Water: Poison Frogs and Plastics

Every year millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean, where it becomes a home for microbes. My research uncovers which microbes live on plastic, whether they pose risks to marine life and people, and whether some might even help break down plastic. Join me to explore the surprising world of this “plastisphere”, and what it means for our ocean and beyond.

Poison frogs are fascinating, tiny yet remarkably mighty creatures. Species like the Strawberry Poison Frog rely on water in remarkable ways, using tiny puddles and leaf pools to raise their young. In Bocas del Toro, the Caribbean Sea separates island populations that show striking variation in colouration—from bright, conspicuous warning signals to more cryptic forms. Beneath this diversity lies a complex genetic story that makes them especially compelling to study.