MSc project: the effects of glyphosate herbicide on vertebrates Glyphosate (e.g. in RoundUp) is the most commonly used herbicide in the world, and its residues are found in human and animal food. Currently, EU is reconsidering the status of glyphosate products as a herbicide, thus it is a topical subject. Originally, glyphosate was not considered a major risk for vertebrates as its mechanism of action is associated with biochemical shikimate pathway, which is lacking in vertebrates. However, lately other potential pathways have been discovered: glyphosate may affect bacteria and fungi (many of which have the shikimate pathway) and thus potentially microbial communities in soil, plants and animals. Glyphosate may also affect vertebrate enzyme function, especially cytochrome P450 family. The results on the effects of glyphosate on vertebrates are currently controversial.
We study experimentally how long-term exposure to low doses of glyphosate affects vertebrate development, physiology, reproduction and gut microbial communities. The model species is the Japanese quail. Starting time is autumn 2017, and practical work and data collection will be conducted during winter 2017-2018 (ca 4 months in total). Requirements: Passed laboratory animal course, independent and enthusiastic attitude. The project is suitable for students in e.g. environmental ecology, physiology or, ecotoxicology. The exact project topic can be tailored to student’s interests. We offer an interesting, topical thesis project in a motivated group. We will provide accommodation in Turku and travel costs for a student coming outside Turku/Finland, and a small compensation for the animal care- taking. The project is part of a larger group (lead by Marjo Helander, University of Turku) and it is supervised by Suvi Ruuskanen and Miia Rainio (University of Turku) Contact Suvi Ruuskanen, Department of Biology, University of Turku ([email protected]) ***************************'******************* Suvi Ruuskanen, Academy research fellow Department of Biology 20014 University of Turku, FIN
