversity mycologist Dr Matt Barrett warned people to avoid touching the eye-catching fungus. Several people have died in Japan and Korea after mistaking the deadly fungus for edible varieties and brewing it in tea used for traditional medicine.

Source: Stuff October 03, 2019 22:59 UTC