Prawns: The Parasite Predators

Dive into the heart of Senegal with Stanford ecologist Giulio De Leo, where the battle against the parasitic disease schistosomiasis is heating up. With a mix of sweat, science, and snail-eating prawns, De Leo's team is pioneering an eco-friendly solution to a problem that plagues over 200 million people worldwide. Forget conventional medicine; in this high-stakes fight, prawns are the unexpected heroes. Check out the full story in Stanford Magazine for an adventure in innovation and hope.

Prawns vs. Parasites - A Battle for Better Health

Imagine living in a place where a simple dip in the river to cool off or fetch water could lead to a lifetime battling a debilitating disease. This is the reality for millions in sub-Saharan Africa and increasingly elsewhere, due to the parasitic disease schistosomiasis. The story of how researchers, including Giulio De Leo and his team, are turning to nature - specifically, snail-eating prawns - to fight this 'disease of poverty' is not just fascinating, it's a critical lesson in the power of innovative ecological solutions to human health problems. Understanding this battle is crucial because it highlights the interconnectedness of our environment and health, and how changing one part of an ecosystem can have profound effects on disease prevalence. For you, it's a window into how science and creativity can converge to solve real-world problems, demonstrating the importance of thinking outside the box and the potential of ecological approaches to disease control.