Tuesday, October 12th, 2021
Virtual Zoom Meeting
7:30 PM EST
Got Milk? Exploring the Morphological, Biochemical and Genetic Modifications Underlying the Unique Life History of a Neglected Disease Vector
Geoffrey Attardo
Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis
Abstract:
Tsetse flies (Glossina sp.) are best known for their ability to harbor and transmit the single celled parasites (Trypanosomes) that cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals throughout sub-Saharan Africa. However, they are much more than just disease vectors. Tsetse flies are amazing insects that over the course of their evolution have developed unique adaptations to their physiology that distinguish them from most other insects. Tsetse feed exclusively on vertebrate blood. While blood is a rich source of nutrition, it is lacking in many key nutrients and poses multiple physiological challenges. In addition, these flies reproduce by a process called obligate viviparity, meaning that they give birth to live larvae. They accomplish this feat by nourishing the larvae from specialized glands that produce a substance with striking similarities to mammalian milk. In this talk, we will explore the morphological, biochemical and genetic adaptations that underly these extreme physiological adaptations and consider how this knowledge could be utilized for the purposes of disease control.
Due to visitor restrictions on Harvard campus and COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, we are temporarily suspending all physical meetings and formal pre-talk dinners until further notice.
CEC meetings are normally held the second Tuesday of the month from October through May. The evening schedule typically includes an informal dinner (5:45 to 7:15 PM) followed by our formal meeting (7:30 – 9:00 PM). The latter begins with club business and is followed by a 60-minute entomology related presentation. Membership is open to amateur and professional entomologists.
