• Question: is it hard to fight diseases

    Asked by each1yang to Simon, rosiewatts, Philippa H, janemusson, Hannah on 26 Mar 2025.
    • Photo: Hannah Blyth

      Hannah Blyth answered on 26 Mar 2025:

      Because I am a scientist who studies a particular fungal wheat disease, so forgive me for focussing on plants rather than medicine!

      Fighting diseases in plants can be challenging; by the time we see them in farmers fields, it is often already too late to fight. Plants have natural defenses, and by understanding how they work, we can develop new ways to protect them from diseases. It’s like solving a puzzle—figuring out how the disease affects the plant and finding the right tools to help the plant stay healthy. It’s a tough job, but it’s crucial for ensuring we have enough food and healthy ecosystems.

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