Fleas to the Rescue?

Oregon State University has discovered a curious organism: a freshwater flea that eats deadly fungus in the water. What’s so special about that? Well, the fungus is responsible for the decline in the world’s amphibian population.

Referred to as a “chytrid” fungus, it infects amphibians and can kill them by disrupting their electrolyte balance. But in tests conducted by researchers, the tiny aquatic fleas ate the spores…giving them hope that this could be the solution to the crisis facing the global amphibian population.

Who would’ve thought a flea could save the day?