tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44873109406918256092024-03-23T10:46:14.465+00:00Science in the CityTopazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-70550730063335224192023-05-05T19:44:00.003+01:002023-05-05T19:44:59.852+01:00Could insects stop the environmental apocolypse? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vkpp_oYIKzGrBYa3A0X84DbFzWolyt05r9X9ON7DRfFl20R1W6nNcV7gJiwwhsSRs_LfnJh73WvXhY7FSaREFxkqqe7jsKCBRcIRCuCqUE5GoKEAvSWuUcx6-rYB-zOLKC1VkBFH4cAcT3kNzHEhIQNgGo2vJl7ipVlaW8jOK7DTUWirXjZdidbU/s1048/blog%20into%20image.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="1048" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vkpp_oYIKzGrBYa3A0X84DbFzWolyt05r9X9ON7DRfFl20R1W6nNcV7gJiwwhsSRs_LfnJh73WvXhY7FSaREFxkqqe7jsKCBRcIRCuCqUE5GoKEAvSWuUcx6-rYB-zOLKC1VkBFH4cAcT3kNzHEhIQNgGo2vJl7ipVlaW8jOK7DTUWirXjZdidbU/w615-h175/blog%20into%20image.PNG" width="615" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hi everyone, </span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-70018ff2-7fff-2a59-5ac8-714ce970bf67"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome back! I hope you are excited for the weekend. Before you say hello to Saturday you have to get through Friday and hopefully, today’s blog will make time fly a little faster. This week we are turning our eye to alternative foods, of the insect variety! </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is thought that the world's population will be reaching a shocking and claustrophobic feeling, 9 billion by 2050! This means more demand for housing, more demand on energy and most importantly an increased demand on the world’s food systems. This poses a few problems for the world's biodiversity due to the additional land, energy and water that will be needed to meet this increased food demand. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So where does that leave us? Well, there are a few alternatives floating around but the one that is catching my eye is one that was valued at $3.2 million US Dollars in 2021 and is set to reach $17.6 billion US Dollars (according to Statista), insect farming! Why insects? Well, they have a high nutritional value, they require minimal space and have a low environmental impact overall. The consumption of insects, or entomophagy could be the solution to a lot of the world's food production problems in future. In fact, there are many areas of the world where insects are commonly consumed, so we may be missing out on something great. So the aim for this post is to get you all a little more familiar with entomophagy. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Insects for human food:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqXJyjfkZffXpH6Uz_UHbTPUEZHGQSUhcOwMc-jyLNtYqNv_nVNGdv2fdBfEAkCPGfH-W-xbPdfCrocKqRVXsAExDS-8V5uIMOiX9TYRP5rXh5c925_GxJtxy3vDJMnNyR-A6kq_geu6GjlEzeu-9t6vj8xUi4dvcG7dgCfJghAg8fdJT5tNoD_X3/s4591/top-view-insects-sliced-lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3061" data-original-width="4591" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqXJyjfkZffXpH6Uz_UHbTPUEZHGQSUhcOwMc-jyLNtYqNv_nVNGdv2fdBfEAkCPGfH-W-xbPdfCrocKqRVXsAExDS-8V5uIMOiX9TYRP5rXh5c925_GxJtxy3vDJMnNyR-A6kq_geu6GjlEzeu-9t6vj8xUi4dvcG7dgCfJghAg8fdJT5tNoD_X3/s320/top-view-insects-sliced-lemons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The most commonly eaten insects are beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants, crickets, grasshoppers and locusts. For hundreds of years, regions of the world including Asia, South America and parts of Europe have consumed various species of insects. In fact, approximately, 2,000 insect species are consumed in 113 countries. For those of you planning on visiting Mexico, Laos or Cambodia you might want to keep an eye out for a delicate gourmet dish known as </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Escamoles, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">otherwise known as ant eggs. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">As you can imagine one of the main reasons why insect cafes are not as popular as wine bars or coffee shops on the high streets of the UK or USA is because they look like the image above. Yep, not the most appetising-looking snack/meal. If you are wondering how typical insects weigh up against more conventional foods check out my partner in crimes video where he goes into the nutritional comparisons, well worth a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcaffJALh4">watch</a>! To provide a quick summary, it is generally agreed that the nutritional value of insects tends to be rich in proteins, fat and vitamins and actually weigh up relatively well to conventional protein sources… yummy! </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Something to ponder with... a research paper proposed a possible way of getting people used to an insect-based diet by developing insect-based ingredients, rather than whole insect products. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Insects and livestock feed: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-2627b5c1-7fff-cd25-d13f-945b074b85d4" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rZ2tkUfSFvAv_xANxUrZqH2K6sZTYhXFKtEjHUtIXYeHdpwlnkArTr8cEBPP1fGMt8iJits1eEsHrM1QC3lsucxOrQBwdCLqQ0lhgUJPOcp903fBI-HO36Zucpq5LP5MmSoY6OJ8K2jV5Nmzojeit7h4DeSVF2crpuYI51N1U8VbczoWw1IK32KI/s1139/livestock%20production.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="1139" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rZ2tkUfSFvAv_xANxUrZqH2K6sZTYhXFKtEjHUtIXYeHdpwlnkArTr8cEBPP1fGMt8iJits1eEsHrM1QC3lsucxOrQBwdCLqQ0lhgUJPOcp903fBI-HO36Zucpq5LP5MmSoY6OJ8K2jV5Nmzojeit7h4DeSVF2crpuYI51N1U8VbczoWw1IK32KI/w594-h180/livestock%20production.PNG" width="594" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Currently, farmland occupies 30% of the global land area, 70% of this is used to produce feed for livestock animals. Insects with their high nutritional value and low space requirements make them an appealing alternative to standard feed which is around 70% of livestock-production expenses. Insect farming is thought to be a great environmentally-friendly alternative, especially as it requires significantly less water consumption because insects get their water from fruits and vegetables. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Well, this is all well and good in theory… but how does it measure up to actual animal feed. The most promising and well-studied potential insect sources for feed production came in the form of black soldier flies, larvae, yellow mealworms, silkworms, grasshoppers and even termites! When broiler chickens were fed diets enriched with housefly larvae in comparison to more conventional ones such as soybean meal, it was found that their growth performance and carcass quality were improved. </span>In addition to an increase in growth performance and carcass quality, there was found to be a marginal increase in egg production. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">In fact, in the Philippines, consumers preferred the taste of pasture-grown chickens fed with grasshoppers to those fed on commercial feed. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">According to a research paper, the global feed market heavily relies on Genetically Modified soybean as the main source of protein for livestock diets. This poses an issue for food security for countries in the EU and the UK. Due to a slightly unfavourable climate this crop doesn't prosper there, which makes the insect-based feed a good potential for farmers. Interestingly, insect protein is already used in the production of fish feed in the EU. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaK4s_ijLZgUE-KIc5Boe9A7SzZACm_Vg7Anr_jNXk5K85v80tIedJSNdX35kpxDqmn187QXtz_YBZiadtkD4GqE_K3PZaYLx29saBiI6HAqkpUBB3QPlNdNBsVhptXfPBq3Z3E6tIolrx_qvo5hce6lhOdkrCdM_bn9-0cAB1il_0MnORquYaijD/s6000/earthworms-bowl-chopsticks-close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaK4s_ijLZgUE-KIc5Boe9A7SzZACm_Vg7Anr_jNXk5K85v80tIedJSNdX35kpxDqmn187QXtz_YBZiadtkD4GqE_K3PZaYLx29saBiI6HAqkpUBB3QPlNdNBsVhptXfPBq3Z3E6tIolrx_qvo5hce6lhOdkrCdM_bn9-0cAB1il_0MnORquYaijD/w361-h240/earthworms-bowl-chopsticks-close-up.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">So we have reached the end of this week's blog! To summarise, in general, insects have the potential to be a great protein source for human and livestock consumption. Let's cut to the point, we are barrelling towards a massive biodiversity and ecological crisis which impart if caused by significant changes in land use, which is in part due to a growing demand for food. Insects could ease this pressure, however! Are you willing to have an insect-based diet? Is the real problem food distribution rather than production? Or is the real answer to let livestock eat what they are actually meant to eat, grass! rather than corn and so on? This is some real food for thought and we want to hear from you on what you have read and what you think.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Have a fab weekend! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lndnscientistx Team </p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">References and acknowledgements: </p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-8852e7f7-7fff-6da6-aa5e-5e3b1d4cf08b"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Farmland landscape: Photo by Tom Fisk: </span><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-s-eye-view-of-river-in-middle-of-green-fields-1483880/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-s-eye-view-of-river-in-middle-of-green-fields-1483880/</span></a></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6f096ec8-7fff-f590-94d4-d7cca280ce0a"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #ff9900; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Honey bee image - </span><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Photo by David Hablützel: </span><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-and-black-bee-in-macro-photography-1036269/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-and-black-bee-in-macro-photography-1036269/</span></a></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3f88078f-7fff-8c7a-a3bf-fa071903462f"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Insect food bowl: Image by <a href="</span><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/top-view-insects-sliced-lemons_5007046.htm#query=edible%20insects&position=2&from_view=keyword&track=robertav1_2_sidr" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/top-view-insects-sliced-lemons_5007046.htm#query=edible%20insects&position=2&from_view=keyword&track=robertav1_2_sidr</span></a><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">">Freepik</a></span></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4459f8a8-7fff-4711-0e8f-9c291cd9945d"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Cow - Photo by Matthias Zomer: </span><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-black-and-white-cows-422218/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-black-and-white-cows-422218/</span></a><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-025aabeb-7fff-9ed8-5d39-51b44844c771"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Speckled Hen - Photo by The masked Guy: </span><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-black-hen-beside-chicken-chicks-754308/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-black-hen-beside-chicken-chicks-754308/</span></a></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-64771dbf-7fff-1fb3-c2db-17d601a008ad"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Insect bowl - Image by <a href="</span><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/earthworms-bowl-chopsticks-close-up_5007087.htm#query=edible%20insects&position=3&from_view=keyword&track=robertav1_2_sidr" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/earthworms-bowl-chopsticks-close-up_5007087.htm#query=edible%20insects&position=3&from_view=keyword&track=robertav1_2_sidr</span></a><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">">Freepik</a></span></i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1378c057-7fff-03aa-b5ad-b64fd87ef83f"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6728817/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Edible insects as a protein source: A review of Public Perception, Processing Technology, and Research Trends. </i></span></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9f98f5ad-7fff-58e5-cfb9-a80b2401193b"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="Potential utilisation of edible insects as an alternative source of protein in animal diets in Poland"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Potential utilisation of edible insects as an alternative source of protein in animal diets in Poland</i></span></a></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: ElsevierGulliver, Georgia, "Times New Roman", STIXGeneral, "Cambria Math", Arial, Helvetica, "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Microsoft Sans Serif", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Arial Unicode MS", serif; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927123000722"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The future is crawling: Evaluating the potential of insects for food and feed security</i></span></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p></div></span>Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-70691392206842358952023-04-28T09:50:00.010+01:002023-04-28T10:20:51.572+01:00Wild Isles Road Trip!<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyffbt0_IJg5EnRjiZn1cAAV_siT4y_r3UfYvJUvPmaZDD7YiE_-1I4HUR6FDA_d5_LukyKk2p8C2ZtM2t8d3xjdJVuCZo3AK-XZLX0uZf9k4BI5fCQmFsvGY_BVe4wqXLat0W-KQvyX8leTXM-UxrqEBRQSDnfassPnt2fjM63GAAEGvR39Q5v_TD/s1319/Road%20Trip%20Map%20Wild%20Isles%20V12.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1319" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyffbt0_IJg5EnRjiZn1cAAV_siT4y_r3UfYvJUvPmaZDD7YiE_-1I4HUR6FDA_d5_LukyKk2p8C2ZtM2t8d3xjdJVuCZo3AK-XZLX0uZf9k4BI5fCQmFsvGY_BVe4wqXLat0W-KQvyX8leTXM-UxrqEBRQSDnfassPnt2fjM63GAAEGvR39Q5v_TD/w491-h360/Road%20Trip%20Map%20Wild%20Isles%20V12.png" width="491" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Hi everyone! </span></p></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cd786984-7fff-cd40-e886-962307c432d1"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wishing you all a happy Friday. It has been a very long time since my last post, but I am super excited to say that I am back with my partner in crime! Together we will aim to post something new every Friday. So let’s get into it! </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-66c63732-7fff-2419-1bcb-e57b735af00b"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Today we are revisiting David Attenbrough’s Wild Isles documentary, for those who missed it David used this series to cast a spotlight on wildlife and habitats closer to home. Over the course of just five episodes, he visited some of the furthest reaches of the British Isles showcasing some of the best that Britsh Wildlife has to offer all the while communicating the perils that they are facing and stories of hope for their future. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c07909cf-7fff-0ed2-a774-90635eabadc3"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">As a self-confessed wildlife enthusiast and admirer, I found my knowledge fell short on the diversity of British wildlife and the habitats which they occupy. In fact, the result was a sudden urge for my partner and me to go and explore our own backyard, and by backyard… I mean Britain. Spring has arrived (finally) which means a road trip might be in order. But where to start? How do you begin to plan a road trip of such epic proportions? </span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5c0660de-7fff-04fe-add0-4c028116e05c"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We started by rewatching every episode, noting down every time an animal was mentioned or featured and the general location of where they were spotted. It resulted in a list of about 28 locations! After a heated debate between my partner and me on which of these locations should make the final list we finally narrowed it down to just 9 stops. Resulting in our very own </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Wild Isles Road Trip’</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This road trip has been made on <b>two</b> big assumptions… 1) you have unlimited money for fuel 2) you love driving for hours… and hours.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJmAqhnDNfXvmv9UxvHo1nopYTUOkjNKwpKyCu4BxpwUP9xk3YHKIYF-wRRJ6p7SztL9vwTpHKAK3vo4b4NL7WUGfaCAbpOzJeQfhgLECAWddNnD2rnBR5Kmy9lf_IcS-2XPhGPgtHASIHqYHVbSl-SHes_C4t16i5hf9JTPaUFUqUw6AOfP9JyJr/s960/Road%20Trip%20Map%20Wild%20Isles%20V13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="960" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJmAqhnDNfXvmv9UxvHo1nopYTUOkjNKwpKyCu4BxpwUP9xk3YHKIYF-wRRJ6p7SztL9vwTpHKAK3vo4b4NL7WUGfaCAbpOzJeQfhgLECAWddNnD2rnBR5Kmy9lf_IcS-2XPhGPgtHASIHqYHVbSl-SHes_C4t16i5hf9JTPaUFUqUw6AOfP9JyJr/w651-h429/Road%20Trip%20Map%20Wild%20Isles%20V13.png" width="651" /></a></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a>Somerset </span></span></h2><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dcb71cb5-7fff-dab6-4bfe-c77ec713053d"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Wild Isles road trip starts in Southwestern England, Somerset. Situating yourself at reedbeds you are awaiting for a seasonal visitor to arrive. Their arrival is timed for when dragonflies erupt into life around rivers and a small specialist aerial hunter is ready to have a protein snack, the Hobby. Hobby’s are small falcons that travel from Africa for our wonderfully tasty (according to them!) dragonflies. Whilst they can be spotted in various places in Somerset, according to the Wildlife Trust you have a chance of glimpsing them at Westhay Moor National Reserve. </span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a> <span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Forest of Dean</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b8de9a5f-7fff-cffc-cda8-8e54fcc9af8b"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After soaking up the beautiful natural scenery of Somerset, it is time to load the car for a short 1hr 18min drive to the Forest of Dean. As a reminder, the species that featured as the icon for this stop was the wild boar. It might seem a bit bizarre to travel this far to go and see a pig, but it is what they represent! A movement amongst wildlife activists all across Britain to rewild our nature reserves and green spaces. Rewilding and reintroduction of species are the next big things for UK Wildlife Conservation making this a must-see stop for any nature enthusiast! Remember to keep an eye out for robins following these pigs closely as they unearth tasty and yummy worms for them to snack on. You have to love a symbiotic relationship! </span></span></p><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire</span> </span></h2><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6d2a5c76-7fff-3f96-bbcd-bcef156a735b"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stock up on the snacks and load the Spotify playlist because you have a 3hr 38min drive ahead of you! Once you have arrived get yourself up and out and give yourself a good stretch because now it is time to go and spot a herd of wild horses. According to David, you have to give it some time as these herds are constantly on the move in search of fresh young trees. But what a sight! A herd of wild horses, specifically Konik ponies. However, this area is an amazing spot on its own. It was the National Trust’s<b> first-ever nature reserve</b> and one of Europe's most important wetlands which has earned it the classification as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. So get out there and explore, as Wicken Fen is pretty wicked! (I am not sorry for the terrible joke). As a teaser here is a link to the National Trust <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wicken-fen-national-nature-reserve">page</a>. </span></span></p><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a> <span id="docs-internal-guid-39024854-7fff-ed4d-e0c0-9eb0931c5b6f"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">River Wensum</span></span></span></h2><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4db59fba-7fff-33b4-5c73-707209c2bbda"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once you have soaked up all the incredible nature and admired the beauty of its landscapes, it is time to hop back in the car for a quick 1hr 20min drive to the River Wensum, in Norfolk. Here you will find what many refer to as ‘England’s rainforests’, our chalk rivers. There are just over 200 in the whole world and here in the UK we are lucky to have 160 of them! They are filled to the brim with biodiversity from tiny insects, to the elusive vole and what David Attenborough described as the most charming bird species, the Kingfisher. But why have we been drawn to the River Wensum in particular? Not only is it of course a chalk river, it is one of the most protected rivers in the entirety of Europe. It is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation status for its whole length. For more information on what you can get up to whilst out there check out this </span><a href="https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/post/the-wensum-chalk-river" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></p></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Houghton Hall</span></span></h2></div><div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-47e2eb51-7fff-0669-d9dc-84ae30484cf4"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once you have taken in the sites and even been lucky enough to spot a Kingfisher your next stop will take you to a truly incredible-looking estate only 36 minutes away, Houghton Hall. Now this stop is a little tricky, as the Hall and its gardens are only open at certain times of the year (between April and October) and even then it is only open on select days of the week so be sure to check to avoid disappointment, </span><a href="https://shop.myonlinebooking.co.uk/houghtonhall/sessions.aspx?tid=7" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Houghton Hall was built for Britain’s first Prime Minister and is now home to a rather unique Model Soldier Museum and an award-winning Garden home to a wonderful herd of Fallow deer, as seen on Wild Isles. You might remember them as the deer that like to decorate their antlers during the rutting season with dense foliage. A great day out where you can kick back and enjoy some commercial tourism. </span></span></p></div></div><div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ouw5Jp2G5JAI_tVpdXJMBi32OtgdN47xFCm5wlbWbsUFUoia338d-oWFOmq9xsm5z7Wga0Y-UX2s9KOKQckjr8wAncyh2reCGqun_sr0OUrzwnnPVDnEfImZVrHiixu_GFFeqrLv7Lqqq4YWq_zGTTFJcQ1jWWML3VkeXfcqkbeyto6KeAQrkRz0/s899/Road%20Trip%20Map%20Wild%20Isles%20V14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="899" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ouw5Jp2G5JAI_tVpdXJMBi32OtgdN47xFCm5wlbWbsUFUoia338d-oWFOmq9xsm5z7Wga0Y-UX2s9KOKQckjr8wAncyh2reCGqun_sr0OUrzwnnPVDnEfImZVrHiixu_GFFeqrLv7Lqqq4YWq_zGTTFJcQ1jWWML3VkeXfcqkbeyto6KeAQrkRz0/w659-h359/Road%20Trip%20Map%20Wild%20Isles%20V14.png" width="659" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seahouses Harbour for Farne and Staple Island</span></span></h2></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-534b9943-7fff-2f1e-d5b9-0b1a91f20a88"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your next stop is a very exciting wildlife treat! After a 5hr road trip, you will land at Seahouses Harbour. Once there, you will have to decide which tour company to take you out to the Farne Islands, where you will be greeted with an incredible collection of birds, including the puffin! You can spot 23 different species of bird in this one spot! No wonder David Attenborough stated it was one of his favourite places for UK wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed the Puffin episode and I am now obsessed with seeing them in the wild. In my opinion, they sound a bit like old men chattering. TripAdvisor released a page on the 5 Best Boat Trips to go and see these wonderful birds, so do your research before you go… </span><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g504051-Activities-c55-Seahouses_Northumberland_England.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> .</span></span></p></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve </span> </span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4ea268ed-7fff-58d2-7147-3bb4608fc81c"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now for those of you who were great, great lovers of ‘Wild Isles’ then this is your <b>hotspot</b>. This stop is where you want to carve out some time to explore and soak up everything it has to offer. Some of the show's most spectacular and dramatic wildlife call this area home; the Capercaillie, Golden Eagles, White-tipped eagles, Red Deer and Grouse to name a few. Most definitely worth the 4-hour drive. As mentioned this is one the best hotspots of wildlife so you will want to make the most of this spot. Whilst, I was googling how best to get to this Nature Reserve I came across the most amazing 4-day itinerary of how to see as much nature and wildlife as you can. I am sure there are loads but I wanted to share the one I found with you, </span><a href="https://www.visitcairngorms.com/itinerary-wildlife-watching/amp/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></p><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aberdeen Harbour, Shetland and Orkney Islands </span></span></h2></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-238ff26e-7fff-fa43-4036-86403e24cc90"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The team who worked on the Wild Isles knew how to start the series with a bang! Watching their black and white silhouettes glide just below the surface of the water, stuck both fear and awe into my heart. I am of course referring to the <b>Killer Whales</b>. They make their way to Shetland and Orkney for the abundance of seals, especially around Spring (it is whispered that there is a resident pod always found in these waters). Now to get to these islands you must make your way to the Northern Pier in Aberdeen just over an hour's drive away. From here you can take a boat out to the islands and with any luck, you might spot these apex predators in their element, hunting some poor unfortunate seals. Warning, these guys are a bit psychotic when it comes to hunting so sensitive viewers may wish to turn away! Even if you don’t get to see a Killer Whale don’t fret as it is a marine mammal hotspot so you will be bound to see something wonderful. </span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/s2787/bullet%20point.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1824" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy60Epg7hI57mn1myP44EwuPsqcGwrYYOW2qZu7-Qa8V0_tg1fcMWSB5lT1dNRVJ0K2lorCpoRyP7VRkMYT-FW7FoDrddIy41_PUMhGKGOsKDYsDBt_qOmoA9v-YH22fk8557gm-nvMyMzZJW3lXSGoN0lc77CNDwqrBCaCe_lVorfWkkHJjtqBti_/w31-h47/bullet%20point.jpg" width="31" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">River Ness</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a refreshing boat trip and some wildlife spotting you will make your way to the very last stop on this road trip. I know sad times!! My partner an I loved this stop in the series as it was like our own version of the famous American salmon run! There were a few differences such as instead of bears hunting the salmon, it was pods of bottlenose dolphins. There are spots along the River Ness where you can watch this seasonal phenomenon and choose who you are rooting for. The beautiful dolphins snapping them up, or the salmon desperately trying to make their way upriver, to lay their eggs and die. What a brilliant way to end your road trip in such high spirits. </span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98ce936-7fff-b909-09c9-43887e24d0f5"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is now the end of our Wild Isles Road Trip! And you now have to find your way back home or continue your journey onwards. If you do this road trip you would have driven for a collective 20 hours and travelled 955 miles according to Google Maps. It might seem like a lot of miles, but this road trip is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can find in the Wild Isles. We hope this has inspired you to take on a British adventure whether a smaller portion or the whole thing! </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">P.S. This route was plotted out on Google Maps and so might not be the most accurate i.e. it might involve travelling down restricted/private roads so always be sure to check before you embark on your adventure. Also a quick reminder, all the major events listed, typically take place in Spring/Early Summer. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-21c2ac18-7fff-de35-da59-82433380c390"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">See you again this time next week! </span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d99c9a42-7fff-76e7-5933-ec1087223833"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>LndnScientist team.</b></span></span></p></div>Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-72674959652579850122017-03-31T08:18:00.000+01:002017-03-31T08:18:44.081+01:00Meet the Worlds Most Trafficked Animal<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello to all my lovely readers</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-21f97aa0-2330-7e32-a1fd-83caf1c0ab2a" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is officially the Easter Weekend everybody, and I have a quick message to all my student readers. Use your easter holidays wisely. Most of your notes should be now completed so revise from these, and sit as many past papers as you possibly can! Now onto today’s post. Thanks to Donald Trump and his stand on Climate Change this topic has once again been catapulted to the front of all our attention. Climate Change is a fact, but it is not the biggest threat to our planet's biodiversity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over-exploitation and large-scale land use change (e.g. forest to farmland) are two of the largest threats to our biodiversity. Overexploitation is an umbrella time that covers overfishing as well as illegal wildlife trade. Sadly, there has been an increasing demand for rare animal meat and body parts, which have pushed many species closer to extinction including the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Western Gorilla and Pangolins. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pangolins have been practically wiped out in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR caused by relentless illegal trade. World Pangolin Day which was on February 20th succeeded in raising awareness for these scaled mammals. In fact, the King of Natural History himself, David Attenborough, deemed the Pangolin worthy of being one of ten animals he would choose to put on his own personal ark. But what is a pangolin? </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORcI9_mlfm2NGXX4664m-eoc5oOu_qF3wNyzKBXJMENaFo-vWp_J94WRigIqqn4YWafK8QhwBmXoPAgMoi0OzRA9xZuJxM1UAu0mBvRN1_Eqhyp_R2TIbjxG0W7lP6XaqOuFM_O9HAN4/s1600/pangolin_550x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORcI9_mlfm2NGXX4664m-eoc5oOu_qF3wNyzKBXJMENaFo-vWp_J94WRigIqqn4YWafK8QhwBmXoPAgMoi0OzRA9xZuJxM1UAu0mBvRN1_Eqhyp_R2TIbjxG0W7lP6XaqOuFM_O9HAN4/s640/pangolin_550x350.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://biodiversity-alliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pangolin_550x350.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Sir David Attenborough, did not disappoint when he gifted Pangolins a ticket to board his personal Ark. Pangolins are the only mammals in the world that are covered in scales from head to toe. As a group, they are fairly small only comprising of 8 species, all of which, are found on two continents: Africa (Black-bellied Pangolin, White-bellied Pangolin, Giant ground pangolin and the Temmicks ground Pangolin) and Asia (Indian Pangolin, Philippine Pangolin, Sundra Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin. Image below). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">P</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">angolins are solitary and nocturnal animals. These scaly mammals share a dietary preference with anteaters, in that they dine exclusively on ants and termites. To help them out with their dietary choice Pangolins have extraordinarily long tongues, some of which can grow to over 40cm long. If you were lucky enough to stand in front of a Pangolin mid yawn then you would be able to see this long tongue for yourself, and that's it, as these guys are toothless! What they lack for in teeth they make up for with their stomachs. A Pangolins stomach is lined with keratinous spines to help grind up the ants and termites, they have even been spotted ingesting stones to further help this process along. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Pangolins number one defence strategy, when faced with danger, is to roll into a ball, and if necessary lash their tails at the threat inflicting damage with those spines. Once in the safety of the ball, there is little that a predator can do to get to it as not even a big cat's canines can penetrate a Pangolins outer scales. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly all eight species of Pangolins have been listed by the IUCN as either Vulnerable or Critically Endangered, and their population is constantly decreasing. 2016 was a good year for Pangolins everywhere, as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) successfully campaigned to transfer all 8 species of Pangolin to Appendix 1. This move has given them full protection against all international trade. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each year, 100,000 Pangolins are captured across Africa and Asia. Despite the Pangolin becoming a protected species, they are still in demand for their scales and meat. Cultural beliefs claim that their scales can reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. Even though it has been banned, China is still a key market for using Pangolin scales for traditional medicines (image below).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why are Pangolins still victims of illegal wildlife trade? Firstly Wildlife Trade is one of the most profitable businesses to be in, and the profits of pulling it off far outweigh the small consequences of getting caught. It all comes down to demand. If Pangolins have a chance we need to reduce the demand for their meat and scales. Campaigns are aiming to make it socially unacceptable to buy any products involving Pangolin sourced ingredients. A perfect example of how these campaigns can work is Tigers in Tibet, by showing the Tigers dire situation the demand fell dramatically. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That brings us to the end of today’s post on these cute animals. I would like to think that we have all become Pangolin fans, this poor animal has suffered years of illicit trading with little awareness. The Zoological Society of London have actively engaged with the Pangolin's plight and fighting for them for more info click <a href="https://www.zsl.org/conservation/threats/illegal-wildlife-trade-crisis/pangolin-conservation">here</a>. You can do this also by picking at least one fact from today's post and spreading the word. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alright, guys, this is just a quick message before we head into the Easter Holidays. As I am a full-time tutor and this is fast becoming my busiest season I am not going to be able to keep to the usual blog schedule of every Friday! I am so super sorry for this but please be aware that during this time I am going to be stockpiling some incredible posts lined up for you, so that it is a summer you will not forget! Good luck to all student out there and I will be back here after the exam season. </span></span></div>
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Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-82577284961395095672017-03-24T07:52:00.001+00:002017-03-24T07:52:08.015+00:00Mother Natures Mothers!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello, again my loyal and lovely readers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friday has come around which can only mean one thing - post day. In the great anticipation of Mothers Day 2017, I thought we could take a look at some mothers in Nature that will make all of ours look like angels! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Burying Beetles:</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The story begins when a mother beetle lays her larvae in the carcas of a mouse that they have buried underground. Larvae are unable to feed themselves, thereby, making them reliant on their mother to eat the meat and then regurgitate it. At feeding time, it is first come, first served as the larvae compete to get to the front of the line. Mother burying beetles only regurgitate a certain amount of food each time making the stakes high for the larvae who want to get fed. When the food runs out the last remaining starving larvae become the mother's meal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Cruel as this sounds, mother burying beetles are making the best of a situation they, cannibalise on their own offspring as a way of ensuring that there is enough food to supply the rest. The saying Cruel to be Kind is coming to mind here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Pandas:</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what you're thinking. Pandas 'bad mothers'? No way, they are the symbol for the World Wildlife Fund - well stick with me guys. Pandas have two babies on average, but like in many scenarios, the mother always has a favourite. This 'chosen' individual will benefit from all of the mother's resources and her time, leaving their small, weak and helpless sibling to fend for itself. The outcome of this will almost always be the death of the baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In nature, this may be a mother's way of carrying out her own version of quality control. Instead of having two average offspring, the mother put all her resources into one to increase the chances of their survival.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Black Eagle:</u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For everyone out there with younger or older siblings, then you know that sibling 'squabbles' are an inevitability. However, I think the majority of us can agree that they rarely end too violently...The chicks of Black Eagle's are locked in a battle of death from the moment they hatch, with older siblings murdering their younger siblings, all under the watchful eye of their mummy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This behaviour is common in large predatory birds as it helps the mother to allocate resources to those who survive the mini version of the hunger games. Strangely enough, these mothers are looking out for the continuity of the species by choosing the strongest offspring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Komodo Dragons:</u></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surprise Surprise right? I know reptiles are not known for their amazing parental skills just look at the episode of Planet Earth where baby marine iguanas were left to face the garter snakes all on their own! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an emotionally gripping episode, but let's turn our focus to dragons. Komodo's are the apex predators on a group of small islands in South Indonesia meaning that there isn't much on the island that is off the menu for a full sized Komodo Dragon - even other dragons. You know it's bad when your on mother looks at you as a potential food source from the moment you hatched! Due to the threat of parental cannibalism young dragons will spend the first few years of their life up in the trees. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There you have it, my lovely people, a mother's day post with a twist! Just in the nick of time to help you appreciate your mother even more now, so go forth and go that little bit extra this Mothers Day. To all the mothers and maternal figures whether they still be with us or not... I wish you a Happy Mothers Day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to my special Mum who is my best friend </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love you loads and a massive thank you for not being like any of the mothers mentioned in this post!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have an awesome weekend everybody</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Science in the City</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzbp6tjsPeUeeAziIZ4RGfA0c7p61c-nYOCFLxXC6hTHdyQdojxxCqOumSkDBJgxqcVfsObPDabBAKaCiuZUOi7ymvhFfYfnQTEkTHtBOEKEmQn9e9Ty9-w0iCykM3PtmP3lQRwued7A/s1600/a77ab3737b7f4a901ac7b26b06c0c79b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzbp6tjsPeUeeAziIZ4RGfA0c7p61c-nYOCFLxXC6hTHdyQdojxxCqOumSkDBJgxqcVfsObPDabBAKaCiuZUOi7ymvhFfYfnQTEkTHtBOEKEmQn9e9Ty9-w0iCykM3PtmP3lQRwued7A/s320/a77ab3737b7f4a901ac7b26b06c0c79b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-36628897409164061942017-03-17T08:34:00.000+00:002017-03-17T08:34:27.145+00:00SOTW: Venemous Dragons<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Hello again everyone</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I hope you have had an amazing week filled with productivity and hard work... No? Well you know that my blog is always here to alleviate some of the boredom and keep you on top on all your science need to know (by the way in case you didn't see they found a luminescent frog the other day!) Well I have a treat for you guys today! We have grown up with them in our fairytales and listened as parents told us that they never excited. I am of course talking about Dragons - and your parents lied! Meet the Komodo Dragon!</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUyV38zSD1bDBSJRbWTpDmF1spvDR0o843by8iqZZGaBprLZjarfhIbX6IaP_bBULN8O9ubrqWyi7XcgmddylJgEj2uIYc1T6UlIdSr0XGeDyNGkPZtZSVpl3qiFrxH3o5ThyxBES67M/s1600/komodo+dragon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUyV38zSD1bDBSJRbWTpDmF1spvDR0o843by8iqZZGaBprLZjarfhIbX6IaP_bBULN8O9ubrqWyi7XcgmddylJgEj2uIYc1T6UlIdSr0XGeDyNGkPZtZSVpl3qiFrxH3o5ThyxBES67M/s640/komodo+dragon+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/30/b1/0c/30b10c4eb32486557f9eb84a7d5300a9.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />Latin name:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Varanus Komodoensis</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Conservation Status:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Vulnerable</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-5b4a8aaf-db5a-1036-3bed-9cbe46c77b29" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Komodo Dragons are the largest extant lizards alive. Male Dragons can reach a length of 10ft with females measuring a length of 7.5ft. These giants are only found on a small set of remote islands in South Indonesia. Komodo’s are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN as there are only 4,000 individuals left in the wild, due to the increasing demand for Palm Oil. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was recently discovered that dragon blood may provide a novel way of fighting against superbugs. Blood samples were taken from Komodos and analysed, there were 8 proteins of great interest that showed an ability to fight off drug-resistant strains common in hospital infections. Such amazing discoveries could lead to people hunting these Dragons to get access to their blood, further driving this species to extinction. However, I have faith in each and every one of my readers to realise that this would be irresponsible and stupid. Why? Because we have this beautiful thing known as technology. Proteins are more than able to be replicated under lab conditions without killing any more of these amazing lizards. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What does a female Komodo Dragon have in common with Virgin Mary?</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both are able to produce offspring in the absence of a male! In nature, we call this Parthenogenesis, a process that is rare in vertebrates. This was first discovered in two female Komodo Dragons: Flora from the Chester Zoo and Sungai at London Zoo (now deceased). Sungai to the surprise of her keepers produced four eggs despite her last male encounter being 2.5 years ago. This lead the zookeepers to two possible explanations, either Sungai had stored the sperm from that male or she had just shown the keepers that Komodos are able to do parthenogenesis. DNA samples were taken from each of the offspring, to find that they were exact clones of their mother. It was obvious, parthenogenesis was the only explanation. This was further validated by Flora who produced 8 eggs and had never come in contact with a male dragon. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This ability to switch between sexual and asexual reproduction appears to be beneficial, initially. This trait highlights a female's adaptability in situations where mate availability is limited. There is, however, a dark side to this also. Parthenogenesis carries the same implications as inbreeding, where the offspring suffer from reduced fitness and increase the risk of extinction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Venomous Giant</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One observation made back in the 1970’s by Walter Auffenburg led to the development of a myth that plagued the image of this carnivore in the eyes of the public. It was long believed that the Komodo Dragon, with pieces of rotting flesh left in his its mouth, harboured such a deadly cocktail of bacteria and viruses that one bite would lead to the death of its victim. For years we have seen these dragons as bacteria laden villains that kill their prey in the dirtiest and most unhygienic way… literally. However, thanks to the work of Bryan Fry this myth has lifted, and it turns out the dragons actual hunting method is a work of evolutionary genius. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H-RwY656nBNrhgw2az64QRKf-2bzgWCXp7t9PftTQGEGXTDWdQ6k3R8LVb-ENrIU7WUFMiOpSwL-7EZBxyGRy_KMJFoZbu8fUgvnE2woXxwyr8FuzrOse4gdrJUlfmL-vV2xTHMdiLo/s1600/6cd9279ced924a7b1ff7f8eb3624e16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H-RwY656nBNrhgw2az64QRKf-2bzgWCXp7t9PftTQGEGXTDWdQ6k3R8LVb-ENrIU7WUFMiOpSwL-7EZBxyGRy_KMJFoZbu8fUgvnE2woXxwyr8FuzrOse4gdrJUlfmL-vV2xTHMdiLo/s640/6cd9279ced924a7b1ff7f8eb3624e16a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/6c/d9/27/6cd9279ced924a7b1ff7f8eb3624e16a.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bryan Fry began debunking this myth by identifying the bacteria strains found in the Dragon's saliva. What he found confirmed his initial thoughts - there was a lot of bacteria, but no more than your average carnivore. Upon the realisation that there was no bacterial strain present that could cause the onset of symptoms observed when an animal is bitten, Fry began answering the question of how a Dragon actually kills. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It turned out that Komodo Dragons were one of few lizards that went down an evolutionary path similar to advanced snakes - the development of an extremely sophisticated venom delivery system. Komodo Dragons are similar to other predators in that they take their prey by surprise and deliver a really nasty bite to the hind of the animal using their 60 razor sharp serrated teeth. At this point, the Komodo Dragon hangs back and waits for its venom to do its job. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unlike a snake the Komodos venom glands are located at two points along their mandible, these lead onto a series of ducts in between each of their teeth. Using a bite-and-pull approach the venom oozes into the wounds of their prey while the dragon delivers a frenzied attack. Once delivered the dragon's venom gets to work. It begins by hindering the animals ability to clot their blood leading to continual blood loss, paralysis of the animals smooth muscle then sets in and finally, it causes a drop in the animal's blood pressure. The chemical present in the Dragon’s venom that is responsible for the drop in blood pressure was found to be as potent as that found in the world’s most dangerous venomous snake! The Taipan. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, that completes today's blog post on our planet’s very own Dragon that may not kill with its fire, but instead, uses a dual combination of venom and a serious bite! One last fact at top speed these Komodo Dragons can reach a speed of 12 miles per hour - that is pretty fast. My golden piece of advice if you happen to visit Komodo Island make sure you go with someone who is slower than you!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Science in the City xoxo</span>Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-12849085314260922182017-03-10T08:10:00.000+00:002017-03-10T08:10:28.636+00:00The Mini Monsters under your beds<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good morning to my lovely readers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is the best time of week again - Friday. In fact, this will be my first weekend working as a seasonal presenter for London Zoo on Sundays, so if you are around come and find me and say hi! Today's post title may sound slightly alarming, but by the end of this post, you will understand that it is not a gross over exaggeration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I introduce you to the creepy crawlies a quick crash course in terminology is required: </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anthropophilic:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The Vector shows a strong preference for taking blood meals from humans. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Zoophilic:</u></b></span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The vector shows a strong preference for taking their blood meals from animals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">Endophagy:</span></u> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A vector that takes their blood meal indoors.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Exophagy:</u></b></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A vector that consumes blood from their victim outdoors.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Endophily:</u></b></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the vector eventually rests they remain indoors or sheltered from the external surroundings. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Exophily:</u></b></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the vector eventually rests they remain outdoors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow me to introduce you to some of the vectors behind some of the worst diseases: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a great way to introduce you all to the world of vector-borne diseases. Now, these are not all the vectors known to us on Planet Earth but they are the ones that I selected for today - make sure you keep an eye out for the next few to complete the series. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As always everybody it was my greatest pleasure blogging for you. I am now of to learn more of my ZSL scripts for Sunday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have an awesome weekend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Science in the City</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xoxo</span>Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-78528763505452483842017-03-03T08:49:00.000+00:002017-03-03T08:49:09.726+00:00What on earth is CRISPR? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PnWa_LvwaaMcK_XM94YvzJoQa9sWfXaM8Zkn4_r98xYShlMfM5Gu-DIn4eLRHklGNcvUhdJHH_BXwzFqE6kqgEuk9NtK8ZxGC4kPB0YBMv7YSBBeVO7u6Cnv4Ncl2LSTNP18rRqyWYU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-01+at+10.32.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PnWa_LvwaaMcK_XM94YvzJoQa9sWfXaM8Zkn4_r98xYShlMfM5Gu-DIn4eLRHklGNcvUhdJHH_BXwzFqE6kqgEuk9NtK8ZxGC4kPB0YBMv7YSBBeVO7u6Cnv4Ncl2LSTNP18rRqyWYU/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-01+at+10.32.33.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello, lovelies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is officially post day!! Today's post is centred on that genetic editing technique that has kind of taken over headlines, generated a lot of public engagement on whether we have gone too far or not - CRISPR. To be honest with you, I am amazed at what this technique is able to do. Then it hit me, that I do not actually know where this technique came from, it just suddenly appeared out of nowhere and took the world by storm. Have no fear after today's post you will have a better understanding of where the hell CRISPR came from. Enjoy. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Molecular Biologists, Conservationists, Geneticists believe the discovery of CRISPR is the best thing, well - since sliced bread! With this technologies ability to modify wild and domestic populations, produce hypoallergenic eggs and possibly reverse extinction and bring back the woolly mammoth you could understand the excitement. However, there is a dark side to such technological advancements, CRISPR increases the risk of harmful biological agents being engineered. One question remains on the minds of many swept up by the CRISPR mayhem, what on earth is it? </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-fd49bcc7-896e-ea23-279d-d77c7535dbdb" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CRISPR stands for clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Francisco Mojica, spotted these repeats when he was looking at the genome of a microbe known as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Haloferax mediterranei</i>. He found that there were 14 DNA sequences that repeated themselves and that they read the same forwards as they did backwards. Utterly transfixed by these repeating units he committed himself to learning more about their function and origins. In his lab, Franciso made the discovery that CRISPR was part of a sophisticated immune system found in bacteria. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Single-celled organisms such as Bacteria and Archaea are under constant threat from invading viruses. As it stands Viruses outnumber their victims ten to one leading to large scale losses in bacterial numbers every single day. In the face of such troubling odds, bacterias only choice for a chance at survival was to adapt and evolve defences against these genetic intruders. Bacteria and Archaea have done this very well with a range of weaponry, however, the most sophisticated system evolved belongs to those with the CRISPR-Cas system. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As it turns out, we share a similar immune response to bacteria. The CRISPR-Cas system used by bacteria and Archaea handles invading viruses in a way that mirrors how our immune system produces antibodies. Between each set of palindromic repeats in a bacterial genome, there are 'spacer' sequences. These sequences are inserted by CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) and contain genetic remnants of viral invaders. Over time CRISPR-associated proteins build a genetic 'library' in the bacteria's genome. This library of past invasions aids the bacterium's fight against a virus that it has encountered before, by teaching Cas proteins to seek and destroy any genetic invaders (Viruses) with DNA matching the 'spacer' sequence. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our immune system does a very similar method, the main difference being the scale through which it occurs. When our body is under attack by a pathogen, our immune response launches a counterstrike and eliminates the pathogen. After the attack phase of our response immune cells known as B Lymphocytes remain in our system, ready to remind our body how to deal with the pathogen should it invade again. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bacteria with the CRISPR-Cas immunity must pay attention to what DNA they insert into the ‘spacer’ sequences. There are many similarities in viral DNA and host bacteria DNA, as such the risk of inserting their own sequences into the ‘spacer’ would lead to suicide via the autoimmune response. In single-celled Prokaryotes genetic storage is a problem due to limited available space it would prove difficult to store information on every viral invasion experienced. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When 'spacer' sequences were looked at in greater detail it was found that the sequences were from viruses never documented before. This finding shocked the scientific community as it may highlight just how little is known about the diversity of viruses. On the other hand, some argue that these sequences could belong to viruses that are now extinct, or to viruses that have now mutated their sequence so that they remain undetected by CRISPR. Ultimately, CRISPR-Cas system is likely to be more of a hindrance if the latter is true. Many ‘spacer’ sequences would be a waste of space if they code for viruses that have gone extinct or have changed their sequence. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CRISPR is proving to be extremely popular for our species, but for Prokaryotes not so much. More than 90% of Archaea employ this system, in contrast to a third of bacteria investing in such a system. Issues with memory storage, mean that bacteria in contact with many viruses are likely to suffer more from ‘genetic burdens’ and not reap the rewards of CRISPR. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Molecular Biologists, Conservationists, Geneticists believe the discovery of CRISPR is the best thing, well - since sliced bread! With this technologies ability to modify wild and domestic populations, produce hypoallergenic eggs and possibly reverse extinction and bring back the woolly mammoth you could understand the excitement. However, there is a dark side to such technological advancements, CRISPR increases the risk of harmful biological agents being engineered. One question remains on the minds of many swept up by the CRISPR mayhem, what on earth is it? </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-fd49bcc7-896e-ea23-279d-d77c7535dbdb" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CRISPR stands for clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Francisco Mojica, spotted these repeats when he was looking at the genome of a microbe known as Haloferax mediterranei. He found that there were 14 DNA sequences that repeated themselves and that they read the same forwards as they did backwards. Utterly transfixed by these repeating units he committed himself to learning more about their function and origins. In his lab, Franciso made the discovery that CRISPR was part of a sophisticated immune system found in bacteria. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Single-celled organisms such as Bacteria and Archaea are under constant threat from invading viruses. As it stands Viruses outnumber their victims ten to one leading to large scale losses in bacterial numbers every single day. In the face of such troubling odds, bacterias only choice for a chance at survival was to adapt and evolve defences against these genetic intruders. Bacteria and Archaea have done this very well with a range of weaponry, however, the most sophisticated system evolved belongs to those with the CRISPR-Cas system. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As it turns out, we share a similar immune response to bacteria. The CRISPR-Cas system used by bacteria and Archaea handles invading viruses in a way that mirrors how our immune system produces antibodies. Between each set of palindromic repeats in a bacterial genome, there are 'spacer' sequences. These sequences are inserted by CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) and contain genetic remnants of viral invaders. Over time CRISPR-associated proteins build a genetic 'library' in the bacteria's genome. This library of past invasions aids the bacterium's fight against a virus that it has encountered before, by teaching Cas proteins to seek and destroy any genetic invaders (Viruses) with DNA matching the 'spacer' sequence (image below). </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKdPdjmeUzb4gsYcyoA5wGyK_vHCMfIVdPzecCZV5MykvZU6aUqewPJ9i6gxP4Au-L9CVUNJhWd2QTL7GRnf_sg996PsZEdm9jdY2JmTX_HG-lhK1mAgA1Jl5nLaD4dJp7j6LUiwFzO8/s1600/http-%253A%253Asitn.hms.harvard.edu%253Awp-content%253Auploads%253A2014%253A07%253APak-Fig-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKdPdjmeUzb4gsYcyoA5wGyK_vHCMfIVdPzecCZV5MykvZU6aUqewPJ9i6gxP4Au-L9CVUNJhWd2QTL7GRnf_sg996PsZEdm9jdY2JmTX_HG-lhK1mAgA1Jl5nLaD4dJp7j6LUiwFzO8/s400/http-%253A%253Asitn.hms.harvard.edu%253Awp-content%253Auploads%253A2014%253A07%253APak-Fig-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://http-//sitn.hms.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Pak-Fig-1">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our immune system does a very similar method, the main difference being the scale through which it occurs. When our body is under attack by a pathogen, our immune response launches a counterstrike and eliminates the pathogen. After the attack phase of our response immune cells known as B Lymphocytes remain in our system, ready to remind our body how to deal with the pathogen should it invade again. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bacteria with the CRISPR-Cas immunity must pay attention to what DNA they insert into the ‘spacer’ sequences. There are many similarities in viral DNA and host bacteria DNA, as such the risk of inserting their own sequences into the ‘spacer’ would lead to suicide via the autoimmune response. In single-celled Prokaryotes genetic storage is a problem due to limited available space it would prove difficult to store information on every viral invasion experienced. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When 'spacer' sequences were looked at in greater detail it was found that the sequences were from viruses never documented before. This finding shocked the scientific community as it may highlight just how little is known about the diversity of viruses. On the other hand, some argue that these sequences could belong to viruses that are now extinct, or to viruses that have now mutated their sequence so that they remain undetected by CRISPR. Ultimately, CRISPR-Cas system is likely to be more of a hindrance if the latter is true. Many ‘spacer’ sequences would be a waste of space if they code for viruses that have gone extinct or have changed their sequence. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CRISPR is proving to be extremely popular for our species, but for Prokaryotes not so much. More than 90% of Archaea employ this system, in contrast to a third of bacteria investing in such a system. Issues with memory storage, mean that bacteria in contact with many viruses are likely to suffer more from ‘genetic burdens’ and not reap the rewards of CRISPR. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There you have it a brief introduction to CRISPR origins and what it is. Exploiting CRISPR-Cas's ability to insert genes into genomes of organisms make it beneficial for those who to engineer organisms, whether it be activating gene expression or correcting the 'typos' that cause the onset of genetic diseases. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That is all for this week my lovely people, have an awesome weekend!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Science in the City</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">xoxo</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Image sources for header image: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://http-//images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/652/custom/ngm-april-cover-dl_65294_950x384">Mammoth</a> <a href="http://https-//cdn1.pri.org/sites/default/files/styles/story_main/public/90432292.jpg?itok=AhnTYFni">Mosquito</a> <a href="http://https-//i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/1/16/1389911321116/bea551aa-32ca-4683-8ae7-a174bb6a5456-2060x1236.jpeg?w=700&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=d02077dec900cb40949bae7f75de063a">Chick and the egg</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information gathered from Nature magazine and the Broader Institute. </span></span></div>
Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-70123998363977875102017-02-24T10:23:00.000+00:002017-02-24T10:30:23.237+00:00Friday Facts #20<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Friday everybody!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a breather you have all survived to the end of the week, and to all those fellow UK dwellers we have all survived the winds of Hurricane Doris! It is the last Friday of February which can only mean one thing on the blog it is Friday Facts! It has been awhile I know but lets get back into it and I have gathered some awesome facts gathered from top science stories during the month of February, including one that is slightly disturbing - see if you can spot it. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chelmsfordmosquitocontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/multiple-mosquitoes-getting-blood-meal-Central-Mass-MA-Massachusetts.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is the end of Friday Facts all my lovely readers. Massive huge reminder to everybody! Follow me on twitter to keep up to date with any changes to the blog or any surprise posts, it is also a great way of asking me to do a post on something you would like to see featured. March 10th is a big day as the blogs website name will change more on that a little closer to the time, in the meantime have an awesome weekend...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Science in the City</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xoxoxo</span>Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-9796585746592259342017-02-14T08:15:00.000+00:002017-02-14T08:15:53.098+00:00Valentines Day Natures Way! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9pMKPXn9wjSQQcdo6GkiZP_3aaqJFy71z_q9_7mk7qJGOrZBZfnc2vjGDPIGMbm7jiCRyqh8FfCP7WM4FEKBRgs-Yhpef4QFKUyhn2KnVZEb3mb0HY7m1eN0D9dS0nEFrgWaV2m34Bw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-13+at+20.31.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9pMKPXn9wjSQQcdo6GkiZP_3aaqJFy71z_q9_7mk7qJGOrZBZfnc2vjGDPIGMbm7jiCRyqh8FfCP7WM4FEKBRgs-Yhpef4QFKUyhn2KnVZEb3mb0HY7m1eN0D9dS0nEFrgWaV2m34Bw/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-13+at+20.31.59.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Valentines Day everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are 10,426 species of bird alive today. Some of nature's most intricate and astonishing courtship displays are carried out by avian species. However, Bowerbirds take female courtship to the next level. Journey into the world of Bowerbirds this Valentine's day and find out how males will seek to impress their female not with jewellery - but with a bottle cap. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-983226f2-392f-07c9-aa2d-83642c5a989d"><br /></span>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are 20 different species of Bowerbird, all of which are confined to the islands of Australia and New Guinea. Like many bird species, the males are the most exuberant and the females are fairly dull in comparison (image above). This is not accidental, this sexual dimorphism is partially explained by female mate choice, therefore, it is in the male's best interest to dress to impress. Male bowerbirds are famous for being nature’s most innovative bachelor pad engineer! A males bachelor pad goes a long way in determining whether or not he will be alone this Valentine’s Day. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Constructing an enticing love nest is not easy:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Bowerbird bachelor pads are known as bowers, and these constructions come in one of three forms it all depends on the species of Bowerbird (image below: Avenue, Display court or a Maypole). Female Bowerbirds are solo parents allowing the males to spend 80% of their day constructing their grand exhibits made from woven sticks and twigs.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuHPzYCcwqGC_12x5lNh5jfaE62jkSOa5Q0eeFoeCK9xoh8xUpSUFP22AeFjK-y_QkOvIVWKBAJSd5xZbxLUs-FPjNt86cFvdQJ55LaMlnRgxsl_S8SA6RaMm9ZpGUGi9_6ae-zAFi-8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-13+at+20.50.15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuHPzYCcwqGC_12x5lNh5jfaE62jkSOa5Q0eeFoeCK9xoh8xUpSUFP22AeFjK-y_QkOvIVWKBAJSd5xZbxLUs-FPjNt86cFvdQJ55LaMlnRgxsl_S8SA6RaMm9ZpGUGi9_6ae-zAFi-8/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-13+at+20.50.15.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once completed it is up to the males to add their own decorative flair to entice the females. Interestingly, females from different species of Bowerbirds show preferences to certain colours and what better way to impress a female than for a male to decorate his bower in her favourite colour… how romantic. Males spend all year collecting coloured objects that he believes will impress her these have been shown to include bottle caps, pieces of plastic, glass, car keys, keyrings, spider webbing, colourful dead insect skeletons, shells and flowers. Flowers seem to be a universal gift to give to females and are the most common type of decoration seen in bowers. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-983226f2-393f-2b26-67ac-c64a57610dfc" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a study, male Satin Bowerbirds were given a choice of 70 species of flowers in various colours. Males were shown to be extremely picky with the bouquet of flowers they selected. Only 29 flower species made it to the bower, in which 7 made up 93% of floral decorations. The most common flower colours were blue and purple, whereas, orange, pinks and red were completely absent. So much for red being a romantic colour. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could you guess what colour female Satin Bowerbirds love (image below)? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCOA7-74kBfGj1yc1a4y3PloCGgIhrcoJlM2_Mzf2BLb8FhEhkY9foacyy2IqiaKu6A2U9mqQCJxBqyufKVWE3RoOIATX-Do54KanO7PZs7v_HkLDvEqpn7Yl6Bmv-l_wFqbf5kNXQ8U/s1600/Satin-Bower-Bird-Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCOA7-74kBfGj1yc1a4y3PloCGgIhrcoJlM2_Mzf2BLb8FhEhkY9foacyy2IqiaKu6A2U9mqQCJxBqyufKVWE3RoOIATX-Do54KanO7PZs7v_HkLDvEqpn7Yl6Bmv-l_wFqbf5kNXQ8U/s400/Satin-Bower-Bird-Nest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-983226f2-3941-54a2-6b61-55a0a9ed7dde"></span></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-983226f2-3941-54a2-6b61-55a0a9ed7dde"><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Female courtship is a multi-step process. The first stage of courtship involves the male removing himself from his bower, allowing for the bachelor pad to talk for itself. It is up to the female to assess whether or not the bower qualifies for the next stage. The decorations chosen by the individual male therefore, is of crucial importance. During the mating season, male rivalry gets fierce other these objects, each female only chooses one male for that season. Males have been spotted stealing objects from rival bowers, and even going as far as Sabotage! Nature can be so scandalous but all is fair in love and war, right? At the end of the day, beautifully decorated bowers get a male one step closer to his goal. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Courtship displays go a long way: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">All courtship displays in birds have a flair for the dramatic and often involve feather-puffing, wing extension and even a little running, for bowerbirds this is often accompanied with a loud buzzing vocalisation. In fact, take a look at the video link below to see these males in action!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1XkPeN3AWIE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XkPeN3AWIE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Now for any male that is reading this, I am not suggesting that you win a lady over by headbutting her chest. However, what you may have noticed is just how intense the courtship displays can be in Bowerbirds. Those movements used to entice females are the same movements used in male-male conflict, thereby running the risk of scaring away his potential lover. Female Bowerbirds have mastered a signal to let the males know when to crank up the intensity of his courtship allowing males to tailor their displays to each female's preference. If males are to be successful they have to be sure to read his females wishes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">A female's needs change with age: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">As a woman on Valentine's day, I find myself comparing what I look for in a man (and his gifts LOL) today from when I was younger, needless to say, it’s changed. Females in the animal kingdom are not so different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Coleman et al set out to investigate age biased preferences in female bowerbirds. The researchers provided a set number of bowers with extra decorations (known as the treatment bowers) and leaving others unmanipulated (the control bowers). They tested how many visits each bower got from females of different ages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">What they found was very interesting and mirrors aspects of our own society. Younger bowerbird females showed a strong mating preference towards males with heavily decorated bowers. However, older bowerbird females were not won over by the pretty objects offered to them, or the bachelor's decorative flair in his pad, they favoured males with the most intense courtship displays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">There you have it the pretty young things on the block select males for mating based on the objects used to decorate his love nest. Whereas decorated objects are not enough to woo a female above the age of three, males will have to work a little harder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">What have we learnt from today? Not every woman is the same and not so easily lifted off her feet. A word of caution to all those partners out there that forgot to order the rose bouquet early, although female bowerbirds are impressed with a collection of objects like plastic caps and so on, do not attempt to mimic all the male bowerbirds tricks… you may find yourself single again by the end of the night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Now I am off to celebrate not Valentine's day but Galentines (celebration of friendship). A night filled with pizza, ice cream and my squads favourite movies, whether they be romantic or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Until next week Friday my lovely readers have an amazing day whoever you choose to spend it with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Science in the City</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;">xoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Resources:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100909/full/news.2010.458.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Bowerbirds trick mates with optical illusions</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v428/n6984/full/428708a.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Animal behaviour: Fickle females?</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v415/n6869/full/415279a.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Sexual selection: Male displays adjusted to female's response</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v428/n6984/full/nature02419.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Variable female preferences drive complex male displays</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347287801690" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Flower choice and bower decoration in the satin bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus: a test of hypotheses for the evolution of male display</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/neurophilosophy/2012/jan/19/1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Bowerbird builds a house of illusions to improve his chances of mating</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-6869753032219292062017-02-10T11:38:00.001+00:002017-02-10T11:52:21.339+00:00Meet Bacterias Worst Nightmare<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello, all my lovely readers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My apologies for not posting last week but it was my birthday on the 2nd February and so in true London style, I stretched it out to a week of celebration! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazing news also I am officially a ZSL Seasonal Presenter at London Zoo so come and visit me this summer and watch out for my twitter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now let's get our weekly dose of Science in the City!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeT2gz6PaDAZ2ZtOHcJIzgaFCLqqHa-zUoHBDxisGq5TtZY5xmSQz7xs1p_FYi5f0iZ2vEmfg1M-o0WQwTQlcHgXtoDYXAD_i38ecFD2zpRYoY0MAz6X0mQplVMpAeie8iRm1zHA-7pQ/s1600/vampire+bacterium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeT2gz6PaDAZ2ZtOHcJIzgaFCLqqHa-zUoHBDxisGq5TtZY5xmSQz7xs1p_FYi5f0iZ2vEmfg1M-o0WQwTQlcHgXtoDYXAD_i38ecFD2zpRYoY0MAz6X0mQplVMpAeie8iRm1zHA-7pQ/s640/vampire+bacterium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lurking in the very depths of wastewater is a predator that has bacterial infections running for the hills - Micavibrio aeruginosavorus. This predator is ‘the vampire’ bacteria. Micavibrio aeruginosavorus attaches to its prey externally and then leeches of the victim's nutrients. This parasitic predator could be our greatest biological weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Could this predatory species be our saving grace? </span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-7b7330cc-27c0-85bd-4379-140141612605" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Micavibrio aeruginosavorus is a gram-negative obligate bacterial predator that feeds by being an ectoparasite (see image above: predator in yellow and bacteria in pink). Normally bacteria gain all their nutrients essential for survival and growth directly from their environment, however, this bacteria is unable to gain several proteins through either imports or their environment. Very similar to us in this manner, the only way to get the essential nutrients needed would be to consume others and gain it from them. M. aeruginosavorus kills its prey differently to other predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio bacterivorous. Bacteria from the Bdellovibrio genus bind to the surface of their victims and enter the periplasm of the bacteria, once inside Bdellovibrio consumes its prey’s nutrients and multiplies. When the preys nutrients have been exhausted, Bdellovibrio causes the bacteria to burst and moves onto its next victim. Micavibrio, on the other hand, kills its victims in a way that mirrors the sci-fi horrors of vampires. This predator attaches onto the surface of its victim and then ‘bleeds’ it dry! This results in the ectoparasite growing in size. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Predatory bacteria have been shown to attack a wide range of bacteria, however, Micavibrio aeruginosavorus shows a strong preference to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacteria from the Pseudomonas genus are known to cause infections of the blood as well as trigger pneumonia, as such infection can prove to be fatal. With the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria, novel treatments must be explored. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A group of researchers evaluated the ability of M. aeruginosavorus to locate and destroy different strains of pathogenic bacteria. In order to test the effectiveness for this bacteria, they planted the M. aeruginosavorus on a ‘lawn’ of prey cells and then measured the ‘lytic halo’, this is the area where pathogenic bacteria is absent. Results looked promising when carried out on Petri dishes, however, when this treatment was carried out in animal models with the bacteria injected either intravenously or delivered via the respiratory system the results were not as promising. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A predators potential for avoiding a medical armageddon:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Using a natural predator as a way of dealing with prey populations is not new, in fact, it is being carried out on a regular basis - just on a larger scale. Predatory bacteria such as M.aeruginosavorus comes with some potential advantages if we could get it to work with us: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are fussy eaters</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Initially, this came as a problem as scientists preferred a predator that would ‘eat’ a wide range of bacteria as opposed to a specific species of bacteria. However, this proves beneficial if these bacteria become a part of clinical practice. M. aeruginosavorus eats ‘pathogenic’ bacteria - bacteria that cause infections. Not all bacteria is bad, in fact, without our healthy gut bacteria, things would go very, very wrong. Being a fussy eater means that our healthy gut bacteria are safe from being eaten. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A low and concentrated dose of a bacterial killer. Because species belonging to Micavibrio go straight for their selected prey species, a low initial dose would be all that is needed to rid the body of its bacterial infection. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resistance, not such a problem. The relationship displayed by M. aeruginosavorus and Pseudomonas aerguinosa, for instance, is a classic predatory-prey relationship. As a cause of this relationship resistance to being eaten is a lot trickier to evolve for the prey species because it is also in the predators best interest to evolve ways to get around it and eat them anyway! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Predators are determined to get to their food. In the case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, this bacteria secretes a thick mucus that normally proves too great a barrier for antibiotics to penetrate, a barrier that is penetrated by M. aeruginosavorus. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OxL7_lBFI1Fh3qhp3bPNbXxCBjk_gmY9qy7rPYmiRfRrVKKBohU1SNPP5OED_TmNQj59naHbr4YVbV19OnxxHX5cRh7s6gRS8vm4KQjC4F76Hk55w5wuhgeskr9cPogwg0wvRRV-tGw/s1600/bacteriophage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OxL7_lBFI1Fh3qhp3bPNbXxCBjk_gmY9qy7rPYmiRfRrVKKBohU1SNPP5OED_TmNQj59naHbr4YVbV19OnxxHX5cRh7s6gRS8vm4KQjC4F76Hk55w5wuhgeskr9cPogwg0wvRRV-tGw/s640/bacteriophage.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In preparation for this post, I gathered sources of information from a range of sources and enjoyed reading through the comments left by other readers. One gentleman left a comment highlighting the similarities between using predatory bacteria and bacteriophages (image above). I remember my dad talking to me about this once before and decided to investigate further. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bacteriophages are another type of bacterial predator but are not bacteria themselves they are actually viruses. These viruses invade a bacterial cell and disrupt the bacteria’s machinery eventually leading to cell death. These remarkable naturally occurring bacteria killers are able to penetrate much deeper to where the infection has spread and they stop replicating once they are no longer needed. Bacteriophages have been used in certain countries as a form of treatment since the Iron Curtain! As to why it is not available in the West could be due to things such as public reluctance to believe that a virus could be helpful, and there is actually no money to be made in pushing this forward. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall naturally occurring bacterial predators as a way of managing future bacterial infections is most definitely exciting. However, there is still a way to go before human trials could even be considered.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you have all learned something today guys. Just to let you know keep an eye out for my post this Valentine's day! Next week's post will be published on Valentine's day and not Friday and I have a real treat for you romantics and bachelors! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Until next week you wonderful lot </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Science in the City </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">xoxo
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources used:
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21114596">Predation of human pathogens by the predatory bacteria Micavibrio aeruginosavorus and Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.</a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21936919">Genomic insights into an obligate epibiotic bacterial predator: Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://aem.asm.org/content/73/2/605.full">Vulnerability of Pathogenic Biofilms to Micavibrio aeruginosavorus</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.nature.com/articles/srep12899"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Examining the safety of respiratory and intravenous inoculation of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and Micavibrio aeruginosavorus in a mouse model</span></a></div>
Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-60367044273063595962017-01-27T10:02:00.000+00:002017-01-27T10:02:05.232+00:00Are genetically modified organisms to the rescue? <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, my lovelies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are fast approaching the end of the first month of January! How have those new year resolutions been going for you so far? Not great? Don't worry, everybody hits a few bumps in the road. So what you haven't done your morning exercises for a week or perhaps you haven't started learning that new language, what is a week in your entire life. You are allowed a day off, whatever you need to get back into achieving what you know you can achieve. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><i>'In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.' </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><i>- Nikos Kazantzakis</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROSe56XOjaeAoGkFANzK5hu7DznU2CMcyA4Ej5QD7d-mS-DcsEbsaAVBFsDuWfIqNcbcz7gIt9ZIL-XPxc2fc6pi79EAkSEOkfo_hrn6Cqq-JKg_GaXLVYpeJ7vWD_SV5TfWyQk6FfGY/s1600/121215_CRISPR_opener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROSe56XOjaeAoGkFANzK5hu7DznU2CMcyA4Ej5QD7d-mS-DcsEbsaAVBFsDuWfIqNcbcz7gIt9ZIL-XPxc2fc6pi79EAkSEOkfo_hrn6Cqq-JKg_GaXLVYpeJ7vWD_SV5TfWyQk6FfGY/s400/121215_CRISPR_opener.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/sites/default/files/main/articles/121215_CRISPR_opener.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Invasive species are costing the US economy a minimum of $42 billion in damage each year. Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors are responsible for 1 million deaths annually, many being children. Global food productivity is threatened by pests and competing plants developing resistance to insecticides and herbicides. Scientists are now casting their eyes to a possible solution that tips the laws of genetics in favour for a gene engineered by scientists. Such a technique could play a role in the conservation of endangered animals, eliminating diseases transmitted by vectors and reversing resistance to herbicides or insecticides. Gene drives hold the ability to save a species or wipe out populations. Have we gone too far? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are gene drives? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gene drives are the next big thing in the wonderful field of Genetics. Essentially with the help of CRISPR Cas9, this genetic engineering method provides a novel way of tackling both environmental and public health issues, but how? Essentially, a gene coding for a particular trait this could be advantageous or disadvantageous (depending on whether you was to ‘save’ or ‘destroy’ a population) is introduced into an organism. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gene drives are carried out on sexually reproducing organisms, this poses a problem to geneticists. The engineered gene drive trait has a 50/50 chance of being passed onto the offspring. Sadly this is the awkward and inconvenient truth of sexual reproduction, resulting in the engineered gene being expressed in very few individuals - the opposite to what they want to achieve. This challenge was overcome by modifying the chosen gene to act ‘selfishly’, thereby ensuring it is expressed in a larger proportion of offspring. This can be done in one of two ways. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During embryo development, one trait is chosen from either the maternal chromosome or the paternal chromosome and that is the one that is expressed e.g. brown eyes from your dad. This is avoided by the engineered trait copying itself onto both chromosomes so either way, you get the same outcome! Or, molecular biologists can ensure that the competing trait proves deleterious and results in lower viability for those inheriting it. Either way, the end product is the desirable gene increasing in frequency and spreading through the population like wildfire. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.static-economist.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/original-size/images/print-edition/20150822_FBC951.png">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are two forms of gene drives seeking to achieve different outcomes: Modification and Suppression. Modification gene drives aim to ‘save’ populations by spreading desirable traits through a population. Typical gene targets for Modifying gene drives include ‘blocking pathogen development’ or ’increasing survivability’. Suppression gene drives aim to reduce/eliminate populations as such the genes targeted often provide no fitness benefit to the chosen organism including ‘reduced life spans’ and deliberately introducing a bias to ‘sex ratios’. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Potential role in Conservation: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gene drives provide the opportunity to spread advantageous traits such as resistance to a species-specific disease. This is where engineering trumps mother nature, as the gene for disease resistance spread through the population at a faster rate compared to the long hauled process of natural selection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Globally, populations of amphibians are declining at an accelerated rate due to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis otherwise known as the chytrid fungus. How the chytrid fungus causes such high mortality remains a bit of mystery, however, it has been shown that it can disrupt an amphibian's skin. Many amphibians breathe through their skin, as such, any disruption in the epidermal layer can cause the amphibian to suffocate. Implementation of a modified gene drive may avoid future localised extinctions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alternatively, gene drives could aid the fight against invasive species. Invasive species have adverse effects in the areas ecology as well as the economy, this has lead people to take drastic action to mitigate against further losses. A gene rendering a species vulnerable to a species-specific molecule (a poison or a disease) could aid in kerbing an invasive species populating growth. Such approaches are increasing in popularity due to their minimal ecological impact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Potential role of gene drives in disease management: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vectors are organisms that are capable of transmitting a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another. Common vector-borne diseases include Malaria, Chikungunya, Chagas Disease, Plague and the Zika Virus. The Anopheles genus of mosquito is perhaps one of the most famous vectors, responsible for the transmission of Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika virus.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">There have been small successes in the production of genetically engineered dengue-resistant mosquitoes, however, these mosquitoes were later found to be resistant to one subtype of dengue fever. Nonetheless, tests remain promising. Scientists are focusing their efforts on the Anopheles that is responsible for transmitting Malaria. Malaria claims the lives of 650,000 people each year, so the need for a solution is high. </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Geneticists begin by looking for a target of which to base the gene drive on, in the case of combating infectious diseases the aim is to reduce the transmission rates. Two genes instantly drew attention including the AKT transgene found in the midgut of the mosquito and the single chain antibody located in the salivary glands. The reason why these genes are receiving all the attention becomes clear when looking at the life cycle of Plasmodium (the microorganism responsible for the onset of Malaria), the image below shows the life cycle. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiARLHUsSc7iXcnvOrebJ3wOBf5mwuImbqWOCp8IA5koiTBlmvBFc-s7bXdEjGIwhT0yYRILYEGJ2XLjvJtlOpOTqzIaB8TGzYkxEK5G-BfU-9dDyS_8Sfw_BKgRdWBILcAvzzwX-hgxc/s1600/1067986_malaria-parasite-lifecycle-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiARLHUsSc7iXcnvOrebJ3wOBf5mwuImbqWOCp8IA5koiTBlmvBFc-s7bXdEjGIwhT0yYRILYEGJ2XLjvJtlOpOTqzIaB8TGzYkxEK5G-BfU-9dDyS_8Sfw_BKgRdWBILcAvzzwX-hgxc/s400/1067986_malaria-parasite-lifecycle-15.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/Pictures/580xAny/9/8/6/1067986_malaria-parasite-lifecycle-15.jpg">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The midgut of the Anopheles mosquito provides the optimal conditions for the Plasmodium gamete to become an oocyst. Once the oocyst has been formed it bursts, releasing loads of sporozoites that migrate from the midgut straight to the salivary glands so that they are successfully passed on with the Mosquito's next blood meal. The aforementioned genes play a vital role in providing an opportunity to block pathogen development or block the Mosquitoes ability to become a vector. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Limitations of gene drives: </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Firstly, gene drives require the genetically engineered organisms to have many generations in order to spread through the population.</b> Therefore, the time lapse between release and successful spread through a population depends on multiple factors of the vectors biology such as the time needed for each generation, the impact of the gene drive on individual fitness and their mating system dynamics. </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><b>When manufacturing a harmful trait to be used for a gene drive, it must be made deadly but not too deadly…</b> Anything too deadly will result in the engineered organism dying well before they manage to pass on the trait to their offspring. </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Evolution is working against you...</b> Gene drives work on the basis of introducing harmful traits and ensuring that they spread through a population like a wildfire. However, evolution by natural selection works on the basis of favouring individuals with advantageous traits and dooming the individuals with deleterious ones. Therefore, it is very likely that through the duration of the gene drive natural selection will lead to one organism acquiring resistance to the harmful trait and thus will be favoured, making the efforts of the gene drive obsolete.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Overall, this is an exciting field of genetics whether it be for agriculture, conservation, or for health purposes. With the development of CRISPR Cas9, it is plausible that further research into Gene Drives may well lead to them becoming a viable option in future. Is this a step too far? Or a natural progression to a solution for a long-standing problem? </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Science in the City</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">xoxo</span></div>
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</span>Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-15100666988602024122017-01-20T10:28:00.000+00:002017-01-20T11:20:23.827+00:00New Zealand's Invasive Mammal Hitlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJsXlzDQC4sC3woUDY7g7u-_jVwKa8KlLuTB2ht4NihnVfKozs5tcdOIPDapXuz8ZsEf3qmP0zTMAoEZRegGXgYlbx2Fql88coSaIm5-LXXp-ecCYhGanErapckj4PuwxWxvRNLrc5Iw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-19+at+14.57.07.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJsXlzDQC4sC3woUDY7g7u-_jVwKa8KlLuTB2ht4NihnVfKozs5tcdOIPDapXuz8ZsEf3qmP0zTMAoEZRegGXgYlbx2Fql88coSaIm5-LXXp-ecCYhGanErapckj4PuwxWxvRNLrc5Iw/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-19+at+14.57.07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Welcome back!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope you have all had an amazing week. As you may or may not be aware there is a cold snap sweeping across the Uk and parts of Europe if that is you make sure to keep warm! Let's start this weeks post. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 17.3333px; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>They are responsible for a whopping NZ$3.3 billion loss in productivity each year and listed as one of the biggest threats to marine and terrestrial biodiversity. They are the Invasive Species. In light of the economic and ecological destruction caused by these invaders, James Russell and New Zealand are taking a stand. Desperate times are calling for some desperate measures. They have called for a mass eradication of all invasive mammals by the year of 2050 to preserve endemic wildlife. Is this extreme? Or, is this necessary? </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 17.3333px; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-a0a930b2-b73f-c3dd-a657-5af5dd7aa997"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015, marked the year where tourism became one of the most profitable industries above agriculture for New Zealand. This island boasts the last surviving species of Tuataras an order of reptiles that thrived in the age of the dinosaurs (top left). Not a reptile person? How about catching a glimpse of four species of Amphibians that are so ancient they have changed very little in the past 70 million years: the Pepeketua (bottom left). For those birdwatchers, the Island is known as the ‘seabird capital’ and home to the Kiwi! Truly a nature lovers paradise. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV8rA-3_ph_9f_U-Kd6b4I0WKFGG3bL0nX7xdW4y9F80EhqZ4FveoVOa_SkNQERZ-7GKuKHC1fCuY-1i5mzdIsZhtUQZR6Z87ZwEyRy4go6yQdi_7qrA5Ix08arqxucsuzuqszDbmG9E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-19+at+15.02.28.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV8rA-3_ph_9f_U-Kd6b4I0WKFGG3bL0nX7xdW4y9F80EhqZ4FveoVOa_SkNQERZ-7GKuKHC1fCuY-1i5mzdIsZhtUQZR6Z87ZwEyRy4go6yQdi_7qrA5Ix08arqxucsuzuqszDbmG9E/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-01-19+at+15.02.28.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-a0a930b2-b743-b6a6-3769-ec5925831098"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Invasive species pose a significant risk to this island’s biodiversity thereby posing a threat to their economy. In 2005 the IUCN found that over half of animal extinctions were caused by the presence of invasive species. New Zealand has already lost three of its endemic frog species due to the introduction of rats. New Zealand aims to avoid further extinction by ordering an island-wide cull of invasive mammals. Take a look at the three invasive species that have earned the top three spots on New Zealand’s Hitlist!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtav2RtFeHjRdQlPryAXRt7obiBbJATiYzcIhU1B14kq1Fnr8LMprZRhAovgofVB-WG7QI5uzCn0aDOTdCGKt0C9CK3fLil67LbFHhhEWB4JrteZN_BHQ_V4vCIcSS9XTIJyzwGyCxBo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-19+at+15.11.00.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtav2RtFeHjRdQlPryAXRt7obiBbJATiYzcIhU1B14kq1Fnr8LMprZRhAovgofVB-WG7QI5uzCn0aDOTdCGKt0C9CK3fLil67LbFHhhEWB4JrteZN_BHQ_V4vCIcSS9XTIJyzwGyCxBo/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-19+at+15.11.00.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fight arrives in your own backyard… literally:</span></span></h2>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-a0a930b2-b749-28a3-f375-c7e7c60a78ea" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This extreme Conservation project will not be easy to carry out, the first issue arising is the sheer scale of this project. Eradication projects such as this are not unheard of and actually boast high success rates but these have been on islands with an area of 128 square kilometres, New Zealand has a total area of 268,000 square kilometres. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to this, New Zealand’s dynamic landscape includes cities, forests and farms. Such differences in landscapes offer a multitude of safe havens for the top three on the island’s Hitlist. For this project to be successful, traps would have to be placed in people’s back yards, as such the people of New Zealand must be behind this project 100% as anything less could lead to areas becoming refuges for invasive mammals. Turns out, the public is fully supportive of this mass cull. With support from the public, conservation groups and the government it seems the end of the line is near for New Zealand's Invasive mammals. Bad time to be a possum in New Zealand... or a rat... or a stoat. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alright, so they have the support of the masses but how is the killing part going to carried out? After all, they are upscaling. The answer to that question is… they are not quite sure, there are a few methods in the pipeline such as: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poisons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Always a good option when it comes to pest control. A common one being 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) for killing rats. Drawbacks for this particular poison is that it also kills the endemic Kea bird. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Traps:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Another familiar pest control method. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodnature </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">manufactures a trap that crushes the skulls of rats and possums. Clean up is free as the carcases are usually eaten by local cats… eww. </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not techy sounding enough? Well, how about using drones fitted with biosensors that ‘locate’ hot spots of invasive mammal activity and then drops poisons on the area? Still not impressive enough, well perhaps the use of genetic biocontrols will do. </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Genetic biocontrols also referred to as Gene Drives are a really nifty bit of science. Using CRISPR-Cas9 scientists can introduce deleterious traits that will lead to suppressing the population of the invasive species. According to Ethan Bier a geneticist, once introduced the 'harmful trait can go from 1% to 100% in the span of just 10 generations'. Common targets for this approach are genes related to survival and reproduction. </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Combating Invasive Species in the Future: </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Invasive Species have infiltrated many continents and this is facilitated by the increase in globalisation and environmental changes. Rapidly changing climates allow for species to succeed and become established in areas they would normally perish in. </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Britain has been invaded by a variety of species whether they are introduced accidentally or deliberately (as a biological control for some other pest). BBC has shortlisted the UK’s most invasive animals featuring the Himalayan Balsam that costs the UK economy £150 million a year, the American Mink originally brought over for the fur trade has now been implicated in the dramatic declines of water voles. The list continues. </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">New Zealand’s public has rallied in support of preserving their island's wildlife, and even though they are somewhat resistant to genetic biocontrols they are more than willing to kill in the name of conservation. With British Invaders wreaking havoc on our economies and nature it begs the question: Are we willing to kill to save our wildlife? </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">That is all, for now, guys! Thanks so much for reading and have an awesome weekend. </span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Science in the City</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">xoxo</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Literature:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian Owens. The Big Cull. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nature</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">451</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 7636 (2017). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regan Early, Bethany A. Bradley, Jeffrey S. Dukes, Joshua J. Lawler, Julian D. Olden, Dana M. Blumenthal, Patrick Gonzalez, Edwin D. Grosholz, Ines Ibañez, Luke P. Miller, Cascade J. B. Sorte & Andrew J. Tatem. Global Threats from invasive alien species in the 21st Century and national response capacities. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nature</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (2016). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Image references:</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.thehitmanpestcontrol.com/Images/page-images/norway-rat.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Norway Rat</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7053/6955754955_990122f62d.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stoat</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="http://ewasp.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/dreamstime_s_25283526_Brushed-Tail-Possum-460x300.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Australian Brushtail possum</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="http://www.simpsonstreetfreepress.org/images/14374tuatarastare.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuatara</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Leiopelma_archeyi.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pepeketua</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="http://www.acuteaday.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/baby-kiwi-chick.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kiwi,</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/sites/all/files/Kokako2.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kokako</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-79595921505843901702017-01-13T13:36:00.000+00:002017-01-13T13:36:59.427+00:00Biology Behind: Lysosome Storage Disorders!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello, all you lovely Science lovers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you love the new blog as much as I do? New Year and a brand New Blog all for you, my faithful readers. As I have not said it officially yet HAPPY NEW YEAR! I will not keep you waiting let's head straight into it.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPK6WPyHF7EtxlWsb37P4OduZom-5cmChCxpSilp1K1onjyUmO7q14_DAnp8CyQAucZrP4OWql7JSUvJxpZmdPZkGYGNih0FEDKbztMCTGR61_Z-ybkyE2XMebqVZUZ8gq9Hn8VucCUpQ/s1600/newborn-baby-hospital.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPK6WPyHF7EtxlWsb37P4OduZom-5cmChCxpSilp1K1onjyUmO7q14_DAnp8CyQAucZrP4OWql7JSUvJxpZmdPZkGYGNih0FEDKbztMCTGR61_Z-ybkyE2XMebqVZUZ8gq9Hn8VucCUpQ/s400/newborn-baby-hospital.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 in 5,000 newborns will have an enlarged liver and spleen. The cruel reality of the diagnosis becomes clear, this newborn has one of the 50 conditions known as Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). LSDs are relatively rare genetic disorders, carrying a life sentence filled with complications for the body's respiratory system, skeletal system and Central Nervous System. Rare as they are, certain forms of LSDs will lead to some Children not living to see their 5th Birthday. There is no cure. Initially, the only options of treatment were blood transfusions and very risky bone marrow transplants, researchers are now focusing on treatments that tackle the source of this disorder. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-77a75935-9804-53f9-a590-1795776d626d" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before we begin our journey we must first familiarise ourselves with the organelle at the heart of these disorders: the Lysosome. Lysosomes are small spherical structures found in the majority of animal cells, in spite of their size they play a significant role in cellular recycling and the overall maintenance of the cellular activity. They contain digestive enzymes that are able to ‘digest’ external biological substances (such as bacteria) and recycle components from formerly defective proteins as well as other compartments of the cell. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Based on how essential lysosomes are in the upkeep of a functioning cell they have caught the attention from the medical field. For years clinicians have been activating autophagy (where molecules and other defective organelles are taken to the lysosome for digestion) with a chemical known as TFEB. This chemical leads to the production of more cellular lysosomes and stimulation of autophagy, such responses show potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, cancer, obesity and even the removal of certain pathogens (bacteria and parasites). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What leads to the onset of LSD?</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It all starts with a substrate (a molecule that binds to an enzyme) as an example let’s focus on Gaucher's disease (most common LSD). The onset of this disease begins when a fatty substrate known as Glucocerebroside is manufactured in the cell, once this substrate has fulfilled its destiny within the cell it begins to make its way to its final destination - the lysosome to be degraded and recycled for future use. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, this all depends on whether the enzyme Glucocerebrosidase is present. In the absence of this enzyme, the substrate Glucocerebroside begins to accumulate and as we know too much of one thing is never too good. This accumulation of the substrate eventually reaches toxic levels, thereby triggering the onset of the characteristic symptoms of Gaucher's disease. If you're wondering why Glucocerebroside cannot be degraded by any of the countless other enzymes present in the lysosome, the answer would be the ‘intimate’ relationship between an enzyme and its substrate. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The image below summarises how enzymes actually work in the body, similar to a lock and a key, one enzyme fits one substrate (on most occasions anyway). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWumAZ1T5X52PQRf8rEfQWbwwWnJ9O1J0i9Xmfa0g1gnmWO3F_N60yNhZh3rFwOjx2ijvlr0WBHKDb9zSz3xfbHOgk1mv1RfbbF0e784Cx4bzmkjKgKWPsoxCRBxNLXTxsm6ioMsGD1g/s1600/9897797_orig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWumAZ1T5X52PQRf8rEfQWbwwWnJ9O1J0i9Xmfa0g1gnmWO3F_N60yNhZh3rFwOjx2ijvlr0WBHKDb9zSz3xfbHOgk1mv1RfbbF0e784Cx4bzmkjKgKWPsoxCRBxNLXTxsm6ioMsGD1g/s400/9897797_orig.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All 50 LSD’s share similar developments, the only thing changing would be the substrate and the enzyme involved. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no cure for LSD, however, there are now several possible treatment options. For this post we are going to focus on two that aim to reduce the levels of substrate accumulation:</span></div>
<b><br /><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ENZYME REPLACEMENT THERAPY:</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perhaps after reading how LSDs develop you may have reached an assumption that a possible treatment would be to replenish lysosomes with missing enzymes or replace defective enzymes with a functional version. If so… you have just described Enzyme-replacement therapy! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This treatment option have shown to be effective in reducing spleen and liver size, alleviating anaemia ( deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin) and thrombocytopenia (a deficiency in platelet numbers).However, this therapies success is limited due to its inability to distribute itself to several other body parts triggering Osteonecrosis, Osteopenia and Pulmonary Hypertension. Nonetheless, the greatest shortfall would be the inability to pass the blood-brain barrier providing little relief of neuropathological symptoms.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>SUBSTRATE REDUCTION THERAPY:</u></b></span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is where Substrate reduction therapy comes in. This treatment option does not attempt to replace enzymes, instead, it seeks to interrupt the synthesis of the substrate in the first place. This therapy is favourable to some as it is given orally and rarely triggers an immune response. Interestingly, this therapy works similarly to statins, these are prescribed to patients to lower their blood cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for producing the cholesterol. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Substrate reduction therapy uses a group of molecules known as imino sugars. Imino sugars work by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for synthesising the substrate. Additionally, the molecules used in this form of treatment may be small enough to penetrate the blood-brain barrier offering relief where Enzyme-replacement therapy could not. Side effects remain to be a slight problem with tremors and fevers being among them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEW HORIZONS FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES:</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really enjoy the research stage for each of my posts mainly because I love learning about aspects of Biology I have not come across before. Out of everything that I read for this post I found the overlap between LSDs neurological symptoms and other neurodegenerative diseases fascinating. There is a form of LSD called Niemann - Pick type C that is also termed Childhood Alzheimer's based on the similarities in pathology and symptoms. Both have triggers routed in the accumulation of cholesterol in the neurones of the brain. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sadly, the life expectancy for patients with this form of LSD is 20 years old. What fascinates me is that LSDs are rare but there should be so much more research into these disorders. They offer a rare opportunity to look at neurodegenerative disorders differently and perhaps reach new forms of treatment. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That bring us to the end of this post! I hope you have enjoyed it and more importantly that you have gained a little bit of new information on these relatively rare genetic diseases. Have an amazing week guys the aim it to have a new post on this blog every Friday or Saturday. Stay safe from this freezing weather until next time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>xoxo</b></span></div>
<br />Topazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01852206260620783819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-44457767458621537472016-12-18T14:15:00.000+00:002016-12-29T02:47:37.876+00:00Biology Behind: Natures Winners<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seasons Greetings everybody!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Why? Because it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Okay I will stop now haha however I could go on for a very very long time with this. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Planet Earth has now officially finished, which I am devastated about but all things must come to an end. David Attenborough as well as his truly dedicated research team managed to transport us straight to some of the most dramatic events Nature offers against breathtaking backgrounds, so a huge THANKS to the team that brought us close to Planet Earth again. Hopefully we will see it again in another four years! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">On today’s post I have taken inspiration on an element from the Planet Earth series. Animal fights. This calls to mind the colossal fight between the two giant dragons from the Islands episode and so many more - but we are looking into something in particular… what makes a champion in the animal world? How do individuals win fights? As in all things within nature it is not a clear cut answer, however there are several factors that greatly influence the winner once a fight starts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">The scene was set. We were taken to an island were the biggest predator was the largest lizard on the planet. The great Komodo Dragon. What triggered the fight? Mating rights. Two rivaling males battling it out for access to female in heat. Before entering a fight and risking injury or death the two males assess each other's fighting potential using body size as an indicator. However, when both are equally matched a contest is inevitable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Asian elephants physical size was found to be a significant factor on the success of the fighting outcome. Those that were physically bigger are more likely to win contests. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mass production of the winning hormone:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Testosterone levels in males may give an individual an increased incentive to win a fight. Male elephants enter a period of the year known as Musth. It is a dangerous time to be on a safari, Elephants express higher levels of testosterone giving them more motivation to fight giving them an advantage to win compared to elephants that have yet to enter the period. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">This colourful fish is known as a cichlid. It was found that the size of their testes was directly proportionate to the levels of background testosterone. Hence, they influenced the chances of winning with males with larger testes more likely to win a fight. Curious to test the effects of background levels of testosterone some Scientists decided to inject certain male Red Grouse with testosterone. Within the study’s timeline those injected with testosterone doubled their territory size and with it secured a larger number of females. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Size of your weaponry:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the most well known examples of weaponry in the use of conflict has to be Deer. Antlers take a lot of energy to grow, so this allows the size of deer antlers to be used as a signal of how good males are at acquiring food. However, that is another post entirely! Large antlers make for an effective advantage over other opponents when pre assessments escalate to a fighting level. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD57UzJ7_UjZwnVoWYUkkrtB3uoH55zLXkNXJI_UmsrXnJaJVv4qEAnRDKTjCDODSjpe9uusrkJd1t2kvzDj_MSj20mSIRyTMOKQ6yaY1Na8e82Gp7vZExnAQdNIcCtm9Fn5gaKilv1XQ/s1600/boi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD57UzJ7_UjZwnVoWYUkkrtB3uoH55zLXkNXJI_UmsrXnJaJVv4qEAnRDKTjCDODSjpe9uusrkJd1t2kvzDj_MSj20mSIRyTMOKQ6yaY1Na8e82Gp7vZExnAQdNIcCtm9Fn5gaKilv1XQ/s640/boi.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the season known as ‘rut’ females become reproductively available, making this entire season fight season. The stakes are high, males that win over others in an encounter ensues that their genes are passed onto the next generation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also observed in species of crabs whereby the size of their claws largely determine who wins the fight and more importantly who they get into fights with. This trend even transcends into the insect world. Dung beetles with larger horns often win when engaged in a pushing contest. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Taking it on face value:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">An interesting way of predicting whether an individual is going to win a battle is by looking at birds. Members of bird species carry a ‘badge of status’ whereby it indicates their fighting ability. Let me introduce you to the Harris sparrow (pictured below). Looking at these two sparrows if they were to engage in a fight it is likely that the one on the left is going to win, Why? Harris Sparrows that have darker faces have been found to have higher levels of testosterone giving it an advantage in a fight. Interestingly, birds with darker faces were perceived by others as a more dominant male and would reduce the number of fights they were challenged in! Two bird one stone kind of deal…</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alternatively, in the case of Scarlet Tufted Malachite Sunbirds (pictured below) they fight to defend their territories containing the wonderful Lobelia flower, a source of nectar for them. Once engaged, males will display their scarlet pectoral tufts. Those with larger tufts tufts defend more of the flowers (an admirable trait for perspective females). </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">All to lose and nothing to gain. This is true for any resident, they have access to food, water and females, therefore their motivational drive is high even if the resident is smaller than his competitor. Of course, this ability to stand up for what is theirs only works when difference in sizes are small, if not then they leave! This has been observed in Red Wasps, Lizards and even Spiders. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">In a pretty interesting experiment, Scientists removed Great Tits from their territories allowing intruders to take over the vacancy. They varied the amount of time between the removal of the Great Tits and returning them back. Resident Great Tits that were kept away from their territory lost the battle as the Intruder had more motivation to fight for what they took over. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is it guys! As you have realised there are a lot of factors playing into whether an individual will win a fight or not, in some cases it could be a combination of several. You have to wonder what happened to those original resident Great Tits? Where they just left at the end of the study which is quite unfair considering they were the original resource holder. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">NEWS: This will be the last blog post on her for the rest of this year AND the last blog post under the name BioBunch. For Christmas this blog is being upgraded!! New Year, New Blog and most importantly New Blog Name. Very exciting times, keep visiting the site to keep up to date with any news. Love you guys thanks for sticking with the blog. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure ‘you have yourself a merry little Christmas now’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Biobunch, </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c2a9faaa-02b2-f03e-805c-bb27285f7354"><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over and out </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-44966048517831719972016-11-25T10:51:00.003+00:002016-12-29T02:47:46.260+00:00Exciting but stressful times ahead...<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Firstly, I must apologise for the lack of posts and let me assure you I had every intention to keep to that weekly post of Planet Earth 2 highlights. However, I have recently received a call from a publishing company interested in publishing my final year dissertation in a book form! Only issue is my original document was 25 pages long they require a minimum of 42 pages. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf2RWLsoQoci_YmA7vJ224aLZ-K-6rU2_jh6AQ6xA7hMhOsegOwcSjODG_iHjiy9n05EYKSFtUy4wg0djQ5kaMX3E-J-5jtuwcwD5Th51gdHN7LrCLjN_TBDlOK1YmlfZ_UjI1yj9SCU/s1600/5394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf2RWLsoQoci_YmA7vJ224aLZ-K-6rU2_jh6AQ6xA7hMhOsegOwcSjODG_iHjiy9n05EYKSFtUy4wg0djQ5kaMX3E-J-5jtuwcwD5Th51gdHN7LrCLjN_TBDlOK1YmlfZ_UjI1yj9SCU/s640/5394.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needless to say, all hours of the day have been spent working on this dissertation in order to send it of to them and start on the next step. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am also approaching application season for the masters programme I want to do next year... in addition to this Christmas is fast approaching, and this is a big thing for my family and I so preparation for this is well under way. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANFjKVq1ZQySV0POlbSmSq_s0KwdzYx-3Cw86sS1Mb2T2Wbh0p5DjP4eIUSAqlofkwrKfC3RWsC186tm9si483uMDnEESABAt2uRjqSR_oPQ7FmP9oJ3c_JZd18AtxeOcWagSFI3fwyU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-25+at+10.47.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANFjKVq1ZQySV0POlbSmSq_s0KwdzYx-3Cw86sS1Mb2T2Wbh0p5DjP4eIUSAqlofkwrKfC3RWsC186tm9si483uMDnEESABAt2uRjqSR_oPQ7FmP9oJ3c_JZd18AtxeOcWagSFI3fwyU/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-25+at+10.47.55.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a full time tutor, the December half term offers a chance for me to connect targeted workshops for this years GCSE students on topics they require more help on. Issue being that workshops require booklets to work through, of which I have to make from scratch. Oh and finally, Biobunch is going through a revamp!! Complete with new website make over and a change in the name of the blog (feel it is now time to change things up a little). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hectic times ahead. What does this mean for Biobunch? It doesn't mean that it is the end of the line! No where close. This is the plan guys. From now until the week beginning 14th December my blogs twitter will be exploding with awesome news about Planet Earth 2 as well as some Friday Fact like jewels coming up every now and again. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPuhFtsZQLzCR5zrqBCMX62O7Hl8FDOUbeHEO0UGD3QZQmGUcTaIObniq-fHy8-lTouiYbs1IQeEDKGynNmQXNJS8AxGWxC755YlwDb6edR31iYdr4lvF4KCZ4aDGvlcz5H4vBGow8kU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-25+at+10.49.35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPuhFtsZQLzCR5zrqBCMX62O7Hl8FDOUbeHEO0UGD3QZQmGUcTaIObniq-fHy8-lTouiYbs1IQeEDKGynNmQXNJS8AxGWxC755YlwDb6edR31iYdr4lvF4KCZ4aDGvlcz5H4vBGow8kU/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-25+at+10.49.35.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then on the 18th December there will be a dynamite post wrapping up not only Planet Earth 2's series but also discussing over some key themes encountered through the series. </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Bank it: Remember 18th December will be POST DAY again</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until then my lovely and loyal readers...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-21884558909096448962016-11-11T11:40:00.000+00:002016-12-28T17:48:45.460+00:00Biobunch's Planet Earth 2 highlights!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Planet Earth 2 has managed to shock its viewers with even more ground breaking and astonishing footage of the natural world! Then again did we ever doubt? For the next 5 or so weeks my weekly posts are going to show my own personal highlights from each episode. Expect a little more information into some of the species featured in each of David Attenborough's Planet Earth 2 episodes... Its going to be awesome. Also, post day will change from a Friday and be a Tuesday instead (just for you Planet Earth 2)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For this week, I am focusing on those of you out there who have not watched it and showing you some captured images from the episode. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dragon Turf Wars: Two equally sized Komodo Dragons battle it out for ultimate mating rates to a nearby lady dragon. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBWSJL6-5f-qmd8xN4Yztz7CYmaNd2FmILIYf7GGOvle7pXoY6UVrMYBd8sxfyotPBXE9HLQEl47qbPUWZCjiybTkB6uBa7e1n5Vyvy1xUwBZ-Je89-9Dn0pblv9kYWOjQ-GK5-Q7EHs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-11+at+11.26.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBWSJL6-5f-qmd8xN4Yztz7CYmaNd2FmILIYf7GGOvle7pXoY6UVrMYBd8sxfyotPBXE9HLQEl47qbPUWZCjiybTkB6uBa7e1n5Vyvy1xUwBZ-Je89-9Dn0pblv9kYWOjQ-GK5-Q7EHs/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-11+at+11.26.25.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you thought that Emperor Penguins had it hard living in Arctic conditions you have never seen the Chinstrap penguin. My heart went out to these little guys, battling some of the stormiest waters on a daily basis just to feed their own chicks, their bodies thrown against rocks. Sadly the reality is not all survive and those that do can come back with some horrific injuries.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXWePG1HK7XFwFFQdReQkNpD7wmxoCDFCTm-NHYul2co2xyq7zdMPJD9HN2EZXK7WtpDVYKpGOb1U24kii7-EMxQ-rd_LXogsN5ZfO12Gx2L6FWK0VhF7CvR12B6We4JEXaNTtT00ec8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-11+at+11.30.06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXWePG1HK7XFwFFQdReQkNpD7wmxoCDFCTm-NHYul2co2xyq7zdMPJD9HN2EZXK7WtpDVYKpGOb1U24kii7-EMxQ-rd_LXogsN5ZfO12Gx2L6FWK0VhF7CvR12B6We4JEXaNTtT00ec8/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-11+at+11.30.06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ultimate race of a lifetime played out between marine iguana hatchlings and racer snakes. This was footage that you had to see to believe! This little baby marine iguanas trying to make it to the safety of the sea with a a legion of racer snakes hunting them! Do they make it? You need to watch!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpikEeZKf0k3kttB0GSOz7zI6S_Ei5PYaAu1FZSj0f1bVqlBzTorSjEJnGGfzfz3Fge5IIfXRSQisFRg4akOE8_BHpYik4mFj_RcAW5091zTaphsueVFls-p_GRk9BrR1ECsuqW-hWlHo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-11+at+11.34.13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpikEeZKf0k3kttB0GSOz7zI6S_Ei5PYaAu1FZSj0f1bVqlBzTorSjEJnGGfzfz3Fge5IIfXRSQisFRg4akOE8_BHpYik4mFj_RcAW5091zTaphsueVFls-p_GRk9BrR1ECsuqW-hWlHo/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-11+at+11.34.13.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Guys it is still available of BBC iPlayer! You are heading off into the weekend watch it tonight or tomorrow but make sure you do not miss this weeks episode on BBC Sunday at 8pm! It looks amazing with rare footage of snow leopards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out!</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-19118756588298021682016-11-07T09:21:00.002+00:002016-12-29T02:29:23.908+00:00Mind Manipulating Parasite and Fatal Attractions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's Monday which means it's not everybody's favourite day of the week but I read something recently that said reading a scientific blog post on a Monday increases individual productivity by up to 30%! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am I lying about that figure... yes, yes I am. Let's get to the point though shall we, today we are looking on the stranger side of nature, today we learn about how a parasite can manipulate the mind of its host. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Introducing Toxoplasma Gondii</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQZPIPvB8Ep40gLzfj-M1fqHWK4KyXPzv_-uqV0s-gScUI7AmPcDrQu-8zCjEGl9GHUK6Rb2R1pxyMgpCwAdMtG3nyMAoisMaYRU66XopiAMK6t_8kSqpzEeeU6VYfYmHF3f4GzhKt8c/s1600/Toxoplasma_gondii.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQZPIPvB8Ep40gLzfj-M1fqHWK4KyXPzv_-uqV0s-gScUI7AmPcDrQu-8zCjEGl9GHUK6Rb2R1pxyMgpCwAdMtG3nyMAoisMaYRU66XopiAMK6t_8kSqpzEeeU6VYfYmHF3f4GzhKt8c/s640/Toxoplasma_gondii.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This single-celled intracellular protozoan has the capability of infecting all mammals and even birds and leads to the onset of toxoplasmosis. The disease caused by this pathogen, Toxoplasmosis, is of serious medical, veterinary and economic importance. The Centre for Disease Control recognises Toxoplasma Gondii and the disease it causes to be a Neglected Parasite Infection and as such is targeted by the CDC for public health action. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Parasitic lifestyles are always a bit complicated... </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTK1wdJ-UE_PTJj0VCwZAqC5CMYgvqjyjFIkgljkOWBvyfuo29K-4JlHpEndXlHQocYEsBSjpAindQUASuB1LyfHlEp27Hoh4Xx_RseW0pQs_GIf1t4h-UqNpORritIg36s4MexWAmnU/s1600/Toxoplasma-gondii-Life-Cycle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTK1wdJ-UE_PTJj0VCwZAqC5CMYgvqjyjFIkgljkOWBvyfuo29K-4JlHpEndXlHQocYEsBSjpAindQUASuB1LyfHlEp27Hoh4Xx_RseW0pQs_GIf1t4h-UqNpORritIg36s4MexWAmnU/s640/Toxoplasma-gondii-Life-Cycle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medical-labs.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Toxoplasma-gondii-Life-Cycle.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gametes (the sex cells) of the parasite meet on the inside of a predator (usually a cat) gut and fuse together to form an oocyte. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The oocytes that carry the infectious agents are shed in the cat's faeces. Changing of the cat litter and failing to wash hands could lead to humans ingesting the parasite themselves, and in pregnant women could lead to vertical transmission from mother to baby. Alternatively, the oocytes could work their way up the food chain and contaminated drink or undercooked meat could lead to people getting infected also. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>The "Fatal Attraction Phenomenon"</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The most interesting route of transmission, however, comes when a mice becomes infected with the oocyte itself. The effects of the parasite on mice are unique in that this pathogen invades the brain of the mice and removes the fear of cats. This manipulation can partly be explained by the manipulation hypothesis. It states that parasites altering the behaviour of its host for the continued existence of the parasite, often by intensifying its chances for successful transmission. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're still wondering why this parasite removes the inbuilt fear of cats in mice allow me to explain further. Toxoplasma gondii is able to infect a wide range of mammals and birds. However, cats are the only mammals known to shed the parasites oocytes in their faeces, as their gut offers the perfect environment to complete their life cycle, making cats the ultimate endgame. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interestingly, rodents are not only absent of all fear to cats but have been shown to be drawn towards the smell of a cat's urine! How does this "fatal attraction phenomenon" work? Toxoplasma gondii may have an anxiolytic effect on rodents infected by it. It has been shown in past studies that by blocking key receptors that are usually anxiogenic it allowed rats to feel a sense of reduced anxiety in situations where predator threat was high. This increases the chances of the parasite landing exactly where it wants to be, in the gut of a cat, by causing the mouse to be eaten! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you a man, a mouse, or a mouse infected with Toxoplasma gondii....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, that brings us to the end of this magically parasitic post. Some would argue that manipulation of the host's mind was an evolutionary inevitability in cases such as Toxoplasma gondii. Either way, I thought it was an awesome case study of a not so classic parasitic relationship. Let's face it we all know the most common parasitic relationship, the one of a child (the parasite) and its parent's bank account (the host)! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have an awesome week guys, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-33235861045648320912016-10-31T08:29:00.000+00:002016-12-28T17:47:18.534+00:00Comment: Living Planet Report and The 6th Mass Extinction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwy8f6CUfWryCDPWjKpVNvZBsvy4ipdDY9WY9EEzUPof4Qw2XI-fyaiF3AmbYGZpSJFxBGiMrU_HzXS6zef4vD07ofu6uK40FwRrOF0Uhbp_HT-R0jJsBLfCInP2jlgDgDhmKtBsYeyw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+08.22.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwy8f6CUfWryCDPWjKpVNvZBsvy4ipdDY9WY9EEzUPof4Qw2XI-fyaiF3AmbYGZpSJFxBGiMrU_HzXS6zef4vD07ofu6uK40FwRrOF0Uhbp_HT-R0jJsBLfCInP2jlgDgDhmKtBsYeyw/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-31+at+08.22.46.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">WWF's Living Planet Report 2016 was published last week. Media outlets have made it their mission to deliver the news of an 'impending sixth mass extinction all of our own making'. My issue with this is that it is not news. This has been a long thing coming. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today's post is aimed to give you a bit of perspective on this entire sixth mass extinction and more importantly WWF's Living Planet Report.</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">WWF's Global Living Planet Index 2016 remains to be largely unchanged since the 2014 report</span></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">WWF's Global Living Planet Index is used as a bioindicator to assess whether the world are all on course to achieve the 2020 Biodiversity targets. The Living Planet Index (LPI) is not a measurement to be taken lightly, it represents data collected on populations of over a thousand different vertebrate species and uses this number to illustrate the level of biodiversity abundance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">WWF's Living Planet Report 2014 reported a decline in LPI by </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">52%</span><span style="font-size: large;"> between the years of </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">1970-2010</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GRGPOOtfVqe7wSelUIOWEIl4NwBF9ezDuQWtznjZlUvQWlhJ3gmIpq6Nr5wcM_rtBqtg5EUzG_yLoKaEOi37mWM443kU-0wziNr6TL20AtHlYu_iwMwkmFaFZrcjVfo75rVc9vEp_CA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+10.33.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GRGPOOtfVqe7wSelUIOWEIl4NwBF9ezDuQWtznjZlUvQWlhJ3gmIpq6Nr5wcM_rtBqtg5EUzG_yLoKaEOi37mWM443kU-0wziNr6TL20AtHlYu_iwMwkmFaFZrcjVfo75rVc9vEp_CA/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+10.33.32.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This Years Report showed an increase in the LPI to<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">58%</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"> between </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">1970-2012</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieePtI8WCO47V531lSXl-9Tpk2GgnxMna-NBWeSP4Nb3sM9TsI31QHamh_SR1EktVIU1qoR-dIqd62xpOS3WGiEYrye4mhUbZnEHfip4EHAozLk9GtynxtZNk2FDBiTaVCBBOVbww8dXs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+10.34.22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieePtI8WCO47V531lSXl-9Tpk2GgnxMna-NBWeSP4Nb3sM9TsI31QHamh_SR1EktVIU1qoR-dIqd62xpOS3WGiEYrye4mhUbZnEHfip4EHAozLk9GtynxtZNk2FDBiTaVCBBOVbww8dXs/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+10.34.22.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overall message: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The world's vertebrate populations have declined by more than <span style="color: red;">50%</span> in the space of just <span style="color: red;">40 years</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span> <u><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The threats to our world's biodiversity hasn't changed!</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In both reports from 2014- 2016 the <span style="color: red;">same threats</span> have reared their heads as the prime drivers behind our world's large-scale biodiversity loss. The image below is taken out from the 2016 Living Report. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYsoTL7YgnnyEdtMoGSQoR3GzIR8bjJEfNps-N6x2A-ipJltlmC5Y-J3j-KTuDCL4mXsHjzrPJGIvo9gzlqACemQyb2Z0XIzTwhGgvK-EE7SaSDE7JguoGzrCSmQbYpgI0Rv0t78R0dM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-29+at+21.17.19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYsoTL7YgnnyEdtMoGSQoR3GzIR8bjJEfNps-N6x2A-ipJltlmC5Y-J3j-KTuDCL4mXsHjzrPJGIvo9gzlqACemQyb2Z0XIzTwhGgvK-EE7SaSDE7JguoGzrCSmQbYpgI0Rv0t78R0dM/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-29+at+21.17.19.png" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WWF Living Planet Report 2016 - Threat to Biodiversity</td></tr>
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LPI's for all environments are still in a state of decline.</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Terrestrial LPI:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Terrestrial vertebrate populations have reduced by 39%. Take a look at what are the main threats driving these populations to decline. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GuQ4lAsX-Fi9zk2tgnmbEHeBX9s6rFQAKTyelfSk6Ifc2ydDSszAGozmFz2w2PuhMO_yAP9KfSvqTWKduwu5ZwW1HfGvM-Xa_ndGcuVfYdYbs9ZXyFwz4JFR6KPDFgnk3e_O_3lI5m0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.01.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GuQ4lAsX-Fi9zk2tgnmbEHeBX9s6rFQAKTyelfSk6Ifc2ydDSszAGozmFz2w2PuhMO_yAP9KfSvqTWKduwu5ZwW1HfGvM-Xa_ndGcuVfYdYbs9ZXyFwz4JFR6KPDFgnk3e_O_3lI5m0/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.01.21.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8hLOfBSkjCWpuGs36OScdg4zqaZPlI3nUDVEkZ3u9PYYDYVvj0GFH21JrlMuFFTJgH0AusO0m4YLEmZWlu4a5QU0GlNsCjveJOHqld3VPLV_XF0YLFFAtL7vl5gBN_ckYFHXwifh1DM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+10.58.56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8hLOfBSkjCWpuGs36OScdg4zqaZPlI3nUDVEkZ3u9PYYDYVvj0GFH21JrlMuFFTJgH0AusO0m4YLEmZWlu4a5QU0GlNsCjveJOHqld3VPLV_XF0YLFFAtL7vl5gBN_ckYFHXwifh1DM/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+10.58.56.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Planet Report 2016 - Terrestrial LPI</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Terrestrial populations, it is clear that habitat loss and degradation is a threat shared by many. In the case of reptiles and amphibians, a combination of habitat loss alongside Invasive species and disease are causes for concern. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Outside of the graphs and the LPI measurements WWF's report has a number of case studies from the frontline of conservation to place perspective in the land of numbers. One of the case studies focused on a population of African elephants located in Selous-Mikumi reserve in Tanzania. This happens to be one of the largest reserves of fauna and yet the proportion of illegally killed elephants (PIKE) is still too high to be sustainable. In 2009, the elephant population was <span style="color: red;">44,806</span>. In 2014 it is down to <span style="color: red;">15,217</span>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QSBOgmo5no8TdM0bHjnDDoCOtl1rvLa38kgHkIjS2oKq6Iz5DkwgzO01lu3ZZJBVYe9J6T28e3r_TabUr3qypFksOjf-kExLHVdl0doDwyHDlpQ1RlcMLOiGTgILdgcdG-1kqLlo6ds/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.16.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QSBOgmo5no8TdM0bHjnDDoCOtl1rvLa38kgHkIjS2oKq6Iz5DkwgzO01lu3ZZJBVYe9J6T28e3r_TabUr3qypFksOjf-kExLHVdl0doDwyHDlpQ1RlcMLOiGTgILdgcdG-1kqLlo6ds/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.16.52.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know another graph but this one is nice and easy to get lots of information from! Courtesy of WWF 2016 Living Planet Report</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Freshwater LPI:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of all the vertebrate populations included in the report, those in the most amount of trouble are the freshwater vertebrates. In 2014 freshwater populations had experienced a 76% decline in numbers between 1970-2010. Recent updates on this data show that <span style="color: red;">81%</span> of freshwater populations have been reported lost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below shows the main drivers behind the large scale loss of abundance in freshwater vertebrates. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWjwMBzEd5PtnpBxGeUprMkBkjgaSxQ9pN9y73Li3nCrAlwpsWnWmuYnnggrv2HgNiknlhbe1LWQ2I95hdzj8l5igsi9whH3MHKT857knFFDWvVpuNRMDR9lr1JlVzOh-9tS6F-dF3Ns/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.40.29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWjwMBzEd5PtnpBxGeUprMkBkjgaSxQ9pN9y73Li3nCrAlwpsWnWmuYnnggrv2HgNiknlhbe1LWQ2I95hdzj8l5igsi9whH3MHKT857knFFDWvVpuNRMDR9lr1JlVzOh-9tS6F-dF3Ns/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.40.29.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Habitat loss and degradation appear again as a key driver behind the decline of not only terrestrial vertebrates but for vertebrates that live in freshwater as well. Overexploitation is a close running second for Birds, Mammals, Reptiles and Fish. </span></div>
<u><br /></u> <u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Marine LPI</span></u><br />
<u><br /></u> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Vertebrate marine populations have decreased by <span style="color: red;">56% </span>between <span style="color: #0b5394;">1970- 2010.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIv-SChzcNQTEWhnbBGHApN5i9oinDBMcUfz4PNICBn_E4hFQi6JLLyLpVW4nQSfD4uwvu0Xe726GR2GOJYKk3Gat60hb0noSi7Y8oVAtuq9L9v1UuDrlvowrvQo5ZxCGI0hdSVZZMs8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.57.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIv-SChzcNQTEWhnbBGHApN5i9oinDBMcUfz4PNICBn_E4hFQi6JLLyLpVW4nQSfD4uwvu0Xe726GR2GOJYKk3Gat60hb0noSi7Y8oVAtuq9L9v1UuDrlvowrvQo5ZxCGI0hdSVZZMs8/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+11.57.50.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overexploitation is one of the biggest threats facing marine fish, reptile, and mammal populations. Bycatch, incidental killing as well as targeted trade are all examples of overexploitation. Habitat degradation and loss playing a close second for some. </span></div>
<u><br /></u> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Tropical LPI:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tropical vertebrate populations contain some of the most charismatic and well-loved species. These are the exact same species that attract us towards many of the best nature programs out there! int he 2014 report these species have suffered a decline by 56%.</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2016 WWF Living Planet Report shines a light on ecosystems not previously mentioned before.</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check out the 2016 WWF Living Planet Report to see how Coral Reefs, Grasslands, and Rivers are affected and why the vertebrate populations residing in these areas are decreasing also. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Lastly. The Sixth Mass Extinction is not new it has been known for a long long time! </b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just to show you guys just how much scientists have researched into this event I used the Google Scholar: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I started off by just typing in the sixth mass extinction. In 0.04 seconds google returned with 80,700 results. The first result had been cited in other papers 1137 times!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIEMB_tj2atG3h4z2zUWEejhp3gwoejA4FjLUQgJo-nq4FG2884qWMJ_EpO2YEO_BnC2xrXhHUuPhrwgctTD3PEbhmNsyIHFjPRNnoaInC7TYVTYQxgG6oLe36XWdOPY0CA2ys-Pej3A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+12.38.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIEMB_tj2atG3h4z2zUWEejhp3gwoejA4FjLUQgJo-nq4FG2884qWMJ_EpO2YEO_BnC2xrXhHUuPhrwgctTD3PEbhmNsyIHFjPRNnoaInC7TYVTYQxgG6oLe36XWdOPY0CA2ys-Pej3A/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+12.38.55.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I decided to narrow down the window. I wanted to find out how many papers had been published in the space of 2 years from the WWF's last Living Report in 2014. In a matter of 0.05 seconds, my search gave me 12,800 results between 2014-2016 with some of them even mentioning the era of the Anthropocene.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlgJ0gO5mtoYtcGFfCChdiihxDCxA8vk8F_qgSgzkz9K7q8k3sGbWP5OxmSJS57uQinQpz6qZ9DG9Gp9_rV0nD-NGHtDMo4rC6rc9zIGKYgGRqPJ63mVDM5uagedlBkA2D_FHX8tyaJs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+12.42.11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlgJ0gO5mtoYtcGFfCChdiihxDCxA8vk8F_qgSgzkz9K7q8k3sGbWP5OxmSJS57uQinQpz6qZ9DG9Gp9_rV0nD-NGHtDMo4rC6rc9zIGKYgGRqPJ63mVDM5uagedlBkA2D_FHX8tyaJs/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-30+at+12.42.11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What now?</span></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The whole point of this post today was to emphasize just how repetitive it is all becoming. It feels a lot like it is the same story in a new format. We need to focus on what we know based on what we have: </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Biodiversity is declining at an accelerated rate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If this continues then the mass extinction is no longer a question of if it is a matter of when. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These cold hard truths are uncomfortable to hear for many people and as such, they say they are dealing with it by getting scientists to gather more data to improve our statistics. This is so wrong! We have been using this strategy for years and even in the wake of better data the end message of this year's report is... crap the world's biodiversity is in trouble! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In another two years, WWF will release another Living Planet Report, it will have the same information give or take a few percentages if we continue to sit on our buts and tweak with datasets. If we want to change the fate of our world it is relatively simple. We need to use the social media to apply pressure to the world's politics and to drive change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">WWF Living Planet report 2014: click <a href="http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_lpr2014_low_res_full_report.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">WWF Living Planet Report 2016: click <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2016-10/LPR_2016_full%20report_spread%20low%20res.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was a real call to action theme running through this post, but the power really is with the people! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(P.S I am announcing some really cool news very very soon!)</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-33916562208804937072016-10-24T09:06:00.001+01:002016-10-24T09:06:43.071+01:00Monday Facts #1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this is a bit strange... Instead of giving you a dosage of science to see you into the weekend I am delivering a bit of science at the beginning of the week! Last week was crazy busy, applying onto graduate schemes, tutoring, and temping as a practice secretary... so I was a little bit short on time. Enough with what I was doing let's dive straight into Monday Facts. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtPetzuH8a7MNCh3pDtvAyqL9lHlyuHQM1fH0rwJ7Zp6oJVs9oBMADIrcDueuZTSGWpx9TFVi5r_uzu5OyFJr7t3Nwr_z2InRSoKJEqnQBvPDUeoIaoQP-oman3k_toiRyyBoaC1eqYc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-23+at+16.03.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtPetzuH8a7MNCh3pDtvAyqL9lHlyuHQM1fH0rwJ7Zp6oJVs9oBMADIrcDueuZTSGWpx9TFVi5r_uzu5OyFJr7t3Nwr_z2InRSoKJEqnQBvPDUeoIaoQP-oman3k_toiRyyBoaC1eqYc/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-23+at+16.03.12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dark side of cancer immunotherapy will be a featured post possibly next week in case you wanted to know a little more about this treatment. In the meantime have an amazing week to all of you guys and will catch you in a short while!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and Out</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-77434303251822657022016-10-14T12:15:00.000+01:002016-12-28T17:48:05.249+00:00Biology Behind: The most devious disease you'll find<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Friday to all of you lovely readers. This week we are focusing on Tuberculosis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>What is Tuberculosis? </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quick dip into history! Tuberculosis has been following humans closely throughout their history, signs of infection have been found in mummies. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stateschronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Mycobacterium_tuberculosis_14313982_1.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuberculosis is a communicable respiratory disease (infectious) caused by a bacteria known as <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>. Tuberculosis manifests itself in many different species, as such not all forms are caused by that one bacteria. <i>M. tuberculosis</i> is the strain commonly associated with disease in humans, however, it's part of a larger group known as the <i>Mycobacterium. tuberculosis complex</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This complex includes the following tuberculosis-causing species: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Mycobacterium bovis</b></i> - clue in the name. This strain mainly affects bovines but can be transmitted to mammalian hosts - like us. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Mycobacterium africanum</b></i> - main culprit for tuberculosis transmission in West Africa. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Mycobacterium microti</b></i> - Infects small rodents primarily</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mycobacterium pinnipedii</i> </b>- Infects seals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Mycobacterium caprae</b> </i>- this species is thought to be able to infect animals including humans. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All species included in the <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </i>complex are classed as obligate pathogens. An obligate pathogen must become active inside the host for it to become infectious and ensure successful transmission from one host to the next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why is tuberculosis such a worrying threat to global health? As we have seen, it is widespread amongst a variety of species. Some of the species involved in the <i>M. tuberculosis</i> complex are able to cross the species barrier separating animal health from human health. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Transmission:</u></span></h3>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Size matters:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The individual bacterial agents </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(<i>M. tuberculosis</i>) </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">involved in the transmission of this disease are very small in size. An infected individual will sneeze or cough releasing these infectious agents, their size allows for them to remain in the air for a length of time spanning from minutes to hours. Inhalation of just one <i>M. tuberculosis</i> will lead to the host (human or animal) becoming infected with Tuberculosis. Once again the size of this bacteria allows it to migrate from our airways to the terminal structure of our respiratory system - the alveoli. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwiU7yeGhYm9yX0nMN1oE8m4ECtdbpPNOWQMqNdP8ikXu1-cK1oS_2B5nWuLVtMwg_vJQ3P7mGx7fwhcafURypGUqp8ufgVQK2n-4t35pYVtKdpAKh5x1UmxgAs2ZNZyd2JA_uM0rGCA/s1600/sneezing-woman-100321-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwiU7yeGhYm9yX0nMN1oE8m4ECtdbpPNOWQMqNdP8ikXu1-cK1oS_2B5nWuLVtMwg_vJQ3P7mGx7fwhcafURypGUqp8ufgVQK2n-4t35pYVtKdpAKh5x1UmxgAs2ZNZyd2JA_uM0rGCA/s640/sneezing-woman-100321-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Perfect storm for tuberculosis transmission: </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>M. tuberculosis</i> has many mechanisms that aid its virulence found inside the bacterial genes. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are becoming resistant to many of the drugs on the market to treat it. For more on drug resistance and why it matters click <a href="https://goo.gl/yqSFDi" target="_blank">here</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once activated <i>M. tuberculosis</i> triggers many symptoms that can remain mild for many months such as a cough, fever, and weight loss. This allows for the infected individual to infect others, and average 10-15 people can get infected in this way. Tuberculosis has made use of our globalized world to aid its success in transmission. Population </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: start;">expansion, overcrowding and the unregulated movement of people has allowed Tuberculosis to affect all four corners of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Tracking the stages of this disease: </u></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIJAtT_yMCM1nC4zllZ__j-Oby2uXp7IATnqruJ7ysP7tPzENaqDzt4O8NtJu-if1x43pjjiWW97JT1owbqDikoXcVgNG-IcCJXmYyG7Jh3fxpeZCcF8stVJQ9112tJC5zKDKN3eyZQo/s1600/nrmicro3230-f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIJAtT_yMCM1nC4zllZ__j-Oby2uXp7IATnqruJ7ysP7tPzENaqDzt4O8NtJu-if1x43pjjiWW97JT1owbqDikoXcVgNG-IcCJXmYyG7Jh3fxpeZCcF8stVJQ9112tJC5zKDKN3eyZQo/s640/nrmicro3230-f1.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>M. tuberculosis</i> bacteria is engulfed by alveolar macrophages (an immune cell) when the bacteria arrives in the lungs. Once engulfed macrophages produce <b>chemical distress signals</b> (chemokines and cytokines) to recruit other immune cells to the site of infection. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Inside the macrophage, the bacteria begin replicating exponentially. They block the cell activating bactericidal mechanisms (processes that would lead to the extermination of the bacteria). Eventually, the bacteria cause the premature unprogrammed death of the macrophage known as <b>necrosis</b>. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Released bacteria are then taken in by other macrophages responding to the distress signals. The process continues causing growth in necrosis tissue. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is 2-4 weeks after the initial infection when T cells (the bodies biggest and badest immune cells) are primed, prepped and ready to target the <i>Mycobacterium</i> </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These cells stop disease progression by halting bacterial replication. A combination of T lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells form a wall around the site of infection (necrosis tissue and infected macrophages) </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The formation of this granuloma leads to the containment of the disease in 90% of infected individuals and halts the progression. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>The threat of Latent TB: </u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We know the outcome for 90% of individuals affected by Tuberculosis, what about the remaining 10%? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>M. tuberculosis </i>has one last trick up its sleeve. The bacteria retains the ability to resuscitate itself and become active all over again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whilst most of the bacteria are killed in the granulomas, some manage to block the mechanisms that will lead to their destruction such as: </span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preventing the fusion of phagosomes (these are air bubbles like vesicles filled with bacteria inside macrophages) with lysosomes (vesicles containing digestive enzymes that break down bacteria). </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preventing antigen presentation by MHC class 1, Class 2, and CD1 molecules. By preventing this it makes it impossible for our immune system to launch an attack because it doesn't know the target! </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Prevents immune cells creating an inhospitable environment. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blocking these mechanisms allow the bacteria to enter a dormant/latent state and remain in our alveoli without detection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Latent Tuberculosis shows its true insidious nature during this phase. Bacteria will continue to remain dormant waiting until our bodies immune system becomes weakened by another type of infection (e.g. HIV). Stimulated by the weakened immune system Tuberculosis is activated, allowing for the continued replication as well as disseminating throughout the body. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Deadly dynamic duo a phrase not saved for superheroes: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HIV and Tuberculosis are perfect bed buddies. HIV decimates the immune systems of those infected. In its absence, <i>M. tuberculosis</i> ceases the opportunity and starts its path of destruction all over again</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">C</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">heck out the map below showing the prevalence of individuals infected with both TB and HIV!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv-tvdxTHwcDQwV91-IC1eYHJ08UtJ7OnWMSRt0IYnujVA2vEMRgATvtNJtRnF-cR7Kn-mOCt-97WiEleJEM8kV6SKW_kWPtwJK-rtXd091hocpvWJIXDejn5eR23V7M5dr2V61wXs-4/s1600/PercentTBpatientsbycountry_2011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv-tvdxTHwcDQwV91-IC1eYHJ08UtJ7OnWMSRt0IYnujVA2vEMRgATvtNJtRnF-cR7Kn-mOCt-97WiEleJEM8kV6SKW_kWPtwJK-rtXd091hocpvWJIXDejn5eR23V7M5dr2V61wXs-4/s640/PercentTBpatientsbycountry_2011.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuberculosis is a threat as a cause of multiple factors; its size, ability to disseminate around the body, route of transmission, growing antibiotic resistance, the threat of latent infections. WHO estimates that a third of the world's population may suffer from latent TB- a ticking time bomb. In the year of 2014 Tuberculosis killed 1.5 million people and was responsible for 1/3 HIV deaths. We have no idea if or when latent Tuberculosis will be activated, there was a case where a man had fallen ill to Tuberculosis that had remained dormant for 30 years (it was gained by his father). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That was your biology fix for this weekend guys, as always I want to know what you guys thought. Did you find this interesting and if you guys want any diseases looked into any greater detail leave a comment down below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out! </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><u>NOTIFICATION: </u></b>I will be changing the name of the blog in the month of December! Please keep up to date with the change in name as I value every one of you as readers. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-32369220527689403762016-10-07T10:20:00.000+01:002016-12-28T17:53:24.950+00:00Friday Facts #20<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is Friday! I am so crazy happy about this and so for this week have a look at some of these Friday Facts. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA2zcTOv0Sj6mh3kaCthb8G5c0_OpiSuhqwk5HFP8PgHPGksYaSLI7L12wfP-Vb5DzSCTnqHHxCLhCphu9mQJFCU7W-NpetbTFYnK61Wo5YytGosbfeXcLIKok688PI_h06K2WBiaUJw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.06.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA2zcTOv0Sj6mh3kaCthb8G5c0_OpiSuhqwk5HFP8PgHPGksYaSLI7L12wfP-Vb5DzSCTnqHHxCLhCphu9mQJFCU7W-NpetbTFYnK61Wo5YytGosbfeXcLIKok688PI_h06K2WBiaUJw/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.06.16.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sofra.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/snake_main.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyWjcXLe56ePT1mW4ThL2VspWw7GMTflnGd9RFNV4Vc-8MIGe97gCUGrT3EjnE5TvOzQgpb1ozlh5QaPWxjngFyBjvP2pql0XmaBZB2qoq8DE-KtrRsmrQFfnSUNLSmpawgYPy1C_lrU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.06.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyWjcXLe56ePT1mW4ThL2VspWw7GMTflnGd9RFNV4Vc-8MIGe97gCUGrT3EjnE5TvOzQgpb1ozlh5QaPWxjngFyBjvP2pql0XmaBZB2qoq8DE-KtrRsmrQFfnSUNLSmpawgYPy1C_lrU/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.06.43.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redorbit.com/media/uploads/2015/08/ThinkstockPhotos-186207918.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN9KHfMdK5pFmIO0UVWd5wwMApz2di8amIlQ76p-RLpRhguePO1vhg0DJ3d2qAFFMrWFY8zyT-3tVpcNwwpxDI2tXCh7F8j71pMlKrkv-Td57qFSDM_WBdNztJcRhEqFhvfkeaRY9YwU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.06.31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN9KHfMdK5pFmIO0UVWd5wwMApz2di8amIlQ76p-RLpRhguePO1vhg0DJ3d2qAFFMrWFY8zyT-3tVpcNwwpxDI2tXCh7F8j71pMlKrkv-Td57qFSDM_WBdNztJcRhEqFhvfkeaRY9YwU/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.06.31.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://edge.alluremedia.com.au/m/l/2015/08/3DprintBones.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_5pOGLn6xoNthOxY4nqXIQlC9gFk6YPFZwYG6DIs4ZSgifKx4-XgDQasQPfVyNDkzq4EEWYpzPNaLSiMLHQwt7D2iX8Rc-zxvMJv1BAvEsM2cMiOqnCFn1_w4YLV28pXP54l6GWNlUs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.14.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_5pOGLn6xoNthOxY4nqXIQlC9gFk6YPFZwYG6DIs4ZSgifKx4-XgDQasQPfVyNDkzq4EEWYpzPNaLSiMLHQwt7D2iX8Rc-zxvMJv1BAvEsM2cMiOqnCFn1_w4YLV28pXP54l6GWNlUs/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.14.27.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/assets/img/species/amphibians/BorealToad_FlickrCommons_JNStuart_BY-NC-ND.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPufJjJGCVeh8TdJcAf86MBMXW8Y0oG4K2WWQScynHapOssCfDGy0OHkteITzfk5BUVwqZdE_43g0ogaEJVJ6RSB2DcC7G-26gPOLFqH3qsSMKWTpJJT7m5TxudWss9AfWfJr7AJXVma0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.07.19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPufJjJGCVeh8TdJcAf86MBMXW8Y0oG4K2WWQScynHapOssCfDGy0OHkteITzfk5BUVwqZdE_43g0ogaEJVJ6RSB2DcC7G-26gPOLFqH3qsSMKWTpJJT7m5TxudWss9AfWfJr7AJXVma0/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-07+at+10.07.19.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cites.org/eng/system/files/CoP17_Rhino_hp.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That was Friday Facts for this week guys! I do have a major announcement to make... But that is for another time guys have an amazing weekend as always. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will see you all next Friday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-29696748561767631462016-09-30T09:10:00.004+01:002016-12-29T02:28:45.613+00:00Our 21st Century Apocalyse: The Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6vVI8CMh0Md7y5GsE2oP82fvL6pXdqxS0hCK7DcLw_2YV9UV61Y3ERkLY6qf_amocXkvDkoQtpz3LFh5MWTLQy8LRDaB17ceFr-_mWTpBtLqdlR7HIxrKWxGq-urV9b-Jpi3BVT7H_s/s1600/Antimicrobial-Resistance-May-20-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6vVI8CMh0Md7y5GsE2oP82fvL6pXdqxS0hCK7DcLw_2YV9UV61Y3ERkLY6qf_amocXkvDkoQtpz3LFh5MWTLQy8LRDaB17ceFr-_mWTpBtLqdlR7HIxrKWxGq-urV9b-Jpi3BVT7H_s/s640/Antimicrobial-Resistance-May-20-1-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.healthunits.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Antimicrobial-Resistance-May-20-1-2.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hope you have all had an amazing week. It is time for that lovely fix of science you get from me on Friday! This week is all about looking into the world's antibiotic resistance crisis; What is it? Why should we care? And how we have reached a crisis point?. Let's launch into it then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><u>What is antimicrobial resistance and why should we care about it? </u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">WHO (World Health Organisation) defines antimicrobial resistance as the change seen in bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites once exposed to antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial resistance carries the potential of plunging the world back into the dark ages of the pre-antibiotic era. What does this mean for me, you, your family and friends? Bad news. If we are unable to keep up with constantly changing microorganisms as they continue to accumulate resistance to</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> antibiotics, deaths from the common cold and flu would rise and once simple and curable bacterial infections will lead to hospitalisation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><u>Let's talk money for a moment:</u></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">An independent report was published releasing the results of the impact Antimicrobial resistance would have on our future economy. I have extracted the main results from the report to read the full report click </span><a href="http://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/projects/antimicrobial-resistance-costs.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They calculated the costs based on two inevitabilities in a world where antimicrobial resistance is common:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Increased mortality</u> - deaths directly caused by the resistance of microorganisms would greatly reduce the size of the working-age population.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Increased morbidity</u> - these were characterised as being prolonged periods of time taken off work due to sickness. In the short-term, this would cause a temporary reduction in the workforce and in severe cases lead to a long term loss in team productivity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was estimated that by the year 2050 the world economy would have lost a whopping $2.1 trillion if the levels of resistance remain low. However, if this problem is not handled and resistance increases globally, the loss could peak at $124.5 trillion. If those numbers were not enough to highlight the effect this biological crisis has on the world, it is important to note that they are an underestimate. The report only considered two aspects of the economies challenges, the cost of healthcare (longer stays and an increased demand for intensive care) as well as funding to manufacture new antibiotics were not factored into the analysis. A number not yet totalled but based on the underestimate... it's a cost best to keep as minimal as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><u>How did we get to this crisis point? </u></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Antimicrobial resistance is a story that stretches all the way back to the very first microorganisms. Chemical warfare has been a strategy used against rivalling microorganisms in competition for resources for centuries. Ever since the first weapon was used against another, microorganisms had to learn how to evade or neutralise those threats. Those chemicals used by one microorganism to disadvantage another or completely destroy it gave us the inspiration for many antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals on the market today. This widespread exposure of microorganisms to antimicrobials has led to accelerated development of resistance because we have placed the pressure on them to do so. In simple terms, the microbes must 'adapt' or 'perish'. Survival of the fittest. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since then, it has been an arms race between humanity's innovation of antimicrobials and the microorganisms ability to acquire resistance to it. If you are a betting person you would not like the 'odds' take a look at the image below showing the number of antibiotics released over the years. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3KkDLt5kz3Okfu0znuKhHuOaKWEoSPGtNJjbUrTK_HNLpxkSh-VFaTT4wTHgKXXmBaGmY3h3QyoRF66moVlAxhTa10kox5fMVIvKgkr7teY8lXuFqaN-BI6od0f9fNdlCrFNu9hqNwU/s1600/images%25255Cnew+antibiotics.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3KkDLt5kz3Okfu0znuKhHuOaKWEoSPGtNJjbUrTK_HNLpxkSh-VFaTT4wTHgKXXmBaGmY3h3QyoRF66moVlAxhTa10kox5fMVIvKgkr7teY8lXuFqaN-BI6od0f9fNdlCrFNu9hqNwU/s640/images%25255Cnew+antibiotics.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chicago-mosaic.medill.northwestern.edu/antibiotic-resistance-superbugs/images%5Cnew%20antibiotics.jpeg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">In the picture below, a scientist is holding up two Petrii dishes. If you observe them closely you will notice that on each petri dish there are small white circles. Each one of those is a small paper disc dipped in a different antibiotic, the aim is to grow a certain type of bacterium on the plate and see how effective each antibiotic is at killing the bacteria. The first petri dish shows you that the anitbiotics are effective at killing the bacterium (observe the zone surrounding each circle that is completly clear of any bacteria). Compare this to the second petri dish, the antibiotics are largely ineffective in killing of the bacteria - sadly this is the situation we are heading towards. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DwoCepxbGv726VBpWbFcgrq9GWlpFanTIYX7wcnKWhOaeA4tVFMQ_9nDe6ua7w52Q0HZZgwe8s_dIxldf_wC2T71RBN1xD5IdH7nWjdY_HF6-tntuGPqYsUbInZYSl36eNPd660oLYE/s1600/160527140715-cdc-director-superbug-antibiotics-frieden-intv-00003313-large-169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DwoCepxbGv726VBpWbFcgrq9GWlpFanTIYX7wcnKWhOaeA4tVFMQ_9nDe6ua7w52Q0HZZgwe8s_dIxldf_wC2T71RBN1xD5IdH7nWjdY_HF6-tntuGPqYsUbInZYSl36eNPd660oLYE/s640/160527140715-cdc-director-superbug-antibiotics-frieden-intv-00003313-large-169.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><u>The overuse and misuse of current antibiotics:</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Lack of new innovative drugs is not the only factor playing into the accelerated growth of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Some of the blame falls on individuals within the public. Every time a doctor has prescribed you a course of antibiotics to help you with some form of bacterial infection, you begin taking it religiously out of desperation to feel better. As the symptoms begin to subside you start missing a dosage or two or perhaps, you skip the last day completely. This could leave the last few remaining bacterium behind and these guys are placed under a selective pressure 'adapt resistance' or 'die in the next dosage'. If you were a bacterium which would you pick? Below is an image showing just a few ways become resistant to antibiotics. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysYfahk5LSHQwk_7gsdjvvvLdlIwiUAwCEKLKjlkD233I8F_FT7Xs5v0a2fmHtR8vZDhMxXj-ivfURF1NiORk32G0YjuqY6zDm4hikfRpY1sNr0Tux8w1AsY9l_zhTI7q2mVmLxcFygE/s1600/Mechanism-of-antibiotic-resistance-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysYfahk5LSHQwk_7gsdjvvvLdlIwiUAwCEKLKjlkD233I8F_FT7Xs5v0a2fmHtR8vZDhMxXj-ivfURF1NiORk32G0YjuqY6zDm4hikfRpY1sNr0Tux8w1AsY9l_zhTI7q2mVmLxcFygE/s640/Mechanism-of-antibiotic-resistance-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/behindthebench/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2016/04/Mechanism-of-antibiotic-resistance-1.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Antibiotic misuse relates to the scenario where a doctor gives you antibiotics for some form of infection that is so mild, that the body should be left to fight it on its own. For resistance to happen microorganisms must be in contact with some form of an antibiotic. In the case of giving antibiotics for a mild bacterial infection, you may think what is the real harm. If it becomes resistant then the body will overcome it anyway, right? You would be correct. There would be no worry if the mild infecting bacterium kept the code of resistance to itself. The nasty thing about bacteria is that they like to share these codes for resistance with each other. Suddenly a more severely infecting bacterium has the code </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to resistance to multiple different drugs that it itself has never come in contact with. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "adelle" , "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">These are reasons that many have heard before and you will hear more and more as this issue becomes more and more public. I went in search for the lesser known ways of how we got to where we are today. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Antibacterial products discarded into the sewage from our own communities and even hospitals all collect to form the perfect reservoir for antibiotic resistance to cultivate. This hotspot of antibiotics, pollutants, detergents, and disinfectants creates such a hostile living environment that it truly drives the incentive of each bacterium to develop resistance to multiple chemicals designed to kill them. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk95YfjMxaXfeQcR30QoHgSlthpXqcj3VIiMs6sZ1oAqPyEoyLmka0BuOjKadQVum0b-ly1ttt5VVeuuLhag7Z5-3MgviDEE0IXabDkhYsljieQn59S4pEsadbTrKvbCWW6Y8KOV7c_4/s1600/natural-selection_140211.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk95YfjMxaXfeQcR30QoHgSlthpXqcj3VIiMs6sZ1oAqPyEoyLmka0BuOjKadQVum0b-ly1ttt5VVeuuLhag7Z5-3MgviDEE0IXabDkhYsljieQn59S4pEsadbTrKvbCWW6Y8KOV7c_4/s640/natural-selection_140211.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reactgroup.org/toolbox/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/natural-selection_140211.png" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many ways that resistant microorganisms can be transferred onto us. Take a look at the image below to check out a few more. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jfD6qJenhfJM2sMN1Jt4PsFQZfIphr86TBC_UROxiybZKuE89gOuA2xeiH5ooPajWkoHxJqnk6L4Bur-EuoOBQCMjzIESotJIgPEEzxICZyjdj_8TxSukla5u08n37QSdfvjdOZHP2M/s1600/How_Antibiotic_Resistance_Spreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jfD6qJenhfJM2sMN1Jt4PsFQZfIphr86TBC_UROxiybZKuE89gOuA2xeiH5ooPajWkoHxJqnk6L4Bur-EuoOBQCMjzIESotJIgPEEzxICZyjdj_8TxSukla5u08n37QSdfvjdOZHP2M/s640/How_Antibiotic_Resistance_Spreads.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2013/05/How_Antibiotic_Resistance_Spreads.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><u>21st Century Problem in need of a Solution... </u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could panic after this post. You would be well within your right but as I have been told by one of my students I am incredibly optimistic. It will be a tough battle to fight, one of the greatest in our history perhaps due to it global impact on both our health as well as our economies. Microorganisms have had to adapt under increased exposure to antimicrobials. I believe that 'Necessity is the mother of invention' as such in the face of an enemy we will overcome it. We are left with two choices 'Adapt' or 'Die'. Which do you choose? </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-64302837823112168342016-09-23T09:38:00.000+01:002016-09-23T09:38:17.282+01:00SOTW: Underwater Butterfly... Snails<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Friday and as always I hope you have had an awesome week. I was wondering what this week's post was going to be all about and then I watched the Emmys and became inspired by one of my favourite TV shows success 'Stranger Things' (love it so much!). Honouring the great series I decided for this weeks post to focus on a rather strange type of species known as the Sea Butterflies. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8TbrqWjHVst9bpK7_Syd-zzcyB_X5h6jwYmWJlelCVD7jfulm2okE2zlPGwWUFXjaUF-xaYwo2VnpjlEQcAHgdUD_aJjI-iao67ZASWvUjEfBmei3hzpB6KZd7db68cMH1KVdt3Djlw/s1600/tnc160220_seabutterfly_1280.jpg.CROP.promo-xlarge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8TbrqWjHVst9bpK7_Syd-zzcyB_X5h6jwYmWJlelCVD7jfulm2okE2zlPGwWUFXjaUF-xaYwo2VnpjlEQcAHgdUD_aJjI-iao67ZASWvUjEfBmei3hzpB6KZd7db68cMH1KVdt3Djlw/s640/tnc160220_seabutterfly_1280.jpg.CROP.promo-xlarge2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/video/video/2016/02/sea_butterflies_fly_through_water_like_insects_do_in_air_video/tnc160220_seabutterfly_1280.jpg.CROP.promo-xlarge2.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Phylum:</b> Mollusca</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Class:</b> Gastropoda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Conservation Status:</b> Unknown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Habitat:</b> You would find these little navigating their way around the cold waters of the Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Size:</b> They are literally the size of a lentil!(less than 1cm in length)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First things first. As indicated by this species phylogeny they may be called sea butterflies but make no mistake these beautiful little guys are pteropods (sea snails). Amazingly they swim through the water similar to how an insect flies, by flapping their 'feet' which have remarkably grown into wings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like terrestrial snails, the majority of sea snails have shells on their backs these can range in both size and shape from, globules, whorls and even the shape of cones. Being the size of a lentil the dietary preferences for sea snails is restricted to smaller organisms - microscopic plankton. Indeed, sea butterflies rely solely on plankton. This may seem really unfair at first glance but the biomass (amount) of plankton vastly outweighs that of every marine animal in the oceans so really the sea snails have access to an untapped buffet. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul9wTX5QYp914yE16PbXxWgyvS0Bi6TEJtYCEhVFis35PWCxSQs1cv9-DCItNkAhabLV4GExnSaENVaLoYlUYJebDG3tKnuhLT3ZxawYHlov8NPTDai29a2yGed8-8iltFfARCs_CHS0/s1600/6115063_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul9wTX5QYp914yE16PbXxWgyvS0Bi6TEJtYCEhVFis35PWCxSQs1cv9-DCItNkAhabLV4GExnSaENVaLoYlUYJebDG3tKnuhLT3ZxawYHlov8NPTDai29a2yGed8-8iltFfARCs_CHS0/s640/6115063_orig.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sciencewithmyrt.com/uploads/3/2/1/8/32187613/6115063_orig.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, it is the rules of the food chain that those that eat are also in the line to get eaten. Sea butterflies make up the very basis of multiple food chains. Their abundance, as well as their high levels of nutrition, make them desirable to cod, salmon and mackerel. Losing such a source would spell our disaster for marine food chains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How the sea butterfly spelled out the future of the world's oceans to scientists? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It all began at the start of the millennium. Victoria Fabry (a biologist) found herself on a boat in the North Pacific, this is where she stumbled across a startling and worrying discovery of our oceans future in the contents of a jar. Victoria collected species of sea butterfly in plastic bottles and filled them with sea water after doing so she fastened the top of the bottle and left them for varying amount of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Victoria returned back to her specimens and opened the bottle that had been left the longest. Her observations were able to be seen with the naked eye making it all the more troubling. The specimen continued to swim in the bottle but its beautiful pyramid shaped shell had begun to dissolve. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCua8-kEzndGih7pRM7u5j6zZnv3Czzvd1ZkIPbcmGm_a_xPAJUCVR63_rf9-rYmCiu8Bm6Dj2lpCllRCyJ4dY1fqeCYTSfzNyX8JEVz0U-m-LMc6ZsECiKKLmpzFPq8dOjdCzV86HHJg/s1600/2012_08_14_2390-ghij.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCua8-kEzndGih7pRM7u5j6zZnv3Czzvd1ZkIPbcmGm_a_xPAJUCVR63_rf9-rYmCiu8Bm6Dj2lpCllRCyJ4dY1fqeCYTSfzNyX8JEVz0U-m-LMc6ZsECiKKLmpzFPq8dOjdCzV86HHJg/s640/2012_08_14_2390-ghij.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi97s353kN_oQ76dD3bw8ItzGW3gYdJOKsjKpoGwIlvnJwDR4ykCdUKBvgnS-TCrSCKRBKfT2Xt07D3Y2iPMWzB0IYY9XE47SihjhhI_NhQzlv1RqMdXHkY8TwROb6MSKlueKcMKuuRg/s1600/2012_08_14_2390-ghij.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Victoria may not have been aware at the time of sealing her jars but she had simulated an environment whereby Carbon Dioxide levels in the water had increased. Increasing Carbon Dioxide present in the water meant that the seawater became mildly acidic. Such a small increase in acidity of the sea water had such a large and visible impact on the shells of the sea butterflies. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP0t78ujXUR78fJHZrLGBvWQ1lPXGR2Qg7otT5oE0Qegef_1YgP8Aqux8NM4OfMSjgH2aKZCa3-TWNL3xHcYfHmmv-rt_ZgupAtjsfT1kr4dBHNYS9D65Rys0e7J_WMvJV1dewM1SIOo/s1600/oa_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP0t78ujXUR78fJHZrLGBvWQ1lPXGR2Qg7otT5oE0Qegef_1YgP8Aqux8NM4OfMSjgH2aKZCa3-TWNL3xHcYfHmmv-rt_ZgupAtjsfT1kr4dBHNYS9D65Rys0e7J_WMvJV1dewM1SIOo/s640/oa_800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oceanacidification.org.uk/Oarp/media/images/oa_800.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source: process of ocean acidification</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our consumption of fossil fuels has led to a massive injection of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere a major factor in the greenhouse gas effect. This study made everybody stop looking into the skies in regards to climate change and focus on the oceans. Our oceans have played a huge role in absorbing some of the released Carbon Dioxide and in doing so have altered the very chemistry that makes up the world's oceans as well as adversely affecting the organisms that live in it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well that was all for this week guys! The moral here is there are many strange things in the sea and if you haven't already you should watch stranger things! Have an awesome weekend</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-89718483360408746172016-09-16T10:05:00.000+01:002016-12-28T17:54:01.821+00:00Friday Facts #19<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings everybody</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you been looking forward to this weeks blog post? I hope you have because I have gathered some awesome facts to see you straight into the weekend. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwuy30y_E_O6uVxjr6rVCTx-mmOjRZnMfi44l2VXq57YwgbTYEQ2sePEqPwzGxPEK_tvOestNpXOa8OBH_tItq7Osh_Da61UPaO5oQNwAxSlIK4ygrU6mYfOPiR8jLgEC6ZRc9VgU3fU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-15+at+21.44.31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwuy30y_E_O6uVxjr6rVCTx-mmOjRZnMfi44l2VXq57YwgbTYEQ2sePEqPwzGxPEK_tvOestNpXOa8OBH_tItq7Osh_Da61UPaO5oQNwAxSlIK4ygrU6mYfOPiR8jLgEC6ZRc9VgU3fU/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-15+at+21.44.31.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR7ZMy2PkeBfrmht1tJXeF_W2729CKRrYdbyl4BfU9YODIXYFlxUqoiIai6lxjpU2HyRdNar8Fri_qZTOELIMeHaz5f9aDmLlYWdc825WVakOyfA6kHoOJnWBusN2OPUaUwn4y2wWcQs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-15+at+22.21.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR7ZMy2PkeBfrmht1tJXeF_W2729CKRrYdbyl4BfU9YODIXYFlxUqoiIai6lxjpU2HyRdNar8Fri_qZTOELIMeHaz5f9aDmLlYWdc825WVakOyfA6kHoOJnWBusN2OPUaUwn4y2wWcQs/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-15+at+22.21.00.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBckYtiVJoOQzyo7kasoWUZRUEhsF4eleY4CxNcUWM2JBDQAFpLB086brL6buGnZK9F1V3JXbeLMLAQoOAo2WHRUCyeUuFzRghawhjnwe0GAslt_R6SpjH-_gv5s3dR-sRh2O5OGYnbU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-15+at+22.28.20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBckYtiVJoOQzyo7kasoWUZRUEhsF4eleY4CxNcUWM2JBDQAFpLB086brL6buGnZK9F1V3JXbeLMLAQoOAo2WHRUCyeUuFzRghawhjnwe0GAslt_R6SpjH-_gv5s3dR-sRh2O5OGYnbU/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-15+at+22.28.20.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That brings us to the end of this weeks post! Have an amazing weekend everybody see you here same time next week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and out</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487310940691825609.post-54038141393206000592016-09-09T11:38:00.003+01:002016-12-28T17:52:55.264+00:00Science Corner: Genetic engineering and glow in the dark bunnies! <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Summer holidays are officially over and whether you are devastated by this news or super psyched I will be lending a helping hand come this academic term by launching a brand new blog series - Science Corner. Each post will have content satisfactory for KS3, GCSE and A-level biology students so keep a watchful eye out (may even feature the occasional topic on Chemistry and Physics). Lets get into it! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>What is genetic engineering?</u></span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This may sound like a very modern day application for genetics but this amazing process dates far back in our evolutionary history. Mankind has carried out genetic engineering for centuries in our endless pursuit for perfection, ever heard of 'selective breeding'? Selective breeding is the process of enhancing the traits in plants and animals that we see as desirable. This process is responsible for the variety of domestic dogs we have today (see picture below). Dachshunds (picture below) were engineered to hunt burrow dwelling animals and this is largely reflected in their size and shape to today. In fact many of the body plans seen in our lovely companions relate to a historical function!... however the function behind a chihuahua escapes me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Selective breeding based solely on physical desirable characteristics is so outdated! The newest fashion is going straight to the source of physical traits and variation - the animals DNA. With modern day techniques and DNA engineering methods becoming cheaper and quicker it is definitely a fashion catching on! With this technology scientists are now capable of inserting genes from one organism into another thereby altering the genetic makeup of that host organism. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>A brief history of Genetic Engineering: </u></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>How does this process work and how could I make a glow in the dark bunny? </u></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There you have it! This is a key example that every Biology student on the planet needs to feel totally confident in explaining. As for the glow in the dark bunny question lets have a quick run through...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Firstly find an animal that naturally 'glows in the dark' such as a jellyfish. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next isolate the gene in the jellyfish responsible for its glowing properties. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally insert this gene (with the help of ligase) into a rabbit embryo cell and as the bunny develops the glow in the dark genes will be expressed allowing your bunny to finally be glow in the dark. YAY! science is so awesome only we get to make glow in the dark animals. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Its not just all glow in the dark bunnies though. Genetic engineering has opened the doors to solutions for many 21st Century problems:</u></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A lot of the credit for Genetic engineerings boost in popularity is down to a brand new technique known as CRISPR (<span style="color: red;">soon to have its own blog post on here</span>). The revolutionary CRISPR technique has opened doorways to ending diseases, designer babies and even the chance of achieving eternal youth. For now lets focus on the role it has in ending the disease! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cure for HIV:</u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2015, CRISPR was put forward as a way of cutting out HIV from our bodies cells. However it wasn't until 2016 that CRISPR was used to treat rats with HIV present in over 90% of their body cells. CRISPR therapy was injected into the bodies of these rats and the results were spectacular. When tested again over 50% of the rats cells were HIV free. This is a big win in the fight against HIV as well as other Retroviruses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Cancer treatment: </u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the biggest challenges when treating cancer is that cancerous cells are our own body cells gone haywire! As such treatment must be targeted towards the cancer cells and not damage our bodies healthy cells in the process. Cancer has taken advantage of our immune system that has been trained to never attack and destroy our bodies cells. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What role does CRISPR play in the future of cancer treatment? Simply put, CRISPR is editing our immune cells to become kick ass cancer hunters. Scientists are able to edit our bodies immune cells to make them super efficient at locating and destroying cancerous cells thereby reducing the use of more invasive treatments such as chemotherapy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2016 America and China bought the future to our present by genetically engineering immune cells for cancer treatment. Very promising! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Genetic diseases: </u></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These cover a wide range of disorders from colour blindness straight through to Huntingtons disorder. More than 3000 genetic diseases are caused by a single incorrect letter in our DNA strand. Our lovely CRISPR innovation through the use of another protein correcting molecule called Cas9 then get up and close with our DNA strand and correct that single incorrect letter! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alright Ladies and Gentlemen that marks the end of this weeks post! I hope you all enjoyed it and feel as though you got a lot of interesting information from it! I will see you here next week Friday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Biobunch,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over and Out</span></div>
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