Australian scientists use "saunas" and genetics to save frogs from a deadly pandemic

CANBERRA – Conservation biologist Anthony Waddle is pioneering new methods in Australia to protect amphibians from a lethal fungus that has already wiped out 90 species and continues to threaten more than 500 others.

The chytrid fungus poses a catastrophic risk to frogs and other amphibians, which play a critical role in global ecosystems. Waddle’s team is now deploying a range of innovative tactics, from simple brick structures to advanced genetic engineering, to halt the decline.

In one of his first experiments, Waddle constructed "saunas" for frogs using hollowed-out masonry bricks. By raising the animals' body temperatures, researchers found the frogs could better combat the fungus, which is most active and deadly during the winter months.

The experiment was a success, with frogs that used the saunas showing significantly higher resistance to the disease.

Seeking scalable solutions, the team is also vaccinating hundreds of rare green and golden bell frogs. These vaccinated amphibians are being released into the wild to bolster local populations.

For species that cannot be easily vaccinated, such as the Southern Corroboree frog, researchers are testing synthetic biology and gene replacement technologies. Waddle said this represents the first gene-editing experiment on frogs in Australia.

The team hopes these breakthroughs can eventually be shared and implemented worldwide to save vulnerable amphibian populations.

Anthony Waddle’s research marks a fundamental pivot in biodiversity strategy, signaling a transition from traditional habitat management toward molecular-scale biotechnology. His trajectory reflects an evolution in conservation methodology: moving from the "frog sauna"—an ingenious but localized physical intervention—to scalable, high-tech solutions such as wildlife vaccines and CRISPR-based gene editing.

The catalyst for this shift is a landmark 2025 decision by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which authorized the use of synthetic biology for conservation purposes. This policy change has effectively bridged the gap between theoretical laboratory science and field application, allowing Waddle’s work to serve as a critical test case for emerging genomic tools.

The deployment of these technologies has sparked a sharp debate among stakeholders. Proponents view synthetic biology as a vital lifeline for species on the brink of extinction, offering the potential to engineer disease resistance and bolster genetic diversity. However, critics remain wary, citing deep-seated ethical concerns and the risk of unforeseen ecological consequences.

Waddle’s efforts in Australia are more than a regional rescue mission; they represent a high-stakes pilot for the future of global conservation policy. If these methods prove scalable, they could establish a robust defense against wildlife pandemics—threats that are increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Ultimately, this move toward synthetic biology is a calculated gamble, driven by the stark reality that more than 40% of the world's amphibian species are currently threatened with extinction.