Scientific Question: Which aspects of the Strangler Fig tree offer insights to cure a 97% fatal, brain-eating amoeba?
Location: Florida, USA
For context, the “strangler fig, also called strangler, any of numerous species of tropical figs (genus Ficus, family Moraceae) is named for their pattern of growth upon host trees, which often results in the host’s death. Strangler figs and other strangler species are common in tropical forests throughout the world. Although a strangler fig often smothers and outcompetes its host, there is some evidence that trees encased in strangler figs are more likely to survive tropical cyclones, suggesting that the relationship can be somewhat mutualistic.”
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Strangler fig". Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Jul. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/plant/strangler-fig-tree. Accessed 4 September 2021.
On the other hand, “Naegleria fowleri (commonly referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba” or “brain-eating ameba”), is a free-living microscopic ameba, (single-celled living organism). It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The ameba is commonly found in warm freshwater (e.g. lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil. Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose.”
Yoder JS, Eddy BA, Visvesvara GS, Capewell L, Beach MJ. The epidemiology of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in the USA, 1962-2008. external icon Epidemiol Infect. 2010;138(7):968-75
When testing your hypothesis, first ask yourself:
- Are my hypotheses specific and attainable?
- Are my hypotheses measurable?
- Are my experiments time-bounded?
- Are my results realistic?
Help start the discussion on Instagram @take_ov!