Scientists in California are baffled by a wave of fatal shark attacks on sea otters, despite the fact that the predators have no desire to feed on their furry prey. Tim Tinker of the US Geological Survey's Western Ecological Research Center told National Geographic that "as far as we can tell, a white shark has never eaten a sea otter," and that whenever a deadly attack occurs, … [Read more...] about Sharks in California Are Killing Sea Otters But Not Eating Them, And No One Knows Why
trends
Melting Glaciers On The Tibetan Plateau May Release Newly Discovered Bacterial Species
The climate crisis threatens to disrupt the diversity of bacteria living in the Tibetan Plateau's glaciers. Hundreds of new bacteria species have been discovered in the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau, indicating that we have only scratched the surface of the microbial world. However, with climate change threatening this valuable environment, these new findings raise new … [Read more...] about Melting Glaciers On The Tibetan Plateau May Release Newly Discovered Bacterial Species
46,000-Year-Old Aboriginal Sacred Caves Destroyed by Mining Company
In order to create room for additional iron ore mining in the area, a 46,000-year-old holy Aboriginal site in Western Australia has recently been destroyed. A spokeswoman for the mining corporation Rio Tinto informed ABC News on May 26 that a blast with exploded explosives last weekend damaged the Juukan Gorge 1 and 2 rock shelter caves, two locations of enormous cultural … [Read more...] about 46,000-Year-Old Aboriginal Sacred Caves Destroyed by Mining Company
Boiling Lobsters Alive in the UK May Be Banned Under “Sentient Being” Law; Can They Feel Pain?
A new rule in the UK intended to safeguard the welfare rights of animals regarded as sentient beings may forbid boiling lobsters alive. What does science have to say about the ethical minefield of crustacean misery and frying pots? Do lobsters feel pain? Are they sentient? The UK government first submitted a measure to formally recognize animals as sentient beings back in … [Read more...] about Boiling Lobsters Alive in the UK May Be Banned Under “Sentient Being” Law; Can They Feel Pain?
The First Known Animal That Does Not Require Breathing Has Been Discovered Inside Salmon
In a world first, a team of Tel Aviv scientists discovered an animal that does not require oxygen to survive, effectively putting Mrs Nerg back in her box. The paper published in PNAS describes a jellyfish-like parasite that is the first known multicellular organism without a mitochondrial genome, which means it can survive without oxygen. Science advances are constantly … [Read more...] about The First Known Animal That Does Not Require Breathing Has Been Discovered Inside Salmon