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Toxic Algae Blooms Linked to Alzheimer's-Like Brain Damage in Florida Dolphins
30 Oct
Summary
- Dolphins in Florida's Indian River Lagoon show brain changes resembling Alzheimer's
- Toxin from algae blooms responsible for the neurological damage
- Toxin levels 2,900 times higher in dolphins during bloom seasons
According to a recent study, dolphins living in Florida's Indian River Lagoon are showing brain changes that resemble Alzheimer's disease. Scientists believe a toxin released during algae blooms is responsible for this alarming discovery.
The study, published in Nature Communications Biology, examined 20 dolphin brains and found that every single one showed damage from the toxin. When dolphins washed ashore during bloom seasons, researchers detected toxin levels 2,900 times higher in their brains compared to dolphins that came ashore at other times.
The brains of these dolphins exhibited unusual protein deposits and genetic changes linked to memory and cognitive health, mirroring the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in humans. "They are amazingly resilient animals," said scientist Wendy Noke Durden, "but this is another thing we need to be cognizant of."
