This month we’re exploring the role that undergraduate scientists play in advancing research. Dr. Karen Bernd, Associate Professor at Davidson College leads undergraduate searches for the deadly Chytrid fungus in the Western Piedmont region of North Carolina. We had a chance to speak with her in-depth on her research project and how she works to inspire young scientists.
Q: What is Chytrid fungus and its impact on amphibians?
A: Globally there has been a precipitous decline in amphibian populations. While urbanization and sprawl certainly have an impact on population decline, more recently a fungus has appeared and spread throughout the world. This fungus is known as Chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), grows on amphibian skin breaking down the keratin and preventing them from breathing and absorbing water.
Q: How are your students looking for the fungus?
A: Davidson College is a liberal arts college located in the Western Piedmont region of North Carolina. Because of our small size, collaboration between disciplines is very easy and that is how a herpetologist, Dr. Michael Dorcas, and a molecular biologist, myself, began this project. Dr. Dorcas’ undergraduates study the effects of urbanization on indicator species including salamanders. Our combined interest is to determine whether Chytrid fungus is present in habitats in our region and any effects it has on the resident amphibian populations. Just like crime scene investigators, students collect salamanders in separate bags (to reduce cross contamination between individuals and sampling sites) and collect cell samples from the animals’ undersides on a cotton swab. The swabs are cut and placed in tubes for DNA isolation and fungus detection.
Q: What is the process for fungus detection?
A: Students in my lab use MO BIO’s PowerSoil DNA Isolation kit to extract DNA from the swabs. We then screen the samples by amplification with amphibian rRNA primers and gel electrophoresis, to verify that we have, in fact, collected amphibian cells. Next we use primers specific to the Chytrid fungus in Quantitative PCR to determine if the fungus is present or the extent of infection.
Q: Where did the idea for this project come from and what is its expected impact on student education?
A: My colleagues and I have observed that students believe that environmental/ ecological research and cell/molecular biology are distinct and non-overlapping areas (the ‘people in waders’ and the ‘pale lab geeks’). This project enables our students to realize the power of interdisciplinary work. Our initial goal is to provide data regarding Chytrid distribution in the Charlotte area. Our long-term goal is to turn this into a series of introductory biology labs so that first and second year students can better experience the scientific process. As they collect and analyze data for publication, they will gain hands-on experience with techniques applied to a ‘real’ research question, increasing relevance and ownership of the material.
Thank you Dr. Bernd, for sharing with us this valuable information on your molecular research as well as your goals for undergraduate science education at Davidson College. Those are some lucky students!
To learn more about Chytrid fungus, check out this interesting webpage: Amphibian Ark, keeping threatened amphibian species afloat
Thanks for reading and feel free to post a comment or a question for Dr. Bernd in our comment box below.
Chytrid fungus has had a huge impact in decreasing amphibian populations worldwide, this disease has the potential to increase insect-borne illnesses globally. Kudos to Dr. Bernd and Dr. Dorcas for checking it’s spread and for educating our young scientists about the impacts of this disease!
Most zoos get chytrid sooner or later. While it does require a swift, thorough response, it is not the end of the world. You have probably already had it in your collection and not even known about it.
Absolutely- chytrid has been found in zoos. Fortunately it is very treatable and those animals can be disinfected. But what about the rest of the environment? Outside of the zoos where capturing and treating the animal is fine but the infection remains in the soil or stream… then what?
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena