Story perspectives

Conservation Biologist Creates 'Frog Saunas' to Combat Extinction

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Anthony Waddle, a conservation biologist, is developing "frog saunas" in Australia to raise frogs' body temperatures and reduce susceptibility to chytrid fungus, which threatens more than 500 species.
In experiments, frogs housed in warmer shelters show greater resistance to infection.
Waddle is also exploring synthetic biology for immunization and gene replacement in critically endangered species.
Dr. Jodi Rowley calls the work a hopeful strategy amid the global amphibian extinction crisis, where more than 40% of species are threatened.

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Story summary

Anthony Waddle, a conservation biologist, is developing "frog saunas" in Australia to raise frogs' body temperatures and reduce susceptibility to chytrid fungus, which threatens more than 500 species.
In experiments, frogs housed in warmer shelters show greater resistance to infection.
Waddle is also exploring synthetic biology for immunization and gene replacement in critically endangered species.
Dr. Jodi Rowley calls the work a hopeful strategy amid the global amphibian extinction crisis, where more than 40% of species are threatened.