Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Thursday, July 30th 1:15-2:30pm EDT
Abstract: Human impact. We are currently living in what scientists have deemed The Age of Humans. Never before has any other organism influenced the course of nature as much as humans have. From superstorms and droughts to emerging pathogens, our appetite for domination is a double-edged sword. Our wake of neglect and destruction towards the environment not only harms other species, but us humans as well. This research aims to illustrate infectious diseases as the byproduct of human disturbances and interconnections of transmission between communities globally. Agricultural effects. Today’s farming practices involving urbanization and encroachment have been linked with a greater emergence in pathogens of increasing virulence. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of diseases such as COVID-19, this pandemic is believed to have been greatly linked to deforestation and bushmeat hunting. These encroaching practices in developing countries blur the line between human and nonhuman species. Not only does deforestation encourage the risk of zoonotic spillovers as it eliminates biodiversity, but it also allows for humans to come into more frequent contact with potential reservoirs. Human error. Bushmeat hunting is a popular trade that is further enabled through deforestation in developing countries. Major health perils arise not from the practice itself, but from the lack of proper precautionary measures when handling this meat. Despite the miracles of cooking, heat does not account for human errors and injuries when killing pathogens. Therefore, it is not only important to acknowledge bushmeat hunting as a means of survival, but to also recognize the hazards of this cultural practice. Health inequities. Beyond short-term illnesses, poor health care infrastructures within developing countries may hold long-term detrimental health consequences as they lack the resources to contain novel pathogens. Transmission networks. However, the propagation of rapid transmission cannot be blamed on these countries alone. Instead, developed countries have greatly accelerated such risks through travel and agricultural expansions. Major cities suffer from an abundance of urban rats, signifying our close proximity to reservoirs of infectious disease. Repercussions faced. The consequences of human incursion into pristine ecosystems has never been more apparent than through the emergence of infectious diseases. Our research also endeavors to highlight this as not solely environmental or biological concern, but an ethical one as well. Microbial Socialism. To save not only the planet, but ourselves requires a communitarian effort. Individualism alone is important, but will only get us so far in battle against pathogens. Mutual trust in science and the government’s ability to support citizens are vital components towards undoing human destruction.
EOUA-Plagued-by-our-success_-contributions-to-a-book-projectLive Poster Session: Zoom Link
Thursday, July 30th 1:15-2:30pm EDT
what a cool project!