A rotifer-derived paralytic compound prevents transmission of schistosomiasis to a mammalian host SUMMARY: Researchers discovered that a new molecule produced by the rotifer, Rotaria rotatoria, paralyzes cercariae. Cercariae are the free-living/infectious stage of the flatworm Schistosoma, the cause of schistosomiasis. R. rotatoria live on the shell of freshwater snails and secrete a compound scientists have… Continue reading Rotifers Paralyzing Schistosomes
Tag: ecosystems
Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics
Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics driving decomposition of the same leaf litter SUMMARY: This study looked at the rate of decay between litter in lab conditions and natural conditions. They used fallen leaves from dogwood trees, oak trees, maple trees, and maple-oak tree mix. Results showed quite a difference in… Continue reading Field and lab conditions alter microbial enzyme and biomass dynamics
Using ciliates as indicators
Protozoa ciliates community structure in urban streams and their environmental use as indicators SUMMARY: Three urban stream samples were collected during both dry and rainy seasons in Brazil. Ciliates were classified and identified in each stream. The relationships between the ciliates, abiotic factors, and biotic factors are discussed in the last section of the paper.… Continue reading Using ciliates as indicators
Conservation of biodiversity to improve human well-being
Conservation of biodiversity as a strategy for improving human health and well-being SUMMARY: This article looks at whether or not increasing biodiversity in an ecosystem can decrease the prevalence of diseases. While the idea seems simple (more hosts for the disease, less incidences of the disease spreading to people), the issue is much more complicated.… Continue reading Conservation of biodiversity to improve human well-being
Environmental impacts on the diversity of methane-cycling microbes and their resultant function
Environmental impacts on the diversity of methane-cycling microbes and their resultant function SUMMARY: There are two types of microbes that are involved in methane cycling: ones that produce methane (methanogens) and ones that use methane as a source of energy and convert it to carbon dioxide (methanotrophs). This article review looked at all the different… Continue reading Environmental impacts on the diversity of methane-cycling microbes and their resultant function
De novo origins of multicellularity in response to predation
De novo origins of multicellularity in response to predation SUMMARY: Chlamydomonas are common, single-celled green algae that are flagellated and can move around. They’re a strange cross between plants and protists. In this study, scientists subjected chlamydomonas to predation by paramecia (common freshwater ciliates) and observed that after about 750 generations, the chlamydomonas took on… Continue reading De novo origins of multicellularity in response to predation