On Thursday, April 29, workers from British biotech firm Oxitec placed boxes of mosquito larvae into six yards in the Florida Keys. They then added water. In a week, some 12,000 genetically modified (GM) male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes will emerge out of each box, making the first batch of GM mosquitoes released in the United States. Oxitec and … Continue reading Genetically modified mosquitoes are being released in Florida Keys despite protests
Jumping worms are wreaking havoc in 15 US states
Jumping worms are wreaking havoc in the ecosystems and garden soils of at least 15 U.S. states. Also known as crazy worms, Alabama jumpers and snake worms, they violently thrash when handled and shed their own tails to escape when put under duress. Mature jumping worms are between four and five inches long. They have been sighted in … Continue reading Jumping worms are wreaking havoc in 15 US states
EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Britain-based biotech company Oxitec has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in the Florida Keys this spring. The firm claims that the technology is safe and effective at eradicating dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases in the area – a claim that scientists and residents dispute. Oxitec, which is U.S.-owned but U.K.-based, says … Continue reading EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Pesticide “ghosts” can haunt organic farms for decades
Most commercial crops grown around the world are treated with pesticides. But some farms are now switching to organic practices to avoid the risks that pesticides pose to human and environmental health. However, new research shows that past pesticide use can still “haunt” fields that have long been converted into organic farms. Published recently in Environmental Science and … Continue reading Pesticide “ghosts” can haunt organic farms for decades
Marine life heading away from the equator could signal global mass extinction, scientists warn
When it comes to biodiversity, the waters around the equator have long been miles ahead of most of the rest of the planet. The tropical waters are known for their rich and varied marine life, with creatures ranging from vibrant coral reefs, whale sharks and sea turtles to tropical tuna and manta rays. Unfortunately, its … Continue reading Marine life heading away from the equator could signal global mass extinction, scientists warn
GMO mosquitos being released in Florida Keys despite concerns by scientists and residents
Coronavirus isn’t the only danger Floridians will have to contend with this spring as biotech firm Oxitec has announced that it will be releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys. These mosquitoes have been genetically altered in a way that causes them to pass “self-limiting” genes to offspring. When the modified male mosquitoes breed with … Continue reading GMO mosquitos being released in Florida Keys despite concerns by scientists and residents
Japan to dump radioactive Fukushima water into the ocean, says it’s “unavoidable”
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the government has put off figuring out what to do with all of the radioactive water at the now-defunct Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant for long enough. The prime minister will decide next week whether to dump the radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean in spite of strong opposition from fishermen in Fukushima. Officials … Continue reading Japan to dump radioactive Fukushima water into the ocean, says it’s “unavoidable”
“Wormnado” – Hundreds of worms cluster into a tornado-like pattern on New Jersey sidewalk
Earthworms typically tunnel to the surface after a rainstorm and writhe on top of the soil and sidewalks. But a pack of worms in New Jersey did more than just litter the ground after a heavy downpour. On March 25, a woman from Hoboken spotted hundreds of worms congregating to form a weird, tornado-like shape on a walkway near Maxwell … Continue reading “Wormnado” – Hundreds of worms cluster into a tornado-like pattern on New Jersey sidewalk
Discarded face masks, PPE are killing wildlife around the world
Millions of people around the world have been using single-use face masks, disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid infection since the coronavirus pandemic began in March last year. But the increased use of such items has resulted in a new wave of litter, one that harms and even kills animals. Those are the findings of a … Continue reading Discarded face masks, PPE are killing wildlife around the world
Study shows cuttlefish can also pass “marshmallow test” designed for children
It’s a well-known fact that dogs and primates are some of the most clever animals on the planet. Dolphins are also known for their intelligence. But according to an interesting study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, cephalopods like cuttlefish can give other smart creatures a run for their money. Researchers reported that cuttlefish can also … Continue reading Study shows cuttlefish can also pass “marshmallow test” designed for children
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 