Giant African snails, Heʻeia, Oʻahu; nearly 30% infected in the recent study. (Photo credit: Randi Rollins)
Different species of snails in Hawaiʻi host variable amounts of infectious rat lungworm, the nematode (roundworm) known scientifically as
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes rat lungworm disease. A recent study, led by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa zoology graduate student, revealed that environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature and the extent of green vegetation, influence rat lungworm infection in snails.
In an effort to advance research and treatments for rat lungworm disease, researchers from
UH Mānoa formed the Mānoa Angiostrongylus Research Group, led by
Healthy-looking frog held by researcher in the field. (Photo credit: Andrea Jani)
Just as beneficial microbes in the human gut can be affected by antibiotics, diet interventions and other disturbances, the microbiomes of other animals can also be upset. In a rare study, a researcher with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (
SOEST), determined the skin microbiome of an endangered frog was altered when the frogs were infected by a specific fungus, and it did not recover to its initial state even when the frog was cured of the infection.
IfA) and Hawaiʻi Institute for Marine Biology (
HIMB), and dean of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (
SONDH).
The recruitment for these positions has been delayed due to the hiring freeze instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated budget shortfall. The freeze is a short-term budget-saving measure that allows for the president to approve exceptions for positions essential to health, safety and achievement of institutional goals.
“These four leadership positions are essential to the academic success of
UH Mānoa,” said
Michael Bruno, who requested the exceptions. “They are essential to three of
UH Mānoa’s premiere research and academic units, all of which are identified with critical roles in advancing Hawaiʻi’s post-pandemic future. Furthermore, maintaining and accelerating momentum in student recruitment is necessary to build the educational capital of the state and for
Coral chemical signatures
A comparison of resistant (left) and bleached (right) corals.(Photo credit: Ty Roach)
The researchers discovered chemical signatures in the corals’ biology or biomarkers, that are present in organisms that were most resistant to the bleaching. This previously hidden insight could help researchers and conservationists better restore and protect reefs around the world.
“Usually, we think of biomarkers as signatures of disease, but this could be a signature of health,” said Robert Quinn, an assistant professor in
MSU’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. “This could help us restore reefs with the most resistant stock.”
Corals are symbiotic communities, where coral animal cells build homes for algae that provide them energy and create their colors. When corals bleach, however, the algae are lost and leave behind bleached skeletons that are susceptible to disease and death.
Halemaumau lava lake in Kīlauea, taken in November 2013. (Photo credit: Tom Shea)
In the early solar system, rocky planets, such as Earth, Mercury, Venus and Mars, and the Moon may have been “lava worlds,” with oceans of magma blanketing the surface, according to planetary scientists. Similar magma-covered planets may orbit close to other stars and can be studied directly.
SOEST), along with their Earth sciences professor
Eric Gaidos, published a scientific review of this stage in planetary evolution that may determine the later atmospheric composition and potential habitability of planets such as Earth.
Timely scientific review
This topic is particularly timely for the scientific community because