Carsin Ablon, 1st Period APUSH - Sloth Hair as a Novel Source of Fungi with Potent Anti-Parasitic, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Bacterial Bioactivity

Tropical forests, being the heart of biological diversity, host an enormous variety of animals. However, as of late, the interest in tropical forests have switched from the animal life to the microscopic, rare breeds of bacteria and fungi. Luckily for scientists, these exotic species of microscopic life are especially populous in the thick hair of the three toed sloth. When the mixed fungi and bacteria from the sloth's rich coat were isolated, scientists found 84 fungi and 74 distinctive bacterium; many with medicinal value. The fungi extracted from the unharmed sloths can be used to treat malaria as well as breast cancer. The rich bacteria can be applied to digestive aide and some, quite ironically are being researched to be used as somewhat of an antibiotic due to its bacteria regulating affect.

I think that this article is somewhat endearing as science has found a highly medicinally beneficial purpose in an animal that would otherwise be seen as nothing more than slow and cute. The sloth's slow movement and lack of fast, effective hygiene has allowed for a larger amount of bacteria and fungi to produce on its body at a warmer climate than the rest of the jungle resulting in the perfect breeding ground for a symbiotic relationship between the two life forms. As long as humans do not harm any of natures more defenseless animals, i think that the slowly moving breeding ground could benefit humans while giving the sloth a much needed bath.

To read more, see: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0084549