EMSL Microbiologist Contributes to the Identification of Six New Species of Hamigera

Cinnaminson, NJ

Six new species of Hamigera, a fungus closely related to Penicillium, were identified by a group of scientists including Dr. Zeljko Jurjevic, a Senior Mycologist from the corporate headquarters of EMSL Analytical, Inc. Other members of the group included molecular geneticist Dr. Stephen Peterson from the USDA, Peoria, IL, Fernando Vega from the USDA, Beltsville, MD, and Alberto Stchigel, Josep Guarro and Gerald Bills researchers from different institutes in Spain. The six new species of Hamigera were named Hamigera fusca, Hamigera inflata, Hamigera insecticola, Hamigera pallida, Hamigera paravellanea, Hamigera terricola. The discovery of these six new species helped clarify confusion over the genus Hamigera that has been unresolved for over a century. Hamigera has been isolated from the air, soil, textiles, animal dung and on certain insects. They are primarily decomposers but they can be implicated in food spoilage due to their thermo-tolerant and osmo-tolerant nature. The research has been published in the July-August 2010 issue of Mycologia, volume 102(4) pages 847-64.

“Dr. Jurjevic’s contribution to fungal taxonomy is a source of pride for us at EMSL,” reported Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., National Director of Microbiology at EMSL Analytical. “Research is continuing to improve what we know and understand about the microbes that live around us. This kind of basic research is especially important in order for us to ultimately understand the effects of microbes on indoor air quality and human health,” Dobranic continued. EMSL has been dedicated to research and development since its inception in 1981. The laboratory is one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing providers of environmental microbiology and chemistry analytical services. For more information on laboratory services and products provided by EMSL please call (800) 220-3675, visit www.emsl.com or email info@emsl.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 39 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, microbiology, radon, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

About EMSL Products Division
the EMSL Products Division has more than 40 years of technical experience and IAQ Product knowledge in the IAQ Industry. EMSL is an authorized distributor for Manufactures of air sampling pumps, equipment, sampling cassettes and monitoring equipment. To contact EMSLs Product Division, email Products@EMSL.com or call 1-888-958-8170 East Coast, 1-866-798-1089 West Coast.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail