How Pharmacists and Chemists Can Become The Key Players in Species Conservation

In the wake of the alarming decline of numerous animal and plant species towards endangerment and extinction, a scientist from the University of Michigan stresses the pressing need for chemists and pharmacists to actively engage in species conservation endeavors because pharmacists and chemists can become the key players in species conservation.

Date	April 30, 2024
Source	University of Michigan
Summary	In light of the imminent threat of losing numerous animal and plant species to endangerment and extinction, a scientist emphasizes the critical role of chemists and pharmacists in conservation initiatives.

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Why Pharmacists and Chemists Can Become The Key Players in Species Conservation:

• Timothy Cernak, assistant professor of medicinal chemistry at the U-M College of Pharmacy, emphasizes the critical need for medicinal chemistry expertise on the forefront of extinction becausepharmacists and chemists can become the key players in species conservation.
• He highlights that while animals are facing alarming rates of mortality, there is hope through the application of modern bioscience breakthroughs, originally developed for human disease treatment, in wildlife conservation efforts so pharmacists and chemists can become the key players in species conservation.
• He emphasized that they are currently experiencing a widespread extinction event, with mass mortality events occurring globally. From lowland gorillas to Argentinian penguins, and the akikiki bird in Hawaii to loggerhead turtles in Florida, the list is extensive, with numerous precious plant species also teetering on the brink.
• With deadly fungus devastating Panamanian golden frogs, cancerous tumors afflicting loggerhead turtles, and a multitude of pests and diseases plaguing plants like the hemlock tree, conservation medicine faces a plethora of challenges to address.

Watch The Video of An Extinct Animal Here

Causes of Extinction:

According to Cernak, the ongoing mass extinction is propelled by factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, and excessive harvesting. However, one particular underlying issue is wildlife diseases, which presents a promising opportunity for intervention. Medicinal chemistry stands as that intervention and pharmacists and chemists can become the key players in species conservation.

Research	Observation	Conclusion
In one of his numerous roles and research endeavors, Cernak receives specimens of deceased and ailing species from various regions worldwide. Employing methodologies and models akin to those utilized in identifying compounds effective against human diseases, his laboratory at U-M, recently augmented by the addition of a veterinarian, assesses chemical compounds’ efficacy on these samples to identify those that combat disease-causing organisms. A significant emphasis is placed on addressing fungus, which stands as the primary threat to amphibians, causing widespread mortality	They suggest that while a lasting solution to mass extinction lies in addressing climate change and habitat loss through innovative technologies and policies, there is an immediate need for chemistry to aid endangered species as a short-term measure.	Medicinal chemists invested in extinction prevention are urged to engage in discussions with a range of professionals, including zookeepers, foresters, veterinarians, entomologists, wildlife rehabilitators, and conservationists.

Cernak’s laboratory has pioneered the application of artificial intelligence and other technologies to accelerate the drug discovery process. He emphasized that this advancement not only enhances the potential to assist animals and plants but also expedites the timeframe for providing such aid because pharmacists and chemists can become the key players in species conservation.

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