Common but Lethal Soil Fungus Becoming Resistant to Antifungals
Aspergillus fumigatus - a common but sometimes lethal soil fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus found commonly in ordinary garden soil. When the spores of the fungus are inhaled, It can also cause disease–sometimes fatally in those with already compromised immune systems and respiratory disease such as COPD. Doctors who treat the illness have long-recognized that in some patients, the fungus is resistant to standard treatment with chemicals called azoles. The problem becomes potentially worse as azoles are also heavily used as farm fungicides. A team of Dutch researchers (Verweij and Kema), reporting in last December’s edition of the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggest that over-use of the farm fungicide may be contributing to the growing resistance of this fungus to the disease-fighting chemicals.
On the Brink of Extinction: Call to Close Cruel and Inhumane Tiger Farms
Published on January 28th, 2010
Officials from 13 nations are meeting to discuss conservation efforts to save the endangered tiger. Officials from countries where tigers still roam - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam - are taking part in the Asia Ministerial Conference (AMC) on Tiger Conservation. The conference runs from January 27 to January 30, 2010, in Thailand. Read the rest of this entry »
Origin of Tasmanian Devil Cancer Uncovered
Male Tasmanian Devil
A relatively rare form of transmissible cancer–known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD)–has been decimating Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harisii) populations in Northeast Tasmania over the past thirteen or more years. First identified in 1996, the cancer has become so pervasive that the animal–the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial–has now become one of the world’s most endangered species.
UK plans to reintroduce insects into environment: should humans be running interference?
It’s a long-standing debate; just how much of a role should humans be playing when it comes to the environment and their influence on the natural order of things with regards to ecosystems and the animal kingdom. There is even more controversy when humans choose to be involved to rectify species decline that have occurred as part of nature and not as a direct result of human impact. A new situation in the UK brings this debate to light. Read the rest of this entry »
No More Dog and Cat Meat in China?
In an effort to prevent animal abuse, China is taking steps to end a centuries-old tradition. Recently proposed legislation would outlaw the human consumption or sale of cat and dog meat, often called “fragrant meat,” which is still considered a delicacy in some parts of China. Read the rest of this entry »
A Lamp Shade or a Slide Show?
Last week when I was in Brooklyn I encountered the most excellent recycled lamp shade creation ever. Innovative New York based artist and designer, Sabina Batelman, has constructed colorful translucent lamp shades from old 35mm film slides. It is a lamp shade and a slide show simultaneously—utter genius.
1BOG Brings Power of Group Solar to New Jersey
It’s the secret that so many big box retailers already know: prices are lower when you buy in bulk. San Francisco-based 1 Block off the Grid has taken that mindset and applied it to solar power with amazing results. Now, the company is adding its very first east coast solar campaign in northern New Jersey.
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Researchers Discover Swans May Not be as Monogamous as Thought!
Many bird species, like swans, are known for mating for life. They form partnerships, much like a marriage and unlike humans, tend to really stick to the notion of “’til death do us part”; which is why experts have been shocked by new swan relationships that have formed at a UK sanctuary.
Blue Whale Songs Getting Lower - Puzzling Scientists
