Category: Ecology

New Publication: Diversity of selected toll-like receptor genes in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and African leopards (Panthera pardus pardus)

Published on by Gillian

Leopards (Panthera pardus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) face several threats including habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and infectious disease. Dr Desiré Lee Dalton (Lecturer, Teesside University) and collaborators investigated the diversity of genes involved in the initial detection and defence against infectious diseases in modern Southern African cheetahs and leopards as well as historic cheetah samples and samples of different cheetah subspecies. We found that diversity was lower in cheetah than in leopards. In addition, historic cheetahs from all subspecies exhibited greater genetic diversity than modern Southern African cheetahs. Thus, indicating that cheetah have further lost diversity recently as a result of a population declines within the last 150 years. These results have identified that Southern African cheetahs may not be able survive future infectious diseases.

 

Access the publication through the publisher’s website with this link (https://rdcu.be/dyC4L)

Seminer update – Dr Oluseye Oludoye

Published on by Gillian

On 8th February 2024 we had a fascinating internal seminar talk by Dr Oluseye Oludoye on Pro-Environmental Behaviour Towards Sustainable Food Systems.

Oluseye introduced us to his research including pesticide, cocoa flavours, and plastic chemistry. The talk introduced the team to how people consider use of pesticide, but more importantly the impact of usage on the environment, including soil health. The talk encouraged the group to think about economics, biodiversity and climate change, a really thought provoking and insightful lunchtime session.

British Ecological Society – Talk by Dr Desire Dalton

Published on by Gillian

The British Ecological Society was recently held in Belfast

Dr Desiré Dalton (Lecturer, Teesside University) presented her research project entitled ‘Advancing the study of intra-African bird migration: Variable patterns of divergence in habitat specialists (Woodland Kingfisher) and generalists (African Pygmy Kingfisher and Diederik Cuckoo)’ at Europe’s largest conference dedicated to ecology, the British Ecological Society (BES) Annual Meeting. This year’s conference was held in Belfast (Northern Ireland) from the 12th to 15th December 2023.

 

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Sustainable Agriculture and Waste Management: A Path Towards Environmental Stewardship

Published on by Gillian

On November 29, 2023, Environmental Research Society led by the MSc students hosted Dr Oluseye Oludoye. He presented on the topic titled “Sustainable Agriculture and Waste Management: A Path Towards Environmental Stewardship”. This presentation delves into the pivotal role of these interconnected practices in shaping environmental sustainability. In the pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future, the intersection of agriculture and waste management emerges as a critical nexus.

In the intricate dance of sustainable agriculture and waste management, individual behaviours become catalysts for change. He stated that our journey begins with understanding the symbiotic relationship between responsible agricultural practices and effective waste management.

Connecting the Dots: Sustainable agriculture is not merely a buzzword but a commitment to cultivating the land while preserving its essence. For instance, Dr Oluseye Oludoye’s research on pesticide safety behaviours among cocoa farmers underscores the significance of responsible agricultural practices (https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2022.2148147). By embracing sustainable farming methods, we protect ecosystems, foster biodiversity, and ensure the health of our soil.

Agricultural Sustainability: The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Through practices like agroecology, we not only grow our food but also nurture a climate-friendly environment. He noted that our choices in agriculture have a direct impact on mitigating climate change, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

Reducing Carbon Footprint: Beyond mitigating climate change, sustainable agriculture plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity. By choosing sustainable practices, we become stewards of the planet, maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of diverse plant and animal species.

Preserving Biodiversity: He encouraged the Environmental Research Society to serve as a beacon of change, empowering its members to drive transformative action. Armed with insights from our research at Earth and Environment Group, each member was encouraged to be an advocate for sustainable agriculture in their local communities. For example, by actively engaging in initiatives that promote responsible waste management, we sow the seeds of a greener future.

Empowering Change: He stated that the collective impact of individual choices cannot be overstated. Our call to action extends beyond personal behaviours to highlight the transformative power of united efforts. Through collaborative projects, advocacy initiatives, and global awareness campaigns, he emphasizes that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the global tapestry of sustainability.

Emphasizing Collective Impact: In concluding this exploration of sustainable agriculture and waste management, he reminded the society members that the choices we make today echo into the future. By embracing these practices, we cultivate not only a bountiful harvest but also a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to reap. Let us, as members of the Environmental Research Society, be the custodians of change, nurturing a greener, more sustainable Earth for all. Together, we embark on a path towards environmental stewardship, one that honors the planet we call home.

Northumbrian Water’s ‘Restore and Regenerate’ Strategy: Paving the Way for Sustainable Environmental Management

Published on by Lisa

On October 11, 2023, the TU Earth & Environment Research Group had the privilege of hosting Dr. Zoë Frogbrook, Head of Environment and Sustainability at Northumbrian Water. She unveiled ‘Restore and Regenerate,’ Northumbrian Water’s ambitious environmental management strategy spanning all the way to 2050.

Through this strategy, Northumbrian Water, in partnership with the Coal Authority, the Rivers Trust, and other NE environmental management organisations, are developing ground-breaking nature-based solutions that complement and potentially outperform traditional (end-of-pipe and hard engineering) wastewater management approaches.

During her talk, Dr. Frogbrook stressed the importance of environmental monitoring data to evaluate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions under development, such as those addressing nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) pollution in rivers and flood risk. She also emphasised the need to assess biodiversity at Northumbrian Water sites to establish a baseline for future improvement.

The TU Earth & Environment Research Group explored with Dr. Frogbrook the potential for  PhD funding opportunities through Northumbrian Water. There are also a wealth of potential research projects for our Teesside University students offering real-world employable skills to our future graduates. A partnership between Northumbrian Water and TU Earth & Environment Group promises to advance environmental sustainability within the water industry in the northeast. As Dr. Frogbrook aptly pointed out, ‘sustain’ implies maintaining the status quo, but Northumbrian Water and the TU Earth & Environment Group share a vision of progress to enhance the environment for future generations. There’s no time to stand still.

New paper: A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria)

Published on by Gillian

Highlights

  • Nudiviruses are present in a range of fished crustaceans, including Menippe mercenaria.

  • This novel nudivirus expands the Nudiviridae and Gammanudivirus genus.

  • Pathologically, the virus causes hepatopancreatic damage and may affect the fishery.
  • Similar gene synteny appears to be maintained in gammanudiviruses from geographically related hosts.

Abstract

Menippe mercenaria, the Florida stone crab, supports an unconventional fishery across the southern USA and Caribbean that involves claw-removal and the return of de-clawed animals to the sea. We provide pathological, ultrastructural, and genomic detail for a novel hepatopancreatic, nucleus-specific virus – Menippe mercenaria nudivirus (MmNV) – isolated from M. mercenaria, captured during fisheries-independent monitoring.

The virus has a genome of 99,336 bp and encodes 84 predicted protein coding genes and shows greatest similarity to Aratus pisonii nudivirus (ApNV) (<60% protein similarity and 31 shared genes of greatest similarity), collected from the Florida Keys, USA. MmNV is a member of the Gammanudivirus genus (Naldaviricetes: Lefavirales: Nudiviridae). Comparisons of virus genome size, preferred host environment, and gene number revealed no clear associations between the viral traits and phylogenetic position. Evolution of the virus alongside the diversification of host taxa, with the potential for host-switching, remain more likely evolutionary pathways.

New paper: Florida stone crab – Dr Jamie Bojko

Published on by Gillian

A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria)

Menippe mercenaria, the Florida stone crab, supports an unconventional fishery across the southern USA and Caribbean that involves claw-removal and the return of de-clawed animals to the sea. We provide pathological, ultrastructural, and genomic detail for a novel hepatopancreatic, nucleus-specific virus – Menippe mercenaria nudivirus (MmNV) – isolated from M. mercenaria, captured during fisheries-independent monitoring.

The virus has a genome of 99,336 bp and encodes 84 predicted protein coding genes and shows greatest similarity to Aratus pisonii nudivirus (ApNV) (<60% protein similarity and 31 shared genes of greatest similarity), collected from the Florida Keys, USA. MmNV is a member of the Gammanudivirus genus (Naldaviricetes: Lefavirales: Nudiviridae). Comparisons of virus genome size, preferred host environment, and gene number revealed no clear associations between the viral traits and phylogenetic position. Evolution of the virus alongside the diversification of host taxa, with the potential for host-switching, remain more likely evolutionary pathways.

A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) – ScienceDirect

Best of 2022 paper – Dr Jamie Bojko

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In a recent “best-of-2022” release by the journal ‘ Trends in Parasitology’, Dr Jamie Bojko and colleagues’ contribution was highlighted as one of the most influential papers on parasitology. Their manuscript explores the history of microsporidian taxonomy, and provides an up-to-date perspective on well-studied species, highlighting the future of the field and how a stable taxonomy is needed to provide consensus information for all research teams involved, from human pathologists through to marine scientists.

Open access link: https://www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/collections/best-of-2022

 

Earth and Environment Group photo

Published on by Gillian

Before the start of the new academic term, the Earth and Environment team has a lovely get together, discussing the exciting plans for the year ahead.

left to right..

Dr Gillian Taylor (group lead), Dr Ernesto Saiz val, Dr Craig McBeth, Dr Haliza Hassan, Amy Burgess, Dr Rhys Williams, Dr Becki Scott, Dr Lisa Baldini, Dr Pablo Cubillas Gonzalez, Dr Ambroise Baker, Dr Caroline Orr, Dr Desire Dalton, Alison Reid, Dr Kerry Pettigrew, Dr Chris Ennis, Dr David Wright.