Gastrointestinal nematodes, such as the Barberpole worm (Haemonchus contortus), are common internal parasites of small ruminants (sheep and goats) grazing pastures in central Appalachia. As a model system in the laboratory, Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes are being used as indicators to assess the potential of isolated plant compounds from different forages that could destroy or severely limit the nematode's reproductive capabilities. J. Mark Peele, Biological Science Technician, is checking to make sure that C. elegans nematodes growing in a nutrient broth are still alive and well.

Photo by Susan Boyer