SCIENCE

Exploring Extreme Creatures for Medical Breakthroughs

Wed Jan 29 2025
Scientists typically focus on a few model animals like lab mice or fruit flies for medical research. But plants and other critters living in harsh environments might hold keys to solving tough health problems. Field studies of these wild animals are rare due to funding issues. Yet, understanding how they adapt to extreme conditions can unlock new discoveries. Extreme conditions aren't just about temperature. Animals in harsh landscapes face challenges like hunger, high pressure, or low oxygen. Researching these creatures needs special tools to minimize disturbance and protect biodiversity. Plus, it's crucial to respect ethical guidelines and collaborate across disciplines. By studying critters that thrive under extreme conditions, we might find solutions to big health threats like antibiotic resistance and lifestyle diseases. This approach, part of the One Health strategy, can open new avenues in biomedical innovation.

questions

    Why is there a lack of biomedical research on wild animals despite the potential for innovation?
    What ethical considerations must be addressed when conducting fieldwork under the Nagoya Protocol?
    What specific technologies and methods are required to work in extreme environments and minimize ecological impact?

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