Three Tick Species in the US Linked to Rare Red Meat Allergies

allergy: An inappropriate reaction by the immune system to normal, harmless substances. If left untreated, severe reactions can be life-threatening.

Arknid: A category of invertebrates that includes spiders, scorpions, and mites. Many are equipped with silk or venom glands.

Bacteria: (Singular: Bacterium) A single-celled microorganism found almost everywhere on Earth, from the ocean’s depths to the insides of other organisms (like plants and animals). Bacteria represent one of the three domains of life on our planet.

Celiac disease: (also referred to as sprue) A condition where the immune system attacks the small intestine after exposure to gluten, a protein found in wheat. Individuals with this condition experience stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and chronic fatigue and must avoid gluten-containing foods like bread, cakes, and cookies.

Chronicity: Refers to conditions that manifest as long-lasting illnesses (or their symptoms, including pain).

Compounds: (often used interchangeably with chemicals) A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements combine in a fixed ratio. For instance, water is a compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Its chemical formula is H₂O.

Develop: To naturally appear or become present, whether through natural processes or human interventions like manufacturing.

diagnosis: The process of analyzing symptoms or clues to identify a cause. This often leads to a diagnosis—recognition of a specific problem or disease.

diarrhea: (adj. diarrhea) Watery, loose stools that may indicate a variety of microbial infections affecting the intestines.

An appearance of infection: A disease that suddenly begins to affect an increasing number of individuals and may escalate rapidly in the near future.

Epidemiologist: Resembling health detectives, these researchers attempt to connect specific diseases to their causes and/or modes of transmission.

Epinephrine: Also known as adrenaline, this stress hormone is produced by the adrenal glands. It constricts blood vessels and enhances the heart’s force and rate of contraction.

gelatin: A protein derived from animal collagen, commonly extracted from bones or the skin of cows and pigs. Initially a pale, tasteless powder, it contains proteins and amino acids. Gelatin is used to create Jiggly Desserts (like Jell-O) and is also found in yogurts, soups, candies, and even serves as the base for clear capsules that hold drying agents.

gluten: A pair of proteins (gliadin and glutenin) found in wheat, rye, spelt, and barley. These proteins provide elasticity and chewiness to bread, cake, and cookie dough. However, some individuals might be unable to tolerate gluten due to allergies or celiac disease.

Nesting box: This condition, also called urticaria, causes itchy skin rashes, often triggered by allergies to certain foods or medications. It can also be related to infections or emotional stress.

Immune system: A network of cells and their responses that help the body combat infections and address foreign substances that can cause allergies.

Infectious: An adjective that describes microorganisms or viruses capable of being transmitted to humans, animals, or other organisms.

Lyme disease: An illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Symptoms include headaches, fever, a bull’s eye rash, and extreme fatigue. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, the infection can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system.

molecule: A neutral group of atoms that represents the smallest unit of a compound. Molecules can comprise a single type of atom or various types.

range: The complete extent or distribution of something. For example, a range of plants and animals represents a specific natural area.

Lean meat: A term describing meat, such as beef or lamb, that does not exhibit a vibrant color when uncooked, unlike chicken breast.

seed: A collection of similar organisms that can survive and produce offspring capable of reproduction.

steroid: (In biology) a chemical that acts as a signaling molecule within an organism, typically in the form of hormones. It is released into the bloodstream to exert effects throughout the body.

investigation: The process of posing questions to gather data on the beliefs, practices (such as dietary and sleep habits), knowledge, or skills of various individuals. Researchers select the numbers and types of participants, aiming to ensure that their responses are representative of broader age, ethnic, or geographical groups. (n.) A questionnaire designed to collect this data.

Symptoms: Physical or mental signs typically associated with a disease. At times, common symptoms like fever and pain can indicate various types of injuries or illnesses.

syndrome: A combination of two or more symptoms that collectively define a particular disease, disorder, or social condition.

system: A network of components that work collaboratively to achieve a specific function. For example, blood, blood vessels, and the heart are key components of the human circulatory system.

Tick: A small, eight-legged blood-sucking arachnid related to spiders and mites. Although they may appear insect-like, they are not insects. Ticks attach to their hosts’ skin to consume blood, potentially transmitting bacteria from their previous hosts in the process.

send: (n. Transmission) To transfer or convey.