Gulf Oil Disaster: Mutating Bacteria May Pose Pandemic Threat

"...Once it gets started, it will be impossible to stop."
-University of South Florida researcher John Paul



AUDIO: Oil-eating microbes impacting humans? Corexit dispersant may genetically change bacteria in Gulf

ARTICLE: USF research included in TV special on Gulf spill, Tampa Tribune, September 27, 2010:

Excerpts The [University of South Florida researchers] discovered plumes of dispersed oil at the bottom of an undersea canyon about 40 miles off the Florida Panhandle. It was found to be toxic to microscopic sea organisms, causing mutations to their DNA. If this plankton at the base of the marine food chain is contaminated, it could affect the whole ecosystem of the Gulf. "I call these canaries in the coal mine as they are the first to feel the effects," [University of South Florida researcher John Paul who is included in a documentary debuting Tuesday night in the National Geographic Channel] says. ... "The problem with mutant DNA is that it can be passed on and we don't how this will affect fish or other marine life," he says, adding that the effects could last for decades.

HT: Florida Spill Law

See also: More reports of deadly flesh-eating bacteria in the Gulf — 12 y/o dies after only his feet touched the water (VIDEO)

See all posts on the Gulf Oil Disaster.