Toxic fungus turned into anti-cancer compound

Researchers isolated molecules from Aspergillus flavus and modified chemicals for test against leukemia cells

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A team of US researchers has turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound, according to a new study.

After isolating a new class of molecules from Aspergillus flavus -- a toxic crop fungus linked to deaths in the excavations of ancient tombs -- the researchers modified the chemicals and tested them against leukemia cells.