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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Taking a Bite at the Shark Bite – Pharmacy Researchers Conduct Unique Study
Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) are conducting a unique scientific study of bacteria found in the mouths of sharks. The study will develop a better medical treatment method for shark bite victims.
Scientists from NSU’s College of Pharmacy working in collaboration with St. Mary’s Medical Center will be gathering data from sharks captured during The Blacktip Challenge, a 72-hour South Florida fishing tournament to fish blacktip sharks from the beach. The tournament runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3.
In the last decade, Florida has consistently ranked amongst the highest worldwide in the number of shark attacks. The Sunshine State has accounted for about 25 percent of the approximate 100 incidents of reported shark bites a year.
Because of this, NSU researchers believe their findings are critical in helping the millions of ocean-goers each year that share the beaches and waterways with sharks. Their research, the first of its kind in the United States, could lead to groundbreaking research that will ultimately save lives from this tragedy.
“We are excited to gather scientific data from these incredible animals in order to learn more about the infecting bacteria from their bites and how to treat victims,” said Nathan Unger, Pharm.D., an assistant professor at NSU’s College of Pharmacy and the lead researcher on this project.