Summary: Caribbean elkhorn coral, once the most common coral in the Caribbean, has long been affected by white pox disease. This caused it to be placed on the endangered list. Scientists have known since 2002, that the bacteria that killed the elkhorn coral also was found in humans. Scientists figured out that waste was to blame because the bacterium is also found in the wastes of humans and animals. However, researchers still needed to find the source. They collected and analyzed human samples from a wastewater treatment facility in Key West as well as samples from Key deer and seagulls. The scientists found that the strain from the human sewage matched the strain affecting the elkhorn coral.
Critique: I think that it is really cool how they can determine the different strains. It's the same bacteria, but there are tiny differences and it's amazing that scientists can find those.
Impact: This is causing wastewater treatment facilities to become more advanced so that they aren't releasing bacteria like this. These findings are also going make sure that the coral is not going to be endangered any more.
Reference: http://www.macroevolution.net/white-pox.html#.TpT6mBWYOYM
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