Washington University Science on Tap: Dr. Solny Adalsteinsson Presents on "Tenacious Ticks and the Spread of Disease: Despite the Polar Vortex, They Keep On Ticking!"

Human health is closely tied to environmental health, and disease vectors—such as ticks—offer a view of how a changing environment affects disease risk. Known to have existed since dinosaur times, ticks and the pathogens they transmit have fascinatingly complex life cycles that make them vulnerable to certain conditions but resistant to others. Our best defense against tick-borne diseases is knowledge— both in how to protect ourselves and to manage our environment. The Adalsteinsson Lab at Washington University's Tyson Research Center is exploring how habitat management strategies, such as prescribed fire, impact the ecology of tick-borne diseases. This talk will present an overview of local tick species, tick-borne diseases, prevention strategies, and current research into environmental interventions to reduce disease risk.

For more information, contact Hannah Frye at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

http://scienceontap.wustl.edu/