Dust-born Bacteria, Fungus, & Viruses

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Research at ASU is focusing on the decline of amphibian species linked to Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis, while other studies are examining coral reef degradation, particularly due to sea fan disease. A notable concern is the rise in asthma cases among children in Trinidad, which may be connected to dust from Africa carrying the Aspergillus fungus, potentially exacerbated by droughts attributed to global warming. The discussion raises questions about the broader implications of global dust transport on various life forms and whether there is a correlation between environmental changes and increasing asthma rates in humans. The conversation also touches on the need for collaborative research efforts to explore these connections across different regions.
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Research is being conducted at ASU regarding the decreasing number of amphibian species due to Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis, which I believe is a virus. Elsewhere research has been conducted regarding loss of coral reefs, specifically sea fan disease. In relation to the sea fan disease, recently asthma is being found among children in Trinidad, previously uncommon. Both the coral reefs and humans are being affected by dust blowing across the Atlantic from Africa containing a common soil fungus called Aspergillus (due to drought in Africa, possibly an effect of global warming).

But my thought/question is that dust being blown around the globe may be the cause of many things, and while plants and life forms such as amphibians may show effects first, it would seem the increase of asthma everywhere is an early indicator in humans. Is there any cooperation of research to see if there is a connection? Just wondering...
 
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SOS, can you clarify your question? Do you want to know about this specific issue with Aspergillus (which may be better suited for discussion in biology), or do you want to know about the politics of international research efforts (in which case this is the right place to continue the discussion)?
 
Moonbear said:
SOS, can you clarify your question? Do you want to know about this specific issue with Aspergillus (which may be better suited for discussion in biology), or do you want to know about the politics of international research efforts (in which case this is the right place to continue the discussion)?
I meant to post this in biology, so made a request to move this post there. My question is more about different findings in different parts of the world and whether there may be any connection between these findings. (Thanks.)
 
I was wondering why this was in politics. Moved. :smile:
 

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