Malaria’s long evolutionary history among humans and its mosquito vector has resulted in intense selection pressure on each organism to evolve traits that confer survival. This coevolution makes malaria a challenging disease to eradicate; therefore, achieving malarial control requires an extensive understanding of malaria’s evolutionary and life history. Malaria’s life and evolutionary history reveal that arresting mosquito longevity is the key to malarial control. This paper will demonstrate that an effective intervention strategy must take a multifaceted and ecologically conscious approach towards targeting the mosquito vector.
Amoebiasis is one of the leading causes of death from parasitic disease worldwide, but it is rarely heard about in the United States. The disease is caused by a protist, specifically an amoebozoa named Entamoeba histolytica. Infection by this parasite is most common in underdeveloped countries and invades hosts by the fecal-oral route, secreting enzymes and using its pseudopods to tear apart human cells in the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, they can penetrate the gut lining and migrate through the bloodstream to other vital organs. This can lead to bloody diarrhea, as well as abscesses in the liver, lungs, or brain, which may ultimately result in death.
Most of us are familiar with the ongoing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that over 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. Through UV degradation and choppy currents, these big pieces of plastic break down into tiny microplastics (pieces less than 5mm in size) which threaten marine animals that mistake these pollutants for food.
Over 14 million tons of microplastics, pieces of plastic less than 5mm (MPs), have accumulated in the world's oceans to date. Along the California coastline, this is attributed to high urbanization in former wetland habitats. A focal organism in this environmental issue is the eelgrass, a marine plant whose beds were once widespread along the California coastline but has since shrunk by 90% over the last century due to coastal urbanization. The remaining beds of the most common genus, Zostera, concentrate within bays and estuaries that receive an influx of inland freshwater; as a result they collect a large portion of MP-contaminated urban runoff. This paper will elucidate the mechanisms in which MPs get trapped in Zostera beds, as well as examine the ecological impacts this has. These findings will help to discuss Zostera restoration for its possible utility as a bioremediation crop for removal of MPs from water.
Pathologies that arise during critical stages of infant brain development such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have no known causes. While infant trials are scarce, preliminary mice trials have proven associations between neurological pathologies and gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM). Presently, research on the human gut-brain axis connection has found similarities to these mice models. This review will critically examine recent studies which associate GIM with developmental benchmarks in infants.
Investigating replacements for inorganic chemical controls of pests and pathogens is essential to preserve the productivity and longevity of our agricultural lands. One solution is vermicomposting, a safe, scalable, and regenerative method of managing organic waste that involves the use of worms to convert organic matter into compost. This literature review examines the effects that vermicompost and vermicompost teas have on harmful accumulations of pests, pathogens, and toxins found within our agricultural systems.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul have identified the first Mastrevirus, a plant virus causing disease in crops worldwide, to infect both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. While this finding has interesting implications for gene editing via viral vectors, it may also impact pathogen management and food security.
Approximately 10% of the world’s population is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder that is notable for abdominal pain and bloating. These appear as several subtypes of symptoms that likely result from individuals’ unique microbiota and response to psychological stress. This literature review investigates the factors that lead to IBS and its diverse treatment options.
After spending an eternity in the restroom in pain, you decide to explore how to prevent it from happening again. Luckily, significant research has been performed on a common bacteria living inside that raw meat product you consumed before your unfortunate trip to the bathroom. The likely culprit—Salmonella.