WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?
Posted November 1, 2005FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The medusa worm appears to be a harmless creature to have in a salt-water aquarium. Unfortunately, it contains potent toxins that can stun or kill potential predators.
Bummer, when Jonathan Trager discovered that all of the fish in his department’s aquarium turned brown and were floating at the top of the tank. The medusa worm in the tank ventured too close to a filter tube, got sucked in and released its toxin.
Most people saw the accident as a catastrophe. Jonathan saw a research project. He wondered if this toxin could be used to combat cancer?
The Pennsylvania Academy of Science thought so much of Jonathan’s work that it awarded him an undergraduate grant and gave him the opportunity present his work at its annual conference.
As a young married student, Jonathan juggled his schoolwork, his research, his job and his family. He pulled it all together with the help of his York College professors. Now he’s enrolled in the first semester of medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What Did You Learn Today?
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