Dolphins stranded during algal blooms show brain changes like Alzheimer's
Scientists found that bottlenose dolphins stranded in Florida between 2010 and 2019 had brain changes similar to Alzheimer's in humans, including key proteins linked to memory loss.
Dolphins during toxic algal blooms had more neurotoxin in their brains
Dolphins stranded during toxic algal blooms had up to 2,900 times more of a neurotoxin called 2,4-DAB in their brains compared to dolphins stranded at other times.
This toxin could mess with their memory and navigation, possibly leading to more strandings.
Dolphins can warn us about environmental issues
Dolphins act as "marine sentinels," giving us early warnings about environmental risks.
The same toxins from algae that harm dolphins can build up in the food chain and may be linked to neurodegenerative diseases in humans, like Alzheimer's.
The study suggests we should pay more attention to how environmental factors—not just genetics—could impact brain health.