In 1985, Scott L. Gardner found himself dealing with unexpected consequences of his work in Bolivia as a parasitologist, discovering he had contracted a parasitic worm. Decades later, Gardner is the curator of the Manter Laboratory of Parasitology in Nebraska, home to the world’s largest university collection of parasites. While parasites like Ascaris have a negative reputation, they play essential roles in ecosystems, regulating populations and influencing behavior. Despite declining interest in parasitology, Gardner and his colleagues are working to inspire future researchers and highlight the ecological importance of parasites. Parasitology is a diverse and fascinating field that remains largely overlooked.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/parasites-are-everywhere-so-why-do-so-few-researchers-study-them-180984753/