For Anthony Waddle, a PhD-holding conservation biologist, life has come full circle from an eight-year-old's fascination with tadpoles to saving hundreds of species. While his childhood obsession led him to study amphibians, it was a novel experiment that took him into the world of mini saunas for frogs - and later, synthetic biology.
Standing ankle-deep in water on a hot spring day between two bare cottonwood trees, Anthony recalls an "perfect moment" from his childhood spent netting tadpoles. The tadpoles were part of a critical component in the ecosystem as they consumed insects that could transport human diseases. However, a deadly fungus called chytrid, to which they have no immunity, has devastated amphibian populations worldwide.
Anthony's life-changing experience was when he began building frog saunas using masonry bricks - a method developed by him and his colleague during the pandemic. The idea behind the mini-saunas was that by raising frogs' body temperatures, it could help stave off the fungus, which spreads rapidly in cold weather like the flu.
The experiment worked, as frogs in warmer shelters were less likely to fall prey to the fungal pathogen and remained resistant when re-exposed. Recognizing the challenge of addressing the epidemic through these new shelters alone, Anthony has expanded his efforts into immunization and synthetic biology.
One of his larger projects involves raising hundreds of green and golden bell frogs - a species facing extinction due to chytrid - and vaccinating them for release in the wild. It will likely be "the largest input of frogs in that population in a decade," he says, highlighting a crucial step towards boosting conservation efforts.
Another initiative is experimenting with gene replacement to help reintroduce the critically endangered southern corroboree frogs, which do not breed naturally due to genetic bottlenecks. This innovative approach is seen as an "innovative and cutting-edge strategy" in addressing the dire situation faced by amphibian populations around the world.
Anthony's work has garnered praise from experts like Dr Jodi Rowley, who call it a "ray of hope in amphibian conservation." The scientist expresses enthusiasm for the potential solutions that his research could bring - but also acknowledges the ongoing challenges and the urgency to implement such strategies globally.
Standing ankle-deep in water on a hot spring day between two bare cottonwood trees, Anthony recalls an "perfect moment" from his childhood spent netting tadpoles. The tadpoles were part of a critical component in the ecosystem as they consumed insects that could transport human diseases. However, a deadly fungus called chytrid, to which they have no immunity, has devastated amphibian populations worldwide.
Anthony's life-changing experience was when he began building frog saunas using masonry bricks - a method developed by him and his colleague during the pandemic. The idea behind the mini-saunas was that by raising frogs' body temperatures, it could help stave off the fungus, which spreads rapidly in cold weather like the flu.
The experiment worked, as frogs in warmer shelters were less likely to fall prey to the fungal pathogen and remained resistant when re-exposed. Recognizing the challenge of addressing the epidemic through these new shelters alone, Anthony has expanded his efforts into immunization and synthetic biology.
One of his larger projects involves raising hundreds of green and golden bell frogs - a species facing extinction due to chytrid - and vaccinating them for release in the wild. It will likely be "the largest input of frogs in that population in a decade," he says, highlighting a crucial step towards boosting conservation efforts.
Another initiative is experimenting with gene replacement to help reintroduce the critically endangered southern corroboree frogs, which do not breed naturally due to genetic bottlenecks. This innovative approach is seen as an "innovative and cutting-edge strategy" in addressing the dire situation faced by amphibian populations around the world.
Anthony's work has garnered praise from experts like Dr Jodi Rowley, who call it a "ray of hope in amphibian conservation." The scientist expresses enthusiasm for the potential solutions that his research could bring - but also acknowledges the ongoing challenges and the urgency to implement such strategies globally.
I mean, what's next? Mini-fridges for fish or something? 
Anthony Waddle's work is actually kinda cool though. Who knew building mini-saunas for frogs could be a thing? 
It's like, the ultimate example of scientific experimentation and problem-solving. The guy started with an idea (frog saunas), ran with it, and now he's saving hundreds of species. Not bad for an 8-year-old's fascination with tadpoles 
I'm really stoked about Anthony Waddle's work on saving frog species! 
His childhood passion turned into a career-saving mission, and it's amazing to see how he adapted his ideas to tackle the chytrid fungus problem. Building mini saunas for frogs was pure genius 
! Now, his efforts are taking a big leap forward with immunization and synthetic biology projects 
It's heartening to know that there are dedicated people like Anthony working tirelessly to protect our planet's biodiversity 
Anthony Waddle's passion for conservation is infectious, especially when he talks about his childhood obsession with tadpoles and how it led him to create mini saunas for frogs 
It's crazy to think that something as simple as a hot spring can be the key to saving an entire species from a deadly fungus.
Gene replacement? That's some next-level stuff right there!
We need more people like Anthony Waddle who are passionate about making a difference and willing to think outside the box (or in this case, the mini sauna) 
I mean, isn't it cool how one person's childhood fascination with tadpoles can lead to saving hundreds of species? It's like, wow, someone was really into frogs when they were 8 years old... who knew that'd be the key to it all? 
he's just using science 2 save frogs lol what's next? ppl r gonna start thinkin he's a superhero or sumthin 
but seriously, it's not that hard 2 build some mini saunas 4 frogs 
idk wut's so special bout dat
. I mean, who knew mini saunas could be a game-changer for amphibians? 