Dr. Louis and Karen Burnett presented their research findings at the Global Change and Global Science: Comparative Physiology in a Changing World conference of the American Physiological Society this August in Colorado.  The Burnett Laboratory studies the effects of high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels on marine organisms.  Organisms with environmental stresses as these have been shown to display a decrease in their metabolism and are unable to efficiently fight off infections.  The marine organisms they study are accustomed to environmental stresses such as these and are still showing compromised immune systems.  Therefore, it is shocking to think of the stresses deep water organisms could be facing with decreased oxygen levels coupled with high carbon dioxide.  With scientists focusing their attention on the risks of ocean acidification, the Burnett laboratory’s research may provide a peak into these possible dangers the animals and their environments may face.  For more information please visit the full article.