Rising temperatures weaken immune responses in certain animal species
Higher Temperatures Weaken Immune Systems in Costa Rican Monkeys
A study published in Science Advances reveals that elevated temperatures diminish the immune system's performance in capuchin monkeys, a resilient primate species. The research, led by University of Michigan anthropology doctoral student Jordan Lucore, suggests potential ramifications for other mammals in a warming climate.
The study analyzed the effects of temperature on 48 capuchin monkeys at a field site in Costa Rica. When monkeys experienced an average two-week period with temperatures above 86°F (30°C), their immune systems showed a decline in activity.
Capuchin monkeys live in environments across various climates, making them a "successful generalist" species. The researchers found it concerning that this immune system dip occurred in such a hardy species, hinting at potential vulnerabilities in other mammals.
To track immune system performance, the team employed the biomarker neopterin, which indicates generalized immune reaction and cellular immunity. Urine samples collected using a 'clean catch' method helped the scientists evaluate the drop in immune system strength during the heated periods. The decline was more pronounced in younger monkeys.
The research underscores possible long-term health consequences for mammals as warming temperatures become more common. The study's author notes that climate change is a reality that affects all lifeforms, pointing to short-term data revealing conclusive evidence of temperature impact on wild animals' physiology. Further investigations are necessary to assess the lasting implications of this temperature-immune relationship in young wild monkeys.
Originally published by Cosmos as "Warming temperatures lower immune systems of some mammals."
The study lends weight to suggestions that understanding mammals' responses to climate change is crucial for their survival. As temperatures continue to rise, studying the effects on animal immune systems could pave the way for mitigation strategies to protect threatened species.
The study's findings suggest that climate change could have detrimental effects on not only the health-and-wellness of various mammals but also their overall survival, as outlined by the study published in Science Advances. Furthermore, this research implies that the performance of mental-health, particularly immunity, may be negatively impacted by climate-change, highlighting the necessity for further investigations in environmental-science.
