Mysterious black fungus threatens 800-year-old Portuguese cathedral

Researchers have discovered that black fungus threatening an 800-year-old Portuguese cathedral is new to science.

A sample of the fungus on the Sé Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral of Coimbra), which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, was taken from the Santa Maria Chapel and put through an extensive analysis.

In addition to finding it to be unique, scientists determined that it could have come on the limestone imported from nearby areas and using the cathedral's construction.

The scientists noted that the discovery of a new variety of fungus will allow the development and improvement of tools to protect stone monuments from the deteriorating effects.

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