16 - Protists - Final

Page 1

• Title: Chapter 25 - Protists

• Relevant source: Textbook, World Health Organization

• Reference: Library SCIENCEpho, SCIENCE SOU, 16-PROTISTS, page 101

Page 2

• Announcements:

  • Reference to Frago et al. (2017) paper on Blackboard, noted for having 151 citations.

  • Mention of NPR reporting about USAID-funded research on using parasitic wasps to manage caterpillar populations affecting corn in Africa, now halted.

Page 3

• Plant Defenses Against Herbivores:

  • Research by Jack Schultz finds that trees can communicate and assist each other to defend against insects/herbivores, specifically referencing gypsy moth caterpillars.

Page 4

• Continuation of plant defense topic:

  • Focus on spongy moth caterpillars.

Page 5

• Research Findings (1982):

  • Ian Baldwin and Jack Schultz discovered that poplar and sugar maple seedlings released anti-herbivore compounds (phytoalexins) when near saplings with damaged leaves.

  • 40 out of 48 studies confirm that plants detect airborne signals and increase their defenses in response.

  • Example airborne signal: methyl jasmonate; cut grass smell indicates danger.

  • Evolutionary implications for plant assistance to each other, possibly quicker communication through volatiles.

Page 6

• Funding and Research Background:

  • DARPA's funding for Schultz's research discussed in a 2004 NBC news article.

  • Historical context of research initiatives since 1958.

Page 7

• Further Research Links:

  • Citing various sources on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and funding sources from the European Union.

  • Projects include FACING project collaboration between Van't Hoff Institute and TNODefence.

Page 8

• Duplicate of Page 1.

Page 9

• Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919):

  • Coined terms: ecology, phylum, stem cell, protista.

  • Background on Haeckel's work and influence on scientific racism and social Darwinism during the eugenics era.

Page 10

• Taxonomic Classification History:

  • Linnaeus: Two Kingdoms (Plantae, Animalia)

  • Haeckel: Three Kingdoms (Plantae, Animalia, Protista)

  • Copeland: Four Kingdoms with prokaryotic and eukaryotic groups.

  • Whittaker: Five Kingdoms.

  • Hillis et al. (2023) introduced Three Domains classification.

Page 11

• Protists:

  • Definitions and evolution of the term, including abandonment as a taxonomic group.

  • Protists as catch-all eukaryotic groups not classified as plants, animals, or fungi.

Page 12

• Trypanosoma brucei:

  • Causes sleeping sickness; transmitted by tsetse fly.

  • Symptoms of the first stage include fever and swollen lymph glands; untreated leads to neurological issues.

  • Ability to evade immune responses crucial for its survival.

Page 13

• Epidemiology of Sleeping Sickness:

  • Historical cases in Africa and reporting changes over the years.

  • WHO's goal to eliminate transmission of sleeping sickness by 2030.

Page 14

• Transmission Dynamics:

  • Tsetse fly as vector for human infection.

  • Life cycle requiring both the tsetse fly and human hosts.

Page 15

• Postive Developments:

  • Gambiense HAT eliminated from Togo as of June 2023.

  • Several countries reporting cases-free for over a decade.

Page 16

• Funding for WHO:

  • Detailed contributions to WHO highlighting the U.S. as a major contributor.

  • Mention of public and political opinion including statements on U.S. withdrawal from WHO.

Page 17

• Chagas Disease Overview:

  • Caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by kissing bugs.

  • Description of acute and chronic symptoms and global infection statistics (focus on Latin America).

  • Treatment available; urgency highlights with time delay in treatment.

Page 18

• Risk Expansion of Chagas Disease:

  • Predictions of increased risk areas in the U.S. due to climate change.

  • Statistics on infections in 2020.

Page 19

• Chagas Disease Transmission Challenges:

  • Low diagnosis rates in the U.S.; increasing awareness and efforts.

  • Risk factors under discussion.

Page 20

• International Chagas Day:

  • Significant dates celebrating awareness for Chagas disease.

Page 21

• Carlos Chagas (1879-1934):

  • Contributions to malaria research and establishment of Trypanosoma cruzi as the causative agent for Chagas disease.

  • Recognition and awards reflecting impact on parasitology.

Page 22

• Plasmodium Overview:

  • Malaria-causing organisms detailed, with specifics on transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes.

  • Statistics on cases and deaths, particularly among children in Africa.

Page 23

• Malaria Progress and Challenges:

  • Effectiveness of treatment drugs and evolving resistance.

  • Malaria case trends with WHO initiatives for eradication.

Page 24

• Climate Change Impact on Malaria:

  • Predictions of changing climate suitability for malaria transmission by 2050.

  • Recent emergence of local malaria cases in the U.S. outlined.

Page 25

• Malaria Vaccine Developments:

  • Introduction of RTS,S vaccine and ongoing trials for new vaccines.

  • Data on efficacy and recommendations by WHO.

Page 26

• Malaria Vaccine Program Launch in Cameroon:

  • Public health initiative detailed involving vaccination rollout.

Page 27

• Global Vaccine Deployment:

  • Overview of malaria vaccines distribution to Africa, impact anticipated in combating child mortality.

Page 28

• Scientific Event Mention:

  • Reference to Mendel Medal awarded to prominent scientists and contributions to science and religion discussions.