CHHR scientists suspect that pollution
of marine and estuarine waters increases human exposure and susceptibility to infectious
diseases through the food they eat and the waters in which they work and play. Research
investigators aim to understand how these diseases start, how they spread and how
they ultimately can be prevented in key marine species like shrimp, oysters, coral,
blue crabs, fish, and dolphins. CHHR scientists and programs at the
HML are well-prepared and well-equipped to monitor the impacts of
environmental influences on marine organisms. These evaluations are conducted by
assessing the response of the organisms by means of bioassays, monitoring physiological,
immunological and transcriptional responses, as well as directly quantifying chemical
contaminants or infection intensity/pathology. Research at the
CHHR and
HML is directed at comparing exposed versus unexposed organisms, to
discern stress-specific responses to both natural and anthropogenic stressors.
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