Papers

Infectious disease ecology and evolution in a changing world

This study examines how changing environmental conditions, particularly thermal shifts, can influence infectious disease dynamics. The research suggests that temperature conditions can strongly affect both host and pathogen traits related to infection.

Polystyrene nanoplastics differentially influence the outcome of infection by two microparasites of the host <i>Daphnia magna</i>

Researchers exposed the water flea Daphnia magna to two different parasites in the presence of polystyrene nanoplastics. The study found that nanoplastic exposure dramatically increased infection rates by a fungal parasite while having no significant effect on a gut microsporidium, suggesting that nanoplastics can differentially affect host-parasite relationships and potentially favor parasite coexistence in aquatic environments.

High-Dose Biochar Hinders Micro/Nanoplastic-Induced Soil Positive Priming by Reducing Substrate Quality and Microbial Activity

A 70-day incubation experiment found that high-dose biochar application reduced micro/nanoplastic-induced soil positive priming effects by decreasing the quality of dissolved organic carbon available to microbes. This suggests that biochar soil management can help offset the carbon sequestration losses caused by microplastic-driven acceleration of organic matter turnover.

Polystyrene Microplastic Exposure Modulates Gut Microbiota and Gut-Liver Axis in Gilthead Seabreams (Sparus Aurata)

Impact of Polystyrene Microplastic Exposure on Gilthead Seabream (Sparus Aurata Linnaeus, 1758): Differential Inflammatory and Immune Response between Anterior and Posterior Intestine

Subchronic Oral Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics Affects Hepatic Lipid Metabolism, Inflammation, and Oxidative Balance in Gilthead Seabream (&lt;i&gt;Sparus Aurata&lt;/i&gt;)

Earthworm Casting Drives Soil Microplastic Upward Transport and the Formation of Biogenic Polymer Aggregates

Scientists found that earthworms are moving tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from deeper soil up to the surface, where crops grow, and breaking them into even smaller pieces in the process. The earthworms also create conditions that help beneficial bacteria break down these plastics over time. This matters because it could affect how much plastic contamination gets into our food supply, though more research is needed to understand the full health implications.