NSU researchers study the bacteria of a shark’s mouth to
improve medical treatment for shark bite victims
Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) are
conducting a unique scientific study of bacteria found in the mouths of sharks
to develop better medical treatment methods for shark bites 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.