Internship/volunteer: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). Further position may also open spring-summer 2018. The project is suitable for students interested in environmental ecology, physiology or ecotoxicology. We offer an interesting, topical project in a motivated group. We will provide accommodation in Turku and travel costs for a student coming outside Turku/Finland, a small compensation for the animal care- taking and small trainee grant (if applicable). 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) Apply and contact Suvi Ruuskanen, Department of Biology, University of Turku, preferably by 25th Sept ([email protected])
