Arctic University of Norway (UiT) Researcher Provides Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Trematode Infections (Under the cover of ice: Trematode infections affect survival and growth of wintering mussels).

New research from the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) explores the impact of trematode infections on blue mussels. The study found that even moderate levels of infection by the trematode Himasthla elongata can have detrimental effects on the survival and growth rate of wintering mussels. These parasite-induced costs during winter may potentially affect populations of blue mussels in coastal habitats, with implications for the entire ecosystem. The research highlights the regulating roles that parasites play in different ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]