A biologist has invented mini saunas for frogs to help combat a deadly fungus threatening hundreds of species. Anthony Waddle, an Australian conservation biologist, has developed a solution to save green and golden bell frogs from the chytrid fungus, which has wiped out 90 species and is threatening more than 500.
Waddle's experiment involves building frog-sized saunas in masonry bricks, which he hopes will help raise the body temperature of the frogs. By doing so, they would become less susceptible to the fungal pathogen, which thrives at cooler temperatures. The experiment was successful, with frogs that spent their winters warmer in their new shelters being less likely to fall prey to the fungus.
Waddle's next step is to develop a vaccination program for species that cannot be vaccinated using synthetic biology techniques. This involves raising and vaccinating hundreds of green and golden bell frogs, which will then be released into the wild to help boost their population.
While some experts have raised ethical concerns about synthetic biology in conservation, Waddle believes it can be a powerful tool in saving vulnerable species. "We can't just be willy-nilly slapping genes into frogs," he said, but at the research level, they should investigate synthetic biology as a solution to conservation problems.
The challenges of amphibian conservation are daunting, with over 40% of all species threatened with extinction. But Waddle remains optimistic about the potential of his work. "Usually if I can't sleep, it's something exciting," he said. "I'll be sitting in bed, thinking, 'Oh, we can do that experiment. We can do this experiment.'"
Waddle's experiment involves building frog-sized saunas in masonry bricks, which he hopes will help raise the body temperature of the frogs. By doing so, they would become less susceptible to the fungal pathogen, which thrives at cooler temperatures. The experiment was successful, with frogs that spent their winters warmer in their new shelters being less likely to fall prey to the fungus.
Waddle's next step is to develop a vaccination program for species that cannot be vaccinated using synthetic biology techniques. This involves raising and vaccinating hundreds of green and golden bell frogs, which will then be released into the wild to help boost their population.
While some experts have raised ethical concerns about synthetic biology in conservation, Waddle believes it can be a powerful tool in saving vulnerable species. "We can't just be willy-nilly slapping genes into frogs," he said, but at the research level, they should investigate synthetic biology as a solution to conservation problems.
The challenges of amphibian conservation are daunting, with over 40% of all species threatened with extinction. But Waddle remains optimistic about the potential of his work. "Usually if I can't sleep, it's something exciting," he said. "I'll be sitting in bed, thinking, 'Oh, we can do that experiment. We can do this experiment.'"
OMG you guys, imagine having a mini sauna for your tiny frog friends! 
Anthony Waddle's genius invention is literally saving the lives of hundreds of species from this deadly fungus 
. It's amazing to see how science can come together to help our planet's creatures in such an innovative way 
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. Raising their body temperature is basically the answer to their prayers 
️. And Waddle's next step? Vaccinating them with synthetic biology techniques! 
Who knew science could be so cool? 
. I'm loving Waddle's optimism and enthusiasm for this project 
. Can't wait to see what other amazing solutions come out of this! 
Anthony Waddle's mini saunas for frogs are genius! I mean, who wouldn't want a personal heat lamp when you're just chillin' in the pond? But seriously, it's wild how much we can learn from animals and their adaptations. Synthetic biology is like, the future of conservation right now 
I mean, we all know how many diseases are out there waiting to wipe us out (or in this case, our frog friends), but he's tackling it head-on. Can't wait to see the results of his experiment and hopefully, soon, these frogs will be thriving in no time 
! Who knew mini saunas could be the key to beating a deadly fungus? 
It's crazy how far science has come and how innovative solutions like this are being developed. The fact that he's working on a vaccination program using synthetic biology techniques is also super exciting 
. It just goes to show that we need to think outside the box (or in this case, the pond 
.
It just goes to show how innovative science can be when it comes to conservation. And I love how he's thinking outside the box (or in this case, the lily pad!) with synthetic biology techniques 
. As a parent, I'm always worried about the future of our planet and its creatures, but hearing about Waddle's work makes me feel hopeful 
. Maybe one day we'll have mini saunas for all sorts of species! 
and now he's working on a vaccination program too... talk about dedication 
. some ppl might say it's synthetic biology gone wild, but like, what's wrong with that? 
i mean who knew mini saunas could save frog lives lol imagine those tiny frogs chillin in their brick shelters, all cozy and fungus-free 
hope waddle's work can make a difference and we can have more froggy friends around 
? It sounds like a ribbiting idea! I mean, who wouldn't want to relax in their own tiny sauna with some green and golden buddies? And on a more serious note, Waddle's the real MVP for trying out unconventional methods to save these amphibians. I'm all for experimenting with synthetic biology if it means we can level up our conservation game 
. Plus, who needs sleep when you've got frogs to save? 
40% of species threatened with extinction? that sounds like too many numbers to me... lets do this, anthony!