Flipping the script: Taking a look at parasite-host interactions

When studying host-parasite interactions we typically focus mainly on the host and how it is affected by the parasite. However, much can be gained from understanding how hosts in turn influence parasites. Modeling approaches may offer a solution in understanding the role hosts play in shaping parasite life-cycles and population patterns. We can use novel modeling tools that incorporate finer scale influences of both abiotic and biotic factors on the parasites to understand the broader patterns of host-parasite interactions.