Activity of diphenyl ether benzyl amines against Human African Trypanosomiasis.

Insect-borne parasite Trypanosoma brucei plagues humans and other animals, eliciting the disease Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as African sleeping sickness. This disease poses the biggest threat to the people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Given the high toxicity and difficulties with administration of currently available drugs, a novel treatment is needed. Building on known Human African trypanosomiasis structure-activity relationship (SAR), we now describe a number of functionally simple diphenyl ether analogs which give low micromolar activity (IC50 = 0.16-0.96 µM) against T. b. rhodesiense. The best compound shows favorable selectivity against the L6 cell line (SI = 750) and even greater selectivity (SI = 1200) against four human cell lines. The data herein provides direction for the ongoing optimization of antitrypanosomal diphenyl ethers.

Integrating science education and marine conservation through collaborative partnerships.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center has a mission of conservation based rehabilitation, research, and education. Marine debris is a serious threat to marine species. In an effort to educate local students, the GSTC obtained a grant to provide educational opportunities to local third graders. Third and fourth grade classes in Glynn County, Georgia were offered a Garbage in the Water program and 964 students were reached. After programming, students showed a statistically significant (p<.0001) increase in test scores between the pre and posttests. This success led to repeat funding for additional programming for first grades as well as a formalized relationship with the Glynn County School District. As part of this relationship the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is now the official field trip location for all third grades in the district.