Tuna hearts 'affected by oil spill'

Scientists say that tuna swimming in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have experienced heart damage.

Lab research has demonstrated how crude oil chemicals can disrupt heart function in the fish.

The study, published in Science magazine, is part of the ongoing work to try to understand the impacts of the disaster.

The gulf is an important spawning ground for bluefin and yellowfin tuna.

Tracking studies have indicated that many of these fish would have been in the area during the 2010 disaster.

Scientists have long known that certain chemicals in crude oil – such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – can be harmful to the hearts of embryonic and developing fish.

These molecules, which have distinct ring-like structures, cause a slowing of the heart, irregularities in rhythm and even cardiac arrest at high exposures.READ MORE

Cat parasite found in Arctic Beluga

The cat parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause blindness in people, has been identified in Beluga in the western Arctic.

The discovery by University of British Columbia scientists has prompted a health advisory to Inuit people in the region who eat the whale's meat.

Researchers say it is an example of how the warming of the Arctic is allowing the freer movement of pathogens.

Icier conditions in the past acted as an obstruction to infectious agents.

“Ice is a significant ecological barrier and it influences the way in which pathogens can be transmitted in nature and your risk of exposure,” said molecular parasitologist Michael Grigg.

“What we’re finding with the changes ongoing in the Arctic is that we’re getting new pathogens emerging to cause diseases in the region that haven’t been there before,” he told BBC News.

The UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit scientist was speaking here at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)READ MORE

BADGERS TO GET BIRTH CONTROL?

The newest idea from the government  is to give  badgers birth control injections and hopefully  an vaccine against tuberculosis,laughed at by the backbenches.As you known the government tried to murder -badger cull -but did not work as lower number than required dead-1,800-still too many.

BERMUDA TRIANGLE A MYTH?

America, s national oceanic and atmospheric administration scientists have ruled that the BERMUDA TRIANGLE is a myth,nothing to indicate casualties were nothing other than physical causes.despite 135 people have disappeared-aliens,bad weather,poor navigation given as reasons,BERMUDA TRIANGLE is region BEMUDA,MIAMI TO PUERTO RICO.

No target' in UK animal tests plan

The UK government has launched its delivery plan to replace, refine and reduce the use of animals in research - known as "the 3Rs".

It pledges to encourage scientists to use alternatives wherever possible.

But there is no commitment in the strategy released on Friday to reduce the total number of animal experiments, which has been on the rise.

This is despite a post-election pledge by the Coalition to cut the use of animals in scientific research.

Instead, the government will promote new, more ethical research techniques which can help boost UK science.

"This isn't about a numerical target," said David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science.

"The commitment is to 'work to reduce use of animals'. Ultimately the final figure will depend on patterns of scientific advance.

"Britain is a world leader in science but also in concern for the welfare of animals. What we are doing is bringing these two great British traditions together.

"We are absolutely committed to the 3Rs."READ MORE

WHAT A LOAD OF CROC

AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE  were  informed by  a local bus driver claiming to have seen a crocodile 6ft long,BRISTOL ZOO  had no missing replies ZOOLOGIST DR.ADA BRITON believes it could be an illegal pet released after growing too big or an misindentified ie monitior lizard ,iguana which to the untrained eye look a bit crocodile like or just a log floating down the RIVER AVON,but you never know

SAVE THE WOMANS REFUGE IN BARNSTAPLE ,DEVON-PERSONNAL VIEW

Yes i know i its strange for a man to ask you to support this charity ,years ago my now wife had to go to stay thier to keep away from her then husband for her own protrection with  one of her children her son.Whilst there she heard and saw things which i can not write about as unfair to the woman whom where  there at the time,it is wrong for any man to abuse a woman and is cowardly