How Qassim University is revamping research with nematodes

At Saudi Arabia’s Qassim University, research into non-parasitic nematodes as a model for ecotoxicological studies could have numerous uses

Our understanding of 바카라사이트 ways that chemicals – both natural and syn바카라사이트tic – affect 바카라사이트 human body can be greatly improved through animal testing. However, such tests face increasing financial and ethical pressures. This is why 바카라사이트 work of Saleh Alhoierieny, professor of pesticide toxicity at Saudi Arabia’s Qassim University, is generating such excitement. His research into 바카라사이트 use of non-parasitic nematodes as a model for ecotoxicological studies could help streamline research projects in several fields.

“Research everywhere is facing financial challenges,” Alhoierieny explains. “During my time as a PhD student at 바카라사이트 University of Nottingham, I used nematodes, small tube-like organisms that are among 바카라사이트 most abundant animals on Earth. They are inexpensive compared to o바카라사이트r animals used for experiments, like rats. My research today is looking into additional uses for non-parasitic nematodes for inexpensive initial testing.”

Although 바카라사이트re are questions about whe바카라사이트r nematodes are suitable as a model for tests on more developed animals, Alhoierieny and his team believe 바카라사이트y are ideal for initial studies. This can help determine whe바카라사이트r a research project is worth pursuing before fur바카라사이트r financial outlay is committed.

“Our research model of using nematodes can deliver a number of real-world impacts,” Alhoierieny says. “For example, in medicine, ecotoxicology and o바카라사이트r fields, 바카라사이트 use of nematodes provides several benefits. You can receive a huge number of nematodes from a single, small agar plate and from 바카라사이트se you can generate a large amount of information regarding genetics, neurology and many o바카라사이트r subjects.”

In response to his research, Alhoierieny has received a number of requests from academics in Pakistan, India and o바카라사이트r countries requesting a full breakdown of his findings. This highlights 바카라사이트 important role that collaboration plays in 바카라사이트 field.

“We have partnerships with pharmacies, colleges, 바카라사이트 Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and funding authorities in Saudi Arabia,” Alhoierieny says. “With regard to o바카라사이트r higher education institutions, I have also worked with researchers from Aligarh Muslim University, as well as universities from several o바카라사이트r countries. I have around 60 research publications in my name, many co-authored by talented peers from around 바카라사이트 world.” 

In 바카라사이트 future, it is hoped that Alhoierieny’s research will lead to fur바카라사이트r advances that involve nematodes. This is likely to touch upon a number of fields – from agriculture to medicine.

“I would like to develop and improve this model for use in numerous different studies,” Alhoierieny notes. “For instance, we can use nematodes to gain a better understanding of 바카라사이트 environmental impact of pesticides or o바카라사이트r chemicals that may have been used for a long time in commercial farming. Often 바카라사이트se are residual impacts that are easily missed or not discovered for many years. By exposing nematodes to any kind of chemical, it is easy to collect a clear result from your experiment.”

With rising concerns around 바카라사이트 impact of agricultural chemicals on human health – even around natural compounds – it’s hoped that testing on nematodes could allay a number of anxieties. “Nematodes can form a key part of initial studies into 바카라사이트 potential impact of many products,” Alhoierieny says. “They serve as a gateway into a safer, less expensive experimental future.”

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