Taxonomic Session on Vertebrates

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Florence Bradford
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1 WEB CONFERENCE The impacts of artificial electromagnetic radiation on wildlife Taxonomic Session on Vertebrates D r. P a s c a l M a l k e m p e r R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e o f M o l e c u l a r P a t h o l o g y ( I M P ) V i e n n a, A u s t r i a W e d n e s d a y, 24 th J a n u a r y 2018 w w w. e k l i p s e - m e c h a n i s m. e u

2 I N T R O D U C T I O N I. INTRODUCTION: SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY Literature Identification of recent (>year 2000), scientific, peer-reviewed research studies and reviews Scope of the studies restricted to wildlife (no human health, only limited number on domestic animals) EMR range: only artificial / anthropogenic radiations (light excluded) Out of 147 identified publications, 97 were used for the analyses Multidisciplinary Steering Group Biological/ecological experts (4) Plants Invertebrates Vertebrates Technical experts (2) Identification of 15 categories of radiations types

3 I N T R O D U C T I O N Analytical grid (1) For all the publications, the experts identified and analysed: taxonomic group(s) Vertebrates Invertebrates Plants EMR range/types conditions (lab / field / both)

4 I N T R O D U C T I O N Analytical grid (2) Quality assessment of the studies in terms of: technical aspects & biological/ecological aspects 0 - bad/insufficient quality 1 - minimum quality 2 - normal/medium quality 3 - excellent quality Extraction of main findings and knowledge gaps

5 Ve r t e b r a t e s

S t u d y s e l e c t i o n a n d q u a l i t y : Te c h n i c a l a s p e c t s NUMBER OF STUDIES Vertebrate studies analyzed: 37 (including 16 reviews) STUDY QUALITY Of recent primary research

6 S t u d y s e l e c t i o n a n d q u a l i t y : Te c h n i c a l a s p e c t s NUMBER OF STUDIES Vertebrate studies analyzed: 37 (including 16 reviews) STUDY QUALITY Of recent primary research studies assessed: 45% of insufficient (0) or minimal (1) technical quality 20% of mediocre quality (2) 35% of excellent quality (3) Most common issues: 1. No blinding of experimenters 2. No proper (sham) controls 3. EMR properties not adequately described

S t u d y s e l e c t i o n a n d q u a l i t y : B i o l o g i c a l a s p e c t s STUDY QUALITY Most frequently studied groups: birds + mammals Of recent primary research studies assessed: 25%

7 S t u d y s e l e c t i o n a n d q u a l i t y : B i o l o g i c a l a s p e c t s STUDY QUALITY Most frequently studied groups: birds + mammals Of recent primary research studies assessed: 25% insufficient (0) or minimal (1): no hypothesis, data inconclusive 35% mediocre (2): good data, but often lacking mechanistic insight 45% excellent (3): clear hypothesis, targeted experimental approach, conclusive results Most common issues: 1. No hypothesis tested 2. No mechanistical explanation/unspecific effects (hyperthermia) 3. Unclear ecological consequences

8 E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s : E x a m p l e DECLINE OF HOUSE SPARROWS Strong decline in cities of UK, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, etc. since mid 90s Direct observations and parallel EMR measurements in urban areas in Belgium and Spain Negative correlation between sparrow abundance and EMR field strength Factors other than EMR that were not monitored: Food abundance Air pollution Other species Balmori & Hallberg 2007

9 RESULTS Proportion of studies reporting EMR effects: birds: ~ 70% other vertebrates: ~50% Main findings: Behavioural changes (e.g. avoidance, disorientation, memory deficits) Developmental abnormalities, decreased reproduction, increased mortality Physiological responses (e.g. effects on opioid system or melatonin levels) Independent replications are missing for the majority of reported effects.

10 E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s HOW CAN WE ASSESS OR PREDICT EMR EFFECTS? Example: Off-shore mining noise + whales How could we study the potential deleterious effects of mining noise on whales?

E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s Whale inner ear HOW CAN WE ASSESS OR PREDICT EMR EFFECTS? Example: Off-shore mining noise + whales Whale audiogram http://www.whoi.

11 E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s Whale inner ear HOW CAN WE ASSESS OR PREDICT EMR EFFECTS? Example: Off-shore mining noise + whales Whale audiogram In order to fully assess the effects of any physical stimulus on biological systems, knowledge about the transduction (receptor) mechanisms is essential.

12 Ve r t e b r a t e s MAGNETIC SENSE

13 E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s Cryptochrome EFFECT OF EMR ON BIRDS The magnetic compass sense of European robins is probably mediated by Cryptochrome proteins in the eye Mouritsen 2013

14 E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s EFFECT OF EMR ON BIRDS The magnetic sense of European robins is disrupted by man-made electromagnetic noise

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbwkhmjouqw/ut9iom5wd2i/aaaaaaaahc0/c-e303sj8_y/s1600/emlem+funnel.

15 E M R e f f e c t s o n v e r t e b r a t e s EFFECT OF EMR ON BIRDS The magnetic sense of European robins is disrupted by man-made electromagnetic noise

16 Ve r t e b r a t e s MAGNETIC SENSE

17 S u m m a r y & C o n c l u s i o n The graph demonstrates the level of confidence for a selection of the most reported effects of EMR in vertebrates Photo, video player, illustration Open question: If real, how do these effects manifest on an ecological scale?

18 S u m m a r y & C o n c l u s i o n Knowledge gaps & research needs Research on the definite receptor mechanism used by migratory species to perceive Earth s magnetic field (to assess the effects of man-made fields) Assess if receptors in non-migratory species still retain magnetosensitivity (and are responsible for effects of man-made fields on organisms). Studies on the effects on long-term exposure (e.g. throughout development) Real ecological studies, e.g. measuring effects on species populations Meta-analyses on established data-sets by taking RF-data into account Establishment of fixed RF-measurement stations (e.g. at already established geomagnetic observatories)

City University of Hong Kong. Information on a Course offered by Department of Biology and Chemistry with effect from 2012 / 2013

City University of Hong Kong. Information on a Course offered by Department of Biology and Chemistry with effect from 2012 / 2013 City University of Hong Kong Information on a Course offered by Department of Biology and Chemistry with effect from 2012 / 2013 Part I Course Title: Course Code: Course Duration: Diversity of life and