Hello world,
Science has found yet another reason to save the whales. They are enormous carbon sinks. All the whaling over the past hundred years has released that carbon, since normally whales would just sink down to the bottom of the ocean at death. The whalers have released a carbon equivalent of 128,000 humvees driving continuously for 100 years. Dr. Andrew Pershing of University of Maine has suggested that in order to encourage countries to save their whales they use a carbon credit system that would help them with carbon limits set by the UN. Carbon credit systems like this are already in place with forests but this is the first time it will be attempted with whales. I can't think of why no one has thought of this before, this is genius! Countries will be falling over themselves to breed whales.
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8538033.stm
Knights and away!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What! Whaling is Legitimized!
Hello world,
Not quite yet. Negotiations are still being held between the International Whaling Commision and whaling countries. A meeting in march is being held to discuss a possible comprimise between anti-whaling countries and those who do. The plan is to bring all whaling under control of IWC in the next ten years, and set quotas for how many whales each country can take. The reason that this has come up is that even though there's been a moratorium on whale hunting for the past thirty years, several countries have continued under the guise of scientific research. Many conservation groups are up in arms over this because the plan would allow the Japanese to continue to hunt whales within the newly set up South Sea Conservatory. The number of legally poached whales in that area has increased over the last decade, and this spot is perfect for whales to live. This is a good idea for controlling the amount of whales killed, but the sanctuary shouldn't be allowed to be fished by anybody, under no disguise.
Here's the link;
http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2010/02/southern-ocean-whaling-proposed.html
Knights and away!
Not quite yet. Negotiations are still being held between the International Whaling Commision and whaling countries. A meeting in march is being held to discuss a possible comprimise between anti-whaling countries and those who do. The plan is to bring all whaling under control of IWC in the next ten years, and set quotas for how many whales each country can take. The reason that this has come up is that even though there's been a moratorium on whale hunting for the past thirty years, several countries have continued under the guise of scientific research. Many conservation groups are up in arms over this because the plan would allow the Japanese to continue to hunt whales within the newly set up South Sea Conservatory. The number of legally poached whales in that area has increased over the last decade, and this spot is perfect for whales to live. This is a good idea for controlling the amount of whales killed, but the sanctuary shouldn't be allowed to be fished by anybody, under no disguise.
Here's the link;
http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2010/02/southern-ocean-whaling-proposed.html
Knights and away!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Diabetic Dolphins
Hello world,
Well not really. Dolphins do have a type of insulin resistance that is close to type 2 diabetes, but unlike with modern humans, their disease helps them survive. Dolphins need a certain amount of glucose in their bloodstream in order for their brain to work, but they eat a low-glucose diet. This insulin resistance keeps their blood sugar levels high. This means that dolphins shouldn't be fed high-sugar human foods, otherwise they develop the same symptoms as human diabetes patients. It is supposed that actually the disease that causes death in humans nowadays was actually an advantage during the Ice age, when humans switched to high protein diets. It seems very sad to me that the same sickness that helped us survive so long ago is one of the ones killing us off now. But it helps dolphins, which is good.
Here's the link;
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100219-health-dolphins-diabetes-switch-humans-cure-medicine/
Knights and away!
Well not really. Dolphins do have a type of insulin resistance that is close to type 2 diabetes, but unlike with modern humans, their disease helps them survive. Dolphins need a certain amount of glucose in their bloodstream in order for their brain to work, but they eat a low-glucose diet. This insulin resistance keeps their blood sugar levels high. This means that dolphins shouldn't be fed high-sugar human foods, otherwise they develop the same symptoms as human diabetes patients. It is supposed that actually the disease that causes death in humans nowadays was actually an advantage during the Ice age, when humans switched to high protein diets. It seems very sad to me that the same sickness that helped us survive so long ago is one of the ones killing us off now. But it helps dolphins, which is good.
Here's the link;
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100219-health-dolphins-diabetes-switch-humans-cure-medicine/
Knights and away!
Monday, February 22, 2010
PETA and Austrailian Farmers Fight over Sheep
Hello world,
Last week, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that they would boycott the wool industry if Austrailia refused to stop mulesing their sheep. Mulesing is a process where extra skin is removed from the area of the anus of the Merino sheep in order to prevent flystrike, which slowly and agonizingly kills the sheep. Austrailia's wool industry has promised to end the practice as a condition of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would give Austrailian wool farmers the right to sell wool in the US, Brinei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. The industry argues that a better way of preventing the disease has not been found, but PETA argues that the procedure is cruel and unnecessary. I think that if this is the best way to keep the sheep from dying, then it should be done. Why is PETA sticking their nose in it anyway?
Here's the link;
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1193006/Animal-rights-group-slams-Aussie-farmers
Knights and away!
Last week, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that they would boycott the wool industry if Austrailia refused to stop mulesing their sheep. Mulesing is a process where extra skin is removed from the area of the anus of the Merino sheep in order to prevent flystrike, which slowly and agonizingly kills the sheep. Austrailia's wool industry has promised to end the practice as a condition of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would give Austrailian wool farmers the right to sell wool in the US, Brinei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. The industry argues that a better way of preventing the disease has not been found, but PETA argues that the procedure is cruel and unnecessary. I think that if this is the best way to keep the sheep from dying, then it should be done. Why is PETA sticking their nose in it anyway?
Here's the link;
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1193006/Animal-rights-group-slams-Aussie-farmers
Knights and away!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Antibiotic resistance begins with pigs
Hello world,
Cbs news reports that all over Europe, farmers are using less antibiotic feed for their livestock. This is because a study was released that humans who eat or handle the meat are more likely to contract drug resistant strains of some diseases. The Food and Drug administration is passing a law banning the use of some antibiotics soon, despite some protests from the National Pork board. On average, removing antiobiotics from raising pigs only raises the price twenty cents. This is an excellent idea, but I would think that stopping the use of these medicines would lower the cost of the meat.
Here's the link, but it takes a while to load;
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/11/animal-antibiotics-video_n_458255.html
Knights and away!
Cbs news reports that all over Europe, farmers are using less antibiotic feed for their livestock. This is because a study was released that humans who eat or handle the meat are more likely to contract drug resistant strains of some diseases. The Food and Drug administration is passing a law banning the use of some antibiotics soon, despite some protests from the National Pork board. On average, removing antiobiotics from raising pigs only raises the price twenty cents. This is an excellent idea, but I would think that stopping the use of these medicines would lower the cost of the meat.
Here's the link, but it takes a while to load;
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/11/animal-antibiotics-video_n_458255.html
Knights and away!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Boat Noises Distract Crabs
Hello world,
Hermit crabs actually can be distracted. The noise of the boat disturbs them from looking out for predators, and slows their reaction time down by about 20 seconds. This research, by Blumstein of UCLA, concurs with the research of Slabbekoorn of Leiden University. He says that when chaffinches are in a noisy areas they spend more time looking for predators than they do normally. Urban enviroments also have an effect on the European robin. The amount of noise pollution alters when the robins start their nocturnal songs. I think that the crabs will eventually get used to the noise, since many other species have managed to adapt to human activities. But I wonder why noise alters the timing of the European robins' song.
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/animals/hermit-crabs-noise-distraction.html
Knights and away!
Hermit crabs actually can be distracted. The noise of the boat disturbs them from looking out for predators, and slows their reaction time down by about 20 seconds. This research, by Blumstein of UCLA, concurs with the research of Slabbekoorn of Leiden University. He says that when chaffinches are in a noisy areas they spend more time looking for predators than they do normally. Urban enviroments also have an effect on the European robin. The amount of noise pollution alters when the robins start their nocturnal songs. I think that the crabs will eventually get used to the noise, since many other species have managed to adapt to human activities. But I wonder why noise alters the timing of the European robins' song.
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/animals/hermit-crabs-noise-distraction.html
Knights and away!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Song bird Evolution
Hello world,
Evolution is popping up in North American songbirds. The reason that they're evolving is that their habitats are becoming fragmented and they need to fly longer distances to find a mate. Pointy tipped wings are best for long distance travel, and birds with these wings are showin up more often in fragmented habitats, while birds with rounder wings, which provide more manuverability, are more concentrated in reforested areas. This was discovered by looking at the wings of birds in a longterm exhibit. I don't find this surprising, since lots of other animals are adapting to human interferences. This is good, because it improves the chances that the songbird species will be able to survive in the long run.
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/animals/songbirds-wings-shape.html
Knights and away!
Evolution is popping up in North American songbirds. The reason that they're evolving is that their habitats are becoming fragmented and they need to fly longer distances to find a mate. Pointy tipped wings are best for long distance travel, and birds with these wings are showin up more often in fragmented habitats, while birds with rounder wings, which provide more manuverability, are more concentrated in reforested areas. This was discovered by looking at the wings of birds in a longterm exhibit. I don't find this surprising, since lots of other animals are adapting to human interferences. This is good, because it improves the chances that the songbird species will be able to survive in the long run.
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/animals/songbirds-wings-shape.html
Knights and away!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Feds Won't Protect the Pika!
Hello world,
That's right, the Fish and Wildlife Service has refused to put the American pika on the endangered species list. The reason that they're disappearing is that global warming has raised the temperature in their winter homes. These animals don't hibernate during the winter, but live off of haypiles stored in their burrows. It is supposed that this is a political move to keep lots of other applications from flooding in. They do admit that global warming exists, so that isn't a factor in their descision. I don't see why this would prevent the FWS from declaring the pika endangered. I hope that this cousin of the rabbit isn't killed off by our carbon footprint.
Here's the link;
http://blogs.discovery.com/animal_news/
Knights and away!
That's right, the Fish and Wildlife Service has refused to put the American pika on the endangered species list. The reason that they're disappearing is that global warming has raised the temperature in their winter homes. These animals don't hibernate during the winter, but live off of haypiles stored in their burrows. It is supposed that this is a political move to keep lots of other applications from flooding in. They do admit that global warming exists, so that isn't a factor in their descision. I don't see why this would prevent the FWS from declaring the pika endangered. I hope that this cousin of the rabbit isn't killed off by our carbon footprint.
Here's the link;
http://blogs.discovery.com/animal_news/
Knights and away!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Don't Eat the Lizard!
Hello world,
Restaurants are trying to sell lizard meat as a delicacy, but the World Health Organazation advises against it. A study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology shows that the eaters can get diseases such as trichinosis, pentastomiasis, gnathostomiasis and sparganosis. Most officals agree that whatever lizard meat that is going to be eaten should be proccesed and frozen. Nearly all of the eateries that are serving this meat are in Europe, they ship it from South Africa, as well as crocodile meat. Personally, if I'm going to eat a exotic food thats slightly disgusting, I'd much rather eat chocolate covered grasshoppers. Crunchier source of protein. I wonder why these reptiles are so full of diseases.
Here's the link;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209182456.htm
Knights and away!
Restaurants are trying to sell lizard meat as a delicacy, but the World Health Organazation advises against it. A study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology shows that the eaters can get diseases such as trichinosis, pentastomiasis, gnathostomiasis and sparganosis. Most officals agree that whatever lizard meat that is going to be eaten should be proccesed and frozen. Nearly all of the eateries that are serving this meat are in Europe, they ship it from South Africa, as well as crocodile meat. Personally, if I'm going to eat a exotic food thats slightly disgusting, I'd much rather eat chocolate covered grasshoppers. Crunchier source of protein. I wonder why these reptiles are so full of diseases.
Here's the link;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209182456.htm
Knights and away!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Money Makes the World go 'round, and will save the Vaquita
Hello world,
The vaquita, or "little cow", as it's known in Spainish. This cetacean is on the Critically Endangered Species list, all because of gillnets. Like lots of marine animals, these guys are often killed when they are caught in fisherman's net. They're already in dire straits because they onlt live in the Gulf of California. The Mexican govrnment has been encouraging fisherman not to use these nets by giving or selling them different kinds, but much more needs to be done. There are only 100 indivduals left in the wild, and their prospects look bleak without proper knowledge of their physiology. A research team has been assembled to rectify this, but their budget is very small. I hope they can say the Vaquita, since many other animal depends on their existence. If enough nets are exchanged they might be saved, since it has worked before.
Here's the link;
http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0211-hance_vaquita.html
The vaquita, or "little cow", as it's known in Spainish. This cetacean is on the Critically Endangered Species list, all because of gillnets. Like lots of marine animals, these guys are often killed when they are caught in fisherman's net. They're already in dire straits because they onlt live in the Gulf of California. The Mexican govrnment has been encouraging fisherman not to use these nets by giving or selling them different kinds, but much more needs to be done. There are only 100 indivduals left in the wild, and their prospects look bleak without proper knowledge of their physiology. A research team has been assembled to rectify this, but their budget is very small. I hope they can say the Vaquita, since many other animal depends on their existence. If enough nets are exchanged they might be saved, since it has worked before.
Here's the link;
http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0211-hance_vaquita.html
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Smells like water
Hello world,
I've always thought Star-nosed moles were adorable, but I never suspected that they could do anything this cool. These animals, along with the water shrew, can smell underwater. They do this by breathing out bubbles, and then sucking the air back in. This was discovered by Kenneth Ketanya at Vanderbelt University. I wonder if all moles can do this, or platypi. And why would a mole be in the water anyway?
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/videos/animals-submerged-sense-of-smell.html
Knights and away!
I've always thought Star-nosed moles were adorable, but I never suspected that they could do anything this cool. These animals, along with the water shrew, can smell underwater. They do this by breathing out bubbles, and then sucking the air back in. This was discovered by Kenneth Ketanya at Vanderbelt University. I wonder if all moles can do this, or platypi. And why would a mole be in the water anyway?
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/videos/animals-submerged-sense-of-smell.html
Knights and away!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Deadly Snails help Neurobiologists!
Hello world,
In Germany, scientists are using the cone snail and some spiders to characterize ion channels in the brain of mice. They both produce a neurotoxin that bind to channels in the brain. These toxins don't affect just one at a time, which made it hard to study. They get around this by electrically stimulating the channels they want to look at. This research has already produced some results, the pain medication Ziconotide. Hopefully this means more powerful pain medication in the future, so that patients that have acclimated to their meds can find relief. The more variety in medications availiable the better, because pain medications can often cause hallucinations in patients.
Here's the link;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100210101510.htm
Knights and away!
In Germany, scientists are using the cone snail and some spiders to characterize ion channels in the brain of mice. They both produce a neurotoxin that bind to channels in the brain. These toxins don't affect just one at a time, which made it hard to study. They get around this by electrically stimulating the channels they want to look at. This research has already produced some results, the pain medication Ziconotide. Hopefully this means more powerful pain medication in the future, so that patients that have acclimated to their meds can find relief. The more variety in medications availiable the better, because pain medications can often cause hallucinations in patients.
Here's the link;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100210101510.htm
Knights and away!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Why would you ruin perfectly good wine by putting a dead tiger in it!?
Hello,
I can't believe they actually do this. In some parts of South East Asia, people raise tigers specifically for the purpose to put their skeletons into wine. The trading of tiger parts was banned in China in 1993, but this practice continues. The female tigers are forced to produce three times their regular amount of cubs, most of which are given to "wet nurses" before they're weaned. The tigers are shoved into small cages, all for the purpose of getting their pelts and bones. Many groups advocate for the closing of these farms, but I disagree. That would increase the amount of poaching that would be done. Pelt farming I could understand, but really, WWYRPGWBPDTI?
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8487122.stm
I can't believe they actually do this. In some parts of South East Asia, people raise tigers specifically for the purpose to put their skeletons into wine. The trading of tiger parts was banned in China in 1993, but this practice continues. The female tigers are forced to produce three times their regular amount of cubs, most of which are given to "wet nurses" before they're weaned. The tigers are shoved into small cages, all for the purpose of getting their pelts and bones. Many groups advocate for the closing of these farms, but I disagree. That would increase the amount of poaching that would be done. Pelt farming I could understand, but really, WWYRPGWBPDTI?
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8487122.stm
Monday, February 8, 2010
Snails slow to escape death
Hello world,
The Irish National Biodiversity Centre reports that one third of the snails in Ireland are endangered. Ireland had 150 species of snail, two of which are extinct. Some of these snails live in very small areas of space. Most of the deaths are due to water contamination. This is caused by an increase in good production and harmful farming practices. The Kerry snail is supposed to benefit though, because of its proximity to currents. The only thing to inhibit its spread is the expansion of the territory of the rhododendron. I did not know that there were that many snails in Ireland, but I'm not surprised that they're not doing well. No animal is happy with global warming, but I thought snails were pretty resistant.
The Irish National Biodiversity Centre reports that one third of the snails in Ireland are endangered. Ireland had 150 species of snail, two of which are extinct. Some of these snails live in very small areas of space. Most of the deaths are due to water contamination. This is caused by an increase in good production and harmful farming practices. The Kerry snail is supposed to benefit though, because of its proximity to currents. The only thing to inhibit its spread is the expansion of the territory of the rhododendron. I did not know that there were that many snails in Ireland, but I'm not surprised that they're not doing well. No animal is happy with global warming, but I thought snails were pretty resistant.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Snake Invasion!
Hello world,
The Everglades has a serious Burmese python problem. Like other invasive species, these guys have hitched rides on boats or been released by pet owners who couldn't care for them. These immigrants cause 150 million dollars of damage each year. These pythons are showing up in backyards and are eating lots of animals. Like the Peruvian rats in New Orleans, these guys are being dealt with in a creative manner. Instead of being shot by off-duty SWAT teams, its python-season. I don't care how good it is for the enviroment though, I am not eating the meat those hunters are selling.
Here's the link;
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5803720n
Knights and away!
The Everglades has a serious Burmese python problem. Like other invasive species, these guys have hitched rides on boats or been released by pet owners who couldn't care for them. These immigrants cause 150 million dollars of damage each year. These pythons are showing up in backyards and are eating lots of animals. Like the Peruvian rats in New Orleans, these guys are being dealt with in a creative manner. Instead of being shot by off-duty SWAT teams, its python-season. I don't care how good it is for the enviroment though, I am not eating the meat those hunters are selling.
Here's the link;
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5803720n
Knights and away!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
African Sacrifice
Hello world,
South Africa has a new stadium and is hosting a football tournament this year, but trouble has come up with the blessing of the stadium. The idea of blessing the stadium with the Ukweshwama ritual was proposed by the Makhonya Royal Trust. Local animal rights groups are lobbying for a humane approach. The parliment and the Zulu royal family were to return to the debate today.
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8388001.stm
Knights and away!
South Africa has a new stadium and is hosting a football tournament this year, but trouble has come up with the blessing of the stadium. The idea of blessing the stadium with the Ukweshwama ritual was proposed by the Makhonya Royal Trust. Local animal rights groups are lobbying for a humane approach. The parliment and the Zulu royal family were to return to the debate today.
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8388001.stm
Knights and away!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Mosquito noses
Hello world,
Well, maybe mosquitoes don't have noses in the same way we humans do, but researchers at Yale have found the receptors that are responsible for the insects ability to find humans. The lab there used fruit flies without olfactory senses of their own, and systematically injected them into the bugs. This paves the way for more effective ways of killing or repelling mosquitoes. This means malaria could become a disease hardly ever contracted. I only hope the bloodsuckers don't become accustomed to such things.
Here's the link;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100203131358.htm
Knights and away!
Well, maybe mosquitoes don't have noses in the same way we humans do, but researchers at Yale have found the receptors that are responsible for the insects ability to find humans. The lab there used fruit flies without olfactory senses of their own, and systematically injected them into the bugs. This paves the way for more effective ways of killing or repelling mosquitoes. This means malaria could become a disease hardly ever contracted. I only hope the bloodsuckers don't become accustomed to such things.
Here's the link;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100203131358.htm
Knights and away!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Snaring in Ireland
Hello world,
The BBC reports today a conflict between the League Against Cruel Sports and local gamekeepers. The league argues that snares are an inhumane way of controlling foxes, and wants the practice banned in the upcoming months, even though many vetrinarians argue that it is one of the kinder ways of catching these animals. According to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation the ban is unlikely to be passed, because of the snares role on protecting small game. Personally, I think that if they want to save their pheasents, they should just build fences.
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8494582.stm
Knights and away!
The BBC reports today a conflict between the League Against Cruel Sports and local gamekeepers. The league argues that snares are an inhumane way of controlling foxes, and wants the practice banned in the upcoming months, even though many vetrinarians argue that it is one of the kinder ways of catching these animals. According to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation the ban is unlikely to be passed, because of the snares role on protecting small game. Personally, I think that if they want to save their pheasents, they should just build fences.
Here's the link;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8494582.stm
Knights and away!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Evolution in our midst
Hello Humans
Recently, King demoiselle were discovered to be quickly evolving in the west Pacific ocean. Most fish in the area have lots of variations, from juvenile to adult color differences to sex changes. This is a genetic split though between the geographically seperated groups. This proves that diversity in the oceans is more widespread than previously thought, and that we may be destroying new species even before they form. This is suprising, that evolution could happen in a short enough time to be seen.
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/animals/fish-evolution-conservation.html
Knights and away!
Recently, King demoiselle were discovered to be quickly evolving in the west Pacific ocean. Most fish in the area have lots of variations, from juvenile to adult color differences to sex changes. This is a genetic split though between the geographically seperated groups. This proves that diversity in the oceans is more widespread than previously thought, and that we may be destroying new species even before they form. This is suprising, that evolution could happen in a short enough time to be seen.
Here's the link;
http://news.discovery.com/animals/fish-evolution-conservation.html
Knights and away!
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