Chaga

Dengue, yellow fever, Chagas and Zika have expanded beyond their historical tropical origins with the spread of the Aedes mosquito and other carriers.

Chaga, whose medicinal use dates back to 12th century Europe, is another big player in the functional mushroom market.

Other critical research uncovered the mirror-image DNA among the parasite that causes Chagas’ disease, which can cause irreversible damage to the heart and digestive organs if left untreated.

This is the first experimental evidence that this gene is involved with Chagas disease, Hünemeier says.

"I think it is wrong not to publish the results of that report because it gives rise to speculations and alarmist interpretations," said retired cavalry general Paulo Chagas.