It is well known (especially thanks to the P2D2 program) that there are too many drugs in the nation's waterways. This article highlights the effects those drugs are having on fish.
Note, as you read this article that the research is based on drugs that have already passed through the systems of humans and entered the waterways through the sewage treatment systems. It's possible that might be the next step for the P2D2 program.
Anatomy and AP Bio students, look at this quote from the article and comment upon it.
To find out more, Rearick compared gene expression in estradiol-exposed
and unexposed fish. He found a significant increase in the expression of
genes for the neurotransmitter dopamine in estradiol-exposed fish,
suggesting that something might be occurring in their developing brains.
Klaper took a similar approach in her investigation of fluoxetine
effects in fathead minnows, finding a cascade of gene-expression changes
in the male minnows' brains as the dose increased. "I'm in the process
now of trying to figure out the [physiological] pathways these might be
involved in," she said.
Biology students, read the article and comment upon the scientific method being used, the ecology being studied, and how the effect of drugs on fish affects humans
i personally think that they should the drugs out of the waters. it makes the fish less willing to mate because they are aggressive. when the fish are aggressive the females tend to stay away from them. if they end up do mating, then the eggs will not be fertile. This will cause the fish population to decrease.
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