Hundreds of dolphins and whales are recently washing up dead on different shores across the world in what might be an ominous sign of the times. Experts are still investigating the cause of death, but there is speculation that intense solar activity and Earth’s weakening magnetic field likely contributed to the deaths. Mass die-offs in the sea Eighty-six dolphins … Continue reading Solar storms, magnetic pole shift loom as hundreds of dolphins and whales wind up dead worldwide
Higher plant biodiversity may help discourage the use of pesticides, reveals study
Plant biodiversity serves as a natural method for controlling pests and can potentially reduce the need for environmentally harmful pesticides, according to a recent study. Researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) revealed in their report that plant communities with diverse species support insect predator populations while depriving the pests themselves of their preferred food sources. Their findings … Continue reading Higher plant biodiversity may help discourage the use of pesticides, reveals study
Federal court nixes FDA’s approval of genetically engineered “Frankenfish”
In a major win for wild salmon, the Court for the Northern District of California ruled on Nov. 5 that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ignored potential environmental consequences in its approval of genetically engineered salmon produced by the Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies. District Judge Vince Chhabria also said that the FDA violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and … Continue reading Federal court nixes FDA’s approval of genetically engineered “Frankenfish”
Long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in sunscreen is lethal to freshwater organisms, warn scientists
For a lot of people, beach trips and lake excursions are never complete without a tall bottle of sunscreen to smother their skin with before going off for a swim. However, a recent report found that chemical ingredients in sunscreen that leach off of the skin while swimming might be detrimental to freshwater organisms. In a … Continue reading Long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in sunscreen is lethal to freshwater organisms, warn scientists
Worms are cool: They can regrow their brains if they lose their heads
There are some animals that can grow back specific parts of their body when they have been cut off. Lizards, for example, are known for their ability to grow back their tails. However, experts have found something even more fascinating. New research published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B has revealed that some species of ribbon … Continue reading Worms are cool: They can regrow their brains if they lose their heads
It’s a simple chain of cause-and-effect: Toxic green algae in Florida is the result of man-made pollution
An organism that has plagued Florida waters since 2017, bringing an assault of toxic green algae and red tide blooms, is finally disappearing, according to a report released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The announcement was made a few weeks after marine scientists observed that Karenia brevis, the microscopic algae responsible for the harmful blooms, … Continue reading It’s a simple chain of cause-and-effect: Toxic green algae in Florida is the result of man-made pollution
Scientists aim to predict the next Ebola outbreak by tracking the migration patterns of BATS
The next time an Ebola epidemic breaks out in Africa, we may be warned in advance by bats. A Science Daily article reports how Pennsylvania-based researchers created a computer model that predicts the migratory movements of the airborne mammals that carry the virus. Bats are considered to be a primary carrier of the Ebola virus. They are also reservoirs … Continue reading Scientists aim to predict the next Ebola outbreak by tracking the migration patterns of BATS
Children raised in rural environments and surrounded by animals develop stronger immune systems
It’s said that being in rural areas has enormous benefits to our physical health. We’ve also been told that growing up in an environment where we’re exposed to animals and nature reduces the risk of developing asthma and some other diseases. A more recent study, however, found that growing up in a place close to nature … Continue reading Children raised in rural environments and surrounded by animals develop stronger immune systems
Cool science: Researchers have successfully observed how fish and amphibians regenerate tissue into their perfect original shape
Wouldn’t it be neat to regrow a lost limb without any trace of scar or trauma? Researchers have successfully observed how the skin cells of some fish and amphibians are capable of advanced tissue regeneration without scarring, retaining its perfect original form. The findings, published in the journal The Company of Biologists, hint at this mechanism’s potential application in human … Continue reading Cool science: Researchers have successfully observed how fish and amphibians regenerate tissue into their perfect original shape
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 