Source: Deshabhimani, 27th February 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Rhino numbers moving up
A new rhinoceros census at the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the foothills of the Himalayan ranges in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, is expected to bring good news on the population of the one-horned species. P.T. Bhutia, Chief Conservator (Wildlife), North Bengal, told The Hindu:Forest Minister Ananta Roy mentioned an estimate of 123, as against 108 recorded during a 2006 census. A rhino census conducted at the Gorumara National Park, also on the Himalayan foothills, in March 2008 showed a rise in numbers from 27 (according to a 2006 census) to 30 or 31. Mr. Roy attributed the rise to a successful breeding programme.
The Hindu, 26th February 2009
Minister raises concern over coastal security
Minister for Fisheries S.Sarma said here on Tuesday that the proposed Coastal Zone Management (CZM) programme could expose the country's coastal belt to security threats. Addressing the participants of a training programme on coastal hazard management organised by the Institute of Land and Disaster Management he said the draft notification for the CZM programme had given rise to concerns over the appropriation of coastal areas for commercial use. This, he said, could lead to the displacement of fisherfolk and enhance the danger of terrorists sneaking into the country through the sea route. Mr.Sarma said the CZM programme would displace fishermen and deprive them of their livelihood while opening up the coastal areas to industries, tourism and commercial activities."The proposed setback line will not permit fishermen to build houses within 500 metres from the coast but the restriction is not applicable to other construction activities." He said disaster management systems for the vulnerable coastal areas should ensure protection of the ecosystem and livelihood of the local people. Highlighting the need for a coastal protection strategy based on creation of a bio-shield, the Minister said it would also help the communities to supplement their income. Mr.Sarma proposed a coastal protection system jointly managed by local self-government institutions and the community
The Hindu, 25th February 2009
Carbon fasting’ to reduce global warming
: "Thou shall not harm the environment" could well be the new-age commandment for members of the Mar Thoma Church. In a novel message, Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, the senior most bishop of Mar Thoma Church, has urged the members of the community to observe 'carbon fasting' during this Lent period and urged them to do as much as they can to protect the environment and reduce global warming.The Metropolitan in his letter to the church members has listed what to do on each day of the 50- day Lent that began on Feruary 22 and cut down on carbon besides meat, fish, egg and chocolates this year "The current climate change estimates predict increase in temperatures of 1.4 C to 5.8 C by 2100. This will affect species in several ways such as changes in distribution; increased extinction rates; changes in reproduction timings and changes in length of growing seasons for plants," he says. The 50-day plan prepared by the bishop lists simple energy-saving actions that can lead to a lighter carbon footprint. The plan includes snubbing plastic bags, giving the dishwasher a day off, recycling and even avoiding travel by vehicles. Participants are asked to begin the carbon fast by removing one light bulb from a prominent place in their houses and live without it for 50 days as a constant visual reminder during Lent for the need to cut energy.On the final day of the fast, people are encouraged to replace the missing bulb with an energy-saving bulb..
The New Indian Express, 25th February 2009
Paddy crop in Palakkad district withering away
Standing paddy crop in thousands of acres in Palakkad district has started withering in the warm sun, thanks to the failure of the State government in getting a backlog of 8.82 tmc ft of water from Tamil Nadu at the Manacadavu weir for the Chitturpuzha irrigation scheme under the inter-State Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) agreement. The paddy crop is getting ripe in Chittur and the farmers are badly in need of water for a month. If the water scarcity continues, it will not be possible for farmers to take up the second crop in vast areas of Chittur taluk. This will be a big blow to the efforts of the State government to ensure food security in the State, officials say. Also, there will be an acute shortage of drinking water in many parts of the district. Under the agreement, Tamil Nadu has to release 7.25 tmc feet of water at Manacadavu every year for irrigation in Chittur taluk. But on many occasions, the neighbouring State has failed to do so.During this water year ending June, Tamil Nadu released 7.07 tmc ft till last week. Kerala has asked for 300 mc ft for March and 250 mc ft for April though there is no allotment of water in these two months under the agreement. So far Kerala has been managing its summer requirements by getting a part of the backlog and the annual share of 7.25 tmc ft. But this time Tamil Nadu has refused to give the backlog on the ground that the PAP agreement does not say anything about backlog. Also, Tamil Nadu says that this year there is a 30 per cent fall in yield owing to the failure of the northeast monsoon. Kerala has agreed to consider reducing 3.5 tmc ft of water that Tamil Nadu released during the rainy season though the State did not require water then. Kerala's storage facility for the PAP waters — the dams of Parambikulam, Aliyar, Sholayar, etc. — are under the control of Tamil Nadu though these have been constructed in Kerala.Joint Water Regulation Board officials say that Tamil Nadu can provide Kerala the water it requires to save the standing crop by releasing some water from the Upper Aliyar and the Kadampara dams to the Aliyar dam. It can also release some water from the 6 tmc ft stored in the Parambikulam dam.
The Hindu, 23rd February 2009
Scientists to working to clone Pashimna goat
A team of scientists from Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana are working on a project to clone the famous pashmina goat, the success of which is expected to give boost to the dwindling trade in the sought-after fur. Under a World Bank aided project, the scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and National Dairy Research Institute will use somatic cells from the ear of a goat to produce the clone. "The work on cloning of pashmina goat has begun under an ambitious World Bank aided project – National Agriculture Innovation Project – in joint partnership between National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)," Assistant Director Research, Animal Sciences, SKUAST, Dr Farooq Ahmed said. Sanctioned by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, the project comprises four components and has been granted Rs 9 crore aid by the World Bank. Out of this, SKUAST will get Rs 1.80 crore and rest will be given to NDRI, Dr Ahmed said. The project 'Value Chain on Zone Free Cloned Embryos Production and Development of Elite Germ Plasma Pashmina' hopes to change the pashmina production scenario in the state. Dr Ahmed said a six-member team will use somatic cells of the goat to clone the cell to produce new pashmina goat using a hand-guided cloning technique and the four-phased project would run for next three years. The scientists would use small tissues from the ear of the goats to start the cloning mechanism. The oocytes (female eggs involved in reproduction) isolated from ovaries would be matured in-vitro (outside the womb and in a lab) and treated with enzymes to clear its outer coating. The egg will then be isolated with the help of a hand held fine blade. Then somatic cells from the ear of a donor goat will be electro fused with oocytes, grown in the laboratory for a week and the resultant embryos would be transferred to recipient goats for the production of the offspring of desired gender. One goat gives birth to one offspring a year and a maximum of five in her lifetime but under the cloning methodology, one goat can give birth to over 50 offsprings. There are over 1,50,000 pashima goats in Chanthang plateau in Ladakh region, which contribute to 90 per cent of pashima wool production in the country. There are 36,000 artisans associated with pashmina industry in Ladakh and Kashmir Valley and due to downfall in production, the industry is battling for survival.
The New Indian Express, 21st February 2009
Poor people are the worst-affected by climate change, says Pachauri
Pointing out that the "poor are the worst-affected in case of climate change due to lack of infrastructure and means to counter it," Nobel laureate Rajendra K. Pachauri urged the "rich" to be "sensitive to the needs and plight of the poor."Addressing the Environment Partnership Summit 2009, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Thursday, Mr. Pachauri said that "it will be most unfair on our part to deprive the poor access to natural resources which are important for their existence."Citing the example of the heat waves that hit Andhra Pradesh a few years ago, he said that the poor people were most affected because neither were they warned beforehand nor did they have any knowledge of how to cope with the heat. On the issue of industrialised countries trying to avoid their responsibility of curbing emission rate and passing the buck to developing countries, Mr. Pachauri said: "We all look towards the new American President Barack Obama's leadership — his commitment towards environment concerns gives us hope.He stressed the need to cut down emission of greenhouse gases to save the planet. "Climate change is one of the symptoms of a larger problem… Greater scarcity of water, increasing salinity of soil, decline of agriculture due to floods, droughts and heat waves will have a serious bearing on the development factor globally."
The Hindu, 20th February 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Forest fires glow in Nilgiri Biosphere area
Forest fires of varying intensity have occurred in the protected areas in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve over the last week even as summer is round the corner, a quick analysis of satellite data indicates.Among other areas, the fires have occurred in the wildlife sanctuaries of Bandipur and Nagarahole National Park in Karnataka. Outbreaks were also reported from the Wayanad Sanctuary in Kerala and the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu during the week that ended on February 14. Most of the fires were noticed at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Karnataka tri-junction.A single instance of fire was recorded in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. The Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks and the Wayanad and Mudumalai Sanctuaries fall in the core area of the environmentally sensitive Nilgiri Biosphere.Last year also fires had occurred in the protected areas of the Biosphere. . Almost all of forest fires are caused by humans, especially by people entering the protected areas illegally. Some of the fires recorded are the result of controlled burning by Forest Departments.The data regarding the fires have come from the MODIS Rapid Response System under the NASA-centred international Earth Observing System. Fire maps are supplied as part of the Fire Information for Resource Management System in order to enable managers of protected areas to react to fires .In its report of 2006, the National Forest Commission pointed out that evergreen forests subjected to a fire on a large scale have a changed complexion forever. The frequency of such fires is growing, it noted. Forest fires, often linked to excessive livestock grazing and careless human behaviour, destroy biodiversity. Fragmentation of wildlife habitats arising from loss of forest connectivity is a serious limiting factor for wildlife. Big fires are one of the major factors that cause fragmentation. The others are diversification of forest areas for developmental activity and loss of forest cover due to illicit felling and grazing, according to the Commission. Recent research on forest fires in the Western Ghats shows they have had significant impacts on species diversity and regeneration in the tropical dry deciduous forests. Species diversity declined by 50 to 60 per cent, while density of saplings declined by about 30 per cent under some conditions. In tropical moist deciduous ecosystems, there were substantial declines in species diversity, tree density, seedling and sapling densities in burned forests compared to the unburned forests, the findings indicate.
The Hindu, 18th February 2009
Ecologically fragile land Act to be amended
The government would amend the Kerala Forests (Vesting and Management of Ecologically Fragile Lands) Act in a bid to solve the problems being faced by small and marginal farmers, Forests Minister Benoy Viswom has said. Mr. Viswom said the State government would fix a ceiling for the land holdings of small and marginal farmers and exempt them from the Act. A special committee would be set up to look into the complaints about the proposed amendments.
The Hindu, 18th February 2009
Dig for the guts of temblors
Scientists are now pursuing earthquakes deep into their subterranean lairs, studying them on land and below the sea. Yet, confronted with the question of when and where the "next big one" will occur, an uncomfortable silence sets in. Based on history there will be quakes in Japan, also in Tibet, said Leigh Royden of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Will we ever be able to predict them? I don't know," she said on Sunday at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. "There have been a few signals associated with quakes, but only in hindsight. And those quakes are rare." Quakes most often occur at the boundaries of the many moving plates that make up the surface of the earth. But some also have been recorded well inside the plates, such as the devastating temblor that shook Wenchuan, China, last year or the 1811-1812 quakes at New Madrid in the United States that briefly caused the Mississippi river to flow backward. Scientists can tell when a plate is under high stress but do not have a way to determine where a fracture will occur, launching a quake, explained Harold Tobin of the University of Wisconsin. Nevertheless they continue striving to learn more about quakes and their causes in an effort to find ways to protect lives and property. James Evans of Utah State University said researchers have drilled nearly 3,500 metres into the San Andreas Fault in California to install instruments in hopes of "really getting into the guts of the fault zone" to record an earthquake. Mr. Tobin is taking part in similar research in the Nankai trough in the western Pacific Ocean, one of the most active seismic areas in the world. "If we want to understand the physics of how the faults really work, we have to go to those faults in the ocean," he said. "Scientific drilling is the main way we know anything at all about the geology of the two-thirds of the earth that is submerged. The ultimate goal is a series of deep holes in the trough in a few years," he said. Deep ocean quakes can be especially dangerous if they generate a tsunami, like the giant sea wave that took hundreds of thousands of lives around the Indian Ocean in 2004. Susan Schwartz, a Professor of earth and planetary sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said researchers have uncovered a third type of slip that occurs along plate boundaries. Some boundaries have been known to creep along steadily without causing quakes while others stick and then release suddenly, shaking the earth. Now some have been seen to stick and then slip, but only slowly with ground motion taking from weeks to a year and no earthquake occurring. Her research team found these slow-slip "silent earthquakes" while monitoring the ground beneath the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. "At least two slow slip events have occurred beneath the Nicoya Peninsula since 2003," Professor Schwartz said. He added: "When we recorded the first one in 2003, we had only three GPS stations. By 2007, we had 12 GPS stations and over 10 seismic stations, so the event that year was very nicely recorded." The slow slip phenomenon has also been observed in the Cascadia fault zone off the coast of Washington and British Columbia and Japan's Nankai Trough. Qiyuan Liu of the Chinese Institute of Geology said his country has installed 297 seismic stations in the region to study the deep structure below the earth in the region around last year's Wenchuan quake. He said the quake occurred in a deep area in a boundary between high- and low-velocity movement of the planet's crust.
The Hindu, 17th February 2009
In the footsteps of Salim Ali
Seventy-five years after the 'birdman of India' Salim Ali conducted a survey in the erstwhile princely States of Travancore and Cochin, six-member team of ornithologists led by C.Sasikumar has taken up a study tour of the area, retracing the footsteps of Dr.Ali. th team will visit the same spots on the same dates of Dr.Ali's visit 75 years ago.
The team started the tour on January 3 and has completed its survey of Marayur, Santhanpara and Thattekkad. On Saturday, they visited the CMS College campus, Kodimatha, Travellers Bungalow and the Kumarakom paddy fields in and around Kottayam Town.
Interacting with the media, Mr.Sasikumar saud though thet had not taken up an analytical study of the collected so far, some disturbing trends were visible, such as the total absence of vultures in areas like Marayur. Vultures were a common bird during Dr. Ali's survey, they pointed out. Another distressing finding was that insectivorous birds had abandoned the tea and cardamom plantaions.
Unlike the survey conducted 75 years ago when ornithology was in its infancy in the country, the present study has not only incorporated new standaedised methodologies, but has expanded the information about the ecosystem, climatic changes etc, . the paddy fields in Marayur have turned into rich sugarcane plantations and the shoal forests in Munnar area have become gardens. The impact of change in the ecosystem on the avian population and diversity is visible, said Mr.Sasikumar. the study has so far identified 165 avian species in Marayur, 107 in Munnar, 105 in Santhanpara, and 168 in Thattekkad. So far, 219 species if birds have been identified, he said. The team members were delighted to note that some rare species of birds were found during the survey. These included Eurasian Cragmartin, Amur Falcon, Sclay Thrush, Brown rock Pipit, Slaty-legged Crake and Lesser fish eagle. In addition among the 16 species endemic to the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Black and Orange Flycatcher, White-bellied Short wing and Broad-tailed Grass Warblerr have also been identified. The team could sight a healthy population of Cotton Teal and Spotted Billed Duck in thee first day's survey in Kodimatha area in Kottayam. However, with the expansion if the town to these areas, they were threatened with a fast deteriorating ecosystem, Mr.Sasikumar pointed out Dr.Ali's survey started on January 3,1933 and continued till December 31 that year. The new survey will continue till December 31, 2009. The team will visit Arumboli, Balamur Estate and Kanyakumari, which were part of Travancore then, but are in Tamil Nadu now.
The team started the tour on January 3 and has completed its survey of Marayur, Santhanpara and Thattekkad. On Saturday, they visited the CMS College campus, Kodimatha, Travellers Bungalow and the Kumarakom paddy fields in and around Kottayam Town.
Interacting with the media, Mr.Sasikumar saud though thet had not taken up an analytical study of the collected so far, some disturbing trends were visible, such as the total absence of vultures in areas like Marayur. Vultures were a common bird during Dr. Ali's survey, they pointed out. Another distressing finding was that insectivorous birds had abandoned the tea and cardamom plantaions.
Unlike the survey conducted 75 years ago when ornithology was in its infancy in the country, the present study has not only incorporated new standaedised methodologies, but has expanded the information about the ecosystem, climatic changes etc, . the paddy fields in Marayur have turned into rich sugarcane plantations and the shoal forests in Munnar area have become gardens. The impact of change in the ecosystem on the avian population and diversity is visible, said Mr.Sasikumar. the study has so far identified 165 avian species in Marayur, 107 in Munnar, 105 in Santhanpara, and 168 in Thattekkad. So far, 219 species if birds have been identified, he said. The team members were delighted to note that some rare species of birds were found during the survey. These included Eurasian Cragmartin, Amur Falcon, Sclay Thrush, Brown rock Pipit, Slaty-legged Crake and Lesser fish eagle. In addition among the 16 species endemic to the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Black and Orange Flycatcher, White-bellied Short wing and Broad-tailed Grass Warblerr have also been identified. The team could sight a healthy population of Cotton Teal and Spotted Billed Duck in thee first day's survey in Kodimatha area in Kottayam. However, with the expansion if the town to these areas, they were threatened with a fast deteriorating ecosystem, Mr.Sasikumar pointed out Dr.Ali's survey started on January 3,1933 and continued till December 31 that year. The new survey will continue till December 31, 2009. The team will visit Arumboli, Balamur Estate and Kanyakumari, which were part of Travancore then, but are in Tamil Nadu now.
The Hindu, 16th February 2009
World's first cloned buffalo calf dies of pneumonia
Indian scientists said they have cloned the world's first buffalo, but the calf dies of phenumonia with a week of its birth.The calf, which was born on February 6 and was yet to be named, died on Wednesday night, A.K.Srivastava, director of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) told reporters from Karnal.The buffalo calf, the first to be produced in the world, was cloned using a simpler but advanced version of a technique employed in producing Dolly-the sheep that became the first mammal to be cloned. The infection was caused due to complications at the time of ts birth, he said, but added that the cloning technique itself was not faulty.Dolly, which was cloned from an adult cell in 1996 and revealed to the world seven months later, was put down in 2003 following a lung disease.Srivastava said the institute was in the process of producing two more clones with cell taken from female buffaloes and the delivery is set for May and June. The hand guided cloning technique perfected by the NDRI scientists, would allow production of calf if the desired sex, he said.The cloning if the buffalo calf was done by a team of six scientists S.K.Singla, RS Manik, MS Chauhan, P Palta, RS Shah and A George.
The New Indian Express, 13th February 2009
Filling the missing links
In 1859, when Charles Darwin published his "On the origin of species" there was great difficulty in interpreting the fossil record to substantiate his theory of evolutionary change. He was referring to the missing links in the fossil record to prove evolution. Missing links are of two kinds — intermediate forms and transitional forms. Intermediate forms mark the various stages through which groups of animals, say, birds or reptiles evolved to become fully adapted animals. These forms should have the anatomical features intermediate between the two groups or species. Intermediate forms are well known in the case of humans. Humans evolved in various stages from their ancestor, the ape. But we do not see today the intermediate ones such as the Australopithecus aphaeresis and Homo erectus. The other missing link is the transitional forms. In the case of transitional forms what is being witnessed is that one form may split to form another group without itself becoming extinct. Take the instance of humans. Apes and humans split from a common ancestor about 7 million years ago. But we still find apes co-existing with humans. A transitional form, in the strict sense of the word, should just record the crucial aspects of evolutionary change as one group split from another.People who oppose evolution point to the patchy fossil record showing the presence of transitional forms. One more ruse to shame evolution is to point out that apes, from whom humans evolved, are still seen today. Little do they understand the ways of evolution.Archaeopteryx The first transitional form — Archaeopteryx — was identified two years after he published his theory. Archaeopteryx is a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds. Archaeopteryx had feathers, long, bony tail, and wishbone of birds but yet retained the reptile-like characteristics of pelvis and teeth. It had three claws on the wing which could have still been used to grasp prey.Another classic example is Tiktaalik — a transitional form between marine (fish) and terrestrial animals. It was half fish, half amphibian.It marked the first evidence of an animal that was on e the verge of moving out of water to land. It was discovered just three years ago. Tiktaalik means a large shallow-water fish in the Inuit language Inuktikuk. Becoming a shallow water fish is one of the major steps in the transitional process.Tiktaalik's front appendages, for instance, end in a flat paddle, rather than fingers. Yet they were the first signs of fingers that we today see in tetrapods (the early limbed animals).It was also the first fish to have a neck and an ear capable of hearing.But it still had well-developed gills, fish-like scales, and a palate making it a half fish-half amphibian. Other transitional forms have also been identified prior to Tiktaalik.Many important missing links have been identified in each group. Three years ago scientists found the remains of the nearly modern amphibious birds in the Gansu province of NW China.Gansus, about the size of a pigeon but similar to diving ducks, is an important intermediate form between the oldest known bird and the modern ones.Gansus, which was aquatic, indicated that modern birds may have evolved from animals that originated from quatic environments.The discovery last year of a frog, Gerobatrachus hottoni, settled the issue of origin of frogs.The origin of today's amphibians was till recently controversial as there were no intermediate forms. Add to it the fact that there was no transitional form either.The Gerobatrachus fossil suggests that modern amphibians may have come from two groups — frogs, toads and salamanders have come from one and earthworm-like amphibians from the other.
The Hindu, 12th February 2009
Only a fraction of all species identified
Today, the number of species identified is about 1.7 million. The global estimates of the total number of species is anywhere between 2-100 million. The best estimates are somewhere near 10 million. Birds and mammals are better known. Yet, on an average, about three bird species are identified each year, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think-tank based in the U.S. We are still identifying some mammals as well, though their numbers are not many.We have reasonable estimates of vertebrates as well. We can take some pride in saying that about 90 per cent of plant species have been identified. That is all the good news.Unlike the vertebrates, our knowledge of invertebrates, such as insects, is poor. Many years ago, a study of 19 trees in Panama showed how inadequate our knowledge was. About 80 per cent of the 1,200 species found in the trees were unknown species. How sketchy our knowledge is becomes evident as most of the species identified so far belong to the temperate regions. Tropics, unlike the temperate regions, are the hotspot of biodiversity. Yet, fewer than half a million tropical species have been identified so far. According to the United Nations Development Programme, there are probably 15-20 unnamed tropical species for every named species. It is no wonder that discovery of many species from a single tropical location at a point of time makes news quite regularly. The recent discovery of a dozen tree frogs in the Western Ghats is one example. More than 1,000 species were identified by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the rivers and jungles of the greater Mekong region of SE Asia between 1997 and 2007. If our knowledge of terrestrial species is inadequate, it is bad in the case of marine organisms. Only about 2.75 lakh marine species have been identified. Coral reefs, the biodiversity hotspots of the oceans, have not been studied. According to UNDP, coral reefs could be home to nearly a million species. Similarly, the deep ocean basins have not been studied. Given our inadequate knowledge of species, the number of organisms that we would destroy due to climate change is anyone's guess. "Recent extinction rates been 100 to 1,000 times faster than average," notes an Editorial in Science. "Under further stress…all exacerbated by climate change, a further 10-fold increase is foreseen over the coming century."
The Hindu, 12th February 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Filling the missing links
In 1859, when Charles Darwin published his "On the origin of species" there was great difficulty in interpreting the fossil record to substantiate his theory of evolutionary change. He was referring to the missing links in the fossil record to prove evolution. Missing links are of two kinds — intermediate forms and transitional forms. Intermediate forms mark the various stages through which groups of animals, say, birds or reptiles evolved to become fully adapted animals. These forms should have the anatomical features intermediate between the two groups or species. Intermediate forms are well known in the case of humans. Humans evolved in various stages from their ancestor, the ape. But we do not see today the intermediate ones such as the Australopithecus aphaeresis and Homo erectus. The other missing link is the transitional forms. In the case of transitional forms what is being witnessed is that one form may split to form another group without itself becoming extinct. Take the instance of humans. Apes and humans split from a common ancestor about 7 million years ago. But we still find apes co-existing with humans. A transitional form, in the strict sense of the word, should just record the crucial aspects of evolutionary change as one group split from another.People who oppose evolution point to the patchy fossil record showing the presence of transitional forms. One more ruse to shame evolution is to point out that apes, from whom humans evolved, are still seen today. Little do they understand the ways of evolution.Archaeopteryx The first transitional form — Archaeopteryx — was identified two years after he published his theory. Archaeopteryx is a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds. Archaeopteryx had feathers, long, bony tail, and wishbone of birds but yet retained the reptile-like characteristics of pelvis and teeth. It had three claws on the wing which could have still been used to grasp prey.Another classic example is Tiktaalik — a transitional form between marine (fish) and terrestrial animals. It was half fish, half amphibian.It marked the first evidence of an animal that was on e the verge of moving out of water to land. It was discovered just three years ago. Tiktaalik means a large shallow-water fish in the Inuit language Inuktikuk. Becoming a shallow water fish is one of the major steps in the transitional process.Tiktaalik's front appendages, for instance, end in a flat paddle, rather than fingers. Yet they were the first signs of fingers that we today see in tetrapods (the early limbed animals).It was also the first fish to have a neck and an ear capable of hearing.But it still had well-developed gills, fish-like scales, and a palate making it a half fish-half amphibian. Other transitional forms have also been identified prior to Tiktaalik.Many important missing links have been identified in each group. Three years ago scientists found the remains of the nearly modern amphibious birds in the Gansu province of NW China.Gansus, about the size of a pigeon but similar to diving ducks, is an important intermediate form between the oldest known bird and the modern ones.Gansus, which was aquatic, indicated that modern birds may have evolved from animals that originated from quatic environments.The discovery last year of a frog, Gerobatrachus hottoni, settled the issue of origin of frogs.The origin of today's amphibians was till recently controversial as there were no intermediate forms. Add to it the fact that there was no transitional form either.The Gerobatrachus fossil suggests that modern amphibians may have come from two groups — frogs, toads and salamanders have come from one and earthworm-like amphibians from the other.
The Hindu, 12th February 2009
Only a fraction of all species identified
Today, the number of species identified is about 1.7 million. The global estimates of the total number of species is anywhere between 2-100 million. The best estimates are somewhere near 10 million. Birds and mammals are better known. Yet, on an average, about three bird species are identified each year, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think-tank based in the U.S. We are still identifying some mammals as well, though their numbers are not many.We have reasonable estimates of vertebrates as well. We can take some pride in saying that about 90 per cent of plant species have been identified. That is all the good news.Unlike the vertebrates, our knowledge of invertebrates, such as insects, is poor. Many years ago, a study of 19 trees in Panama showed how inadequate our knowledge was. About 80 per cent of the 1,200 species found in the trees were unknown species. How sketchy our knowledge is becomes evident as most of the species identified so far belong to the temperate regions. Tropics, unlike the temperate regions, are the hotspot of biodiversity. Yet, fewer than half a million tropical species have been identified so far. According to the United Nations Development Programme, there are probably 15-20 unnamed tropical species for every named species. It is no wonder that discovery of many species from a single tropical location at a point of time makes news quite regularly. The recent discovery of a dozen tree frogs in the Western Ghats is one example. More than 1,000 species were identified by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the rivers and jungles of the greater Mekong region of SE Asia between 1997 and 2007. If our knowledge of terrestrial species is inadequate, it is bad in the case of marine organisms. Only about 2.75 lakh marine species have been identified. Coral reefs, the biodiversity hotspots of the oceans, have not been studied. According to UNDP, coral reefs could be home to nearly a million species. Similarly, the deep ocean basins have not been studied. Given our inadequate knowledge of species, the number of organisms that we would destroy due to climate change is anyone's guess. "Recent extinction rates been 100 to 1,000 times faster than average," notes an Editorial in Science. "Under further stress…all exacerbated by climate change, a further 10-fold increase is foreseen over the coming century."
The Hindu, 12th February 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Bug-eat-bug strategy to conserve art treasures
Scientists have recruited bugs to kill other insects and micro-organisms which infest art and cultural treasures, boosting conservation efforts in hot climates. Biotechnology can unleash a bacillus to "explode the guts" of beetles which damage paintings, frescos, tapestries and sculptures, a gathering of scientists and curators in Venezuela were told. Certain bugs, once harnessed, are cheap and effective defences against humidity and insects, said Jose-Luis Ramirez, director of the U.N. University's programme for biotechnology for Latin America and the Caribbean. Scientists from Europe and Latin America will give biotechnology tips to curators at the 4th Cultural Heritage Conservation Forum in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. They say micro-organisms are cheaper, safer and effective alternatives to chemicals. Biotechnology uses living organisms to mould products or processes to a specific use. Genetically modified food and some medical techniques have raised suspicion, but its use in heritage conservation has proved less controversial. One of the conference stars is Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium which forms toxin crystals harmless to humans but deadly to insects. When ingested, the toxin forms a pore in the insect's gut which results in swelling. "Eventually it makes their guts explode," said Mr. Ramirez. The problem is delivering the bacterium to insects burrowed deep into artworks. "We are still experimenting with how to get it into wood carvings," said the scientist. Cultural treasures made of organic materials such as paper, canvas, wood and leather are especially prone to decay in warm and tropical countries because of insects, fungus and bacteria. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2009
The Hindu, 10th February 2009
The Hindu, 10th February 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Drinking water research institute planned
The State Government is seriously considering the setting up of a Drinking Water Research Institute in Eranakulam and would approach various agencies for funds, water Resources Minister N.K.Premachandran saud. The institute, which will work in association with the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management(CWRDM), will focus on exploring more drinking water resources in the State and the research and development activities to be undertaken in the sector", The institute holds much importance against the backdrop of the drought predicted in the State", Minister said.
The New Indian Express, 8th February 2009
Harvest turns into festival here
Thiruvananthapuram: Decades back, Chittattinkara, near Maruthunkuzhy, here was one of the rice bowls in the district. Old timers still recall the lush paddy fields here. Farming was a means of livelihood for the local people. Over the years, skewed land-use patterns led to the gradual decline of paddy cultivation. While most of the fields were converted into cash crop plantations, the rest were reclaimed for housing projects. But one parcel of land measuring two hectares was retained as paddy field, thanks to the Sree Udiyannoor Devi temple. For the second crop in 2008, the temple trust adopted the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique with technical support from the Department of Agriculture. Rooted in Japanese tradition, the SRI technique involves paddy farming in controlled water conditions. It promises better yield in the period between the southwest and northeast monsoons. Mitraniketan, an NGO based at Vellanad, also supported the venture. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran inaugurated the harvest last week. Farm workers P. Sukumaran, S. Appu and C. Mani were honoured on the occasion. Mitraniketan director K. Viswanathan, Additional Director, Agriculture, K.K. Ramakrishnan; Principal Agricultural Officer A.M. Sunilkumar, Assistant Director Mini K. Rajan and ward councillor M. Premkumar were present on the occasion. Local people turned up in strength to witness the harvest festival.
The Hindu, 9th February, 2009
Mud banks dot more reaches of Pampa
Mud banks have spread to more reaches of the Pampa, more visibly along Aranmula, which many say are alarming marks of degradation of the riverine ecosystem. Environmentalists and experts in earth science express concern over the formation of new mud banks. At Sathrakkadavu, the finishing point of the Aranmula boat race, these affect the free movement of boats ferrying people. The mud banks midstreams are feared to hamper the conduct of the annual regatta. The Water Resources Department has been removing the mud banks at Aranmula using earthmovers for several years, which now ensures the conduct of the regatta during Onam. Thomas P. Thomas, environmentalist and botany professor, and D. Padmalal, senior scientist with the Centre for Earth Science Studies, say indiscriminate sand-mining from the river over the past several years has led to the formation of mud banks. The riverbed has depleted with the removal of sand and this has lowered the water table, causing a severe drinking water scarcity even on the riverbanks and an ecological imbalance, they say. Even the bridges across the river face the threat of collapse with large-scale erosion of sand from their foundations.
The Hindu, 9th February, 2009
Kerala objects to Centre’s wetland conservation policy
The Kerala government has conveyed its objections to the Centre on the draft Regulatory Framework for Wetlands Conservation notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran told The Hindu that the government had approved a report terming the proposed framework as an infringement on the rights of the State on its water resources. "We accept the need for a regulatory mechanism for wetlands. But taking into account the local environment and other factors, we have requested the Ministry to bring out a broad National Wetland Policy and guidelines, based on which each State can prepare its own legal framework," the Minister said.
The Minister said many provisions in the proposed framework were cause for concern. "Water being a State subject, the proposal to bring wetlands listed in category A under a Central Wetlands Conservation Committee is questionable. It will force the State to relinquish administrative control over major water bodies." He said the complex nature of wetlands in Kerala would make their management a difficult proposition under the system proposed by the Centre."We have recommended a State-level management system based on a decentralised and participatory approach," he said. Mr. Premachandran said Kerala was already working on an action plan for wetland conservation involving various departments.
The Minister said many provisions in the proposed framework were cause for concern. "Water being a State subject, the proposal to bring wetlands listed in category A under a Central Wetlands Conservation Committee is questionable. It will force the State to relinquish administrative control over major water bodies." He said the complex nature of wetlands in Kerala would make their management a difficult proposition under the system proposed by the Centre."We have recommended a State-level management system based on a decentralised and participatory approach," he said. Mr. Premachandran said Kerala was already working on an action plan for wetland conservation involving various departments.
The Hindu, 9th February, 2009
Spice Village
Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will declare Anakkara as 'Spice Village' on Friday. The first phase of work at Anakkara for establishing the Spice Tourism Circuit Station, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme, has been completed. Kalady is another location from the State which has been selected by the Centre for establishing the Spice Tourism Circuit Station along with a number of other villages in the country.
The Hindu, 6th February 2009
Ten new amphibians discovered in Colombia
A glass frog of the Nymphargus genus, new to science, that was discovered in the mountains of the Darien region in Colombia. Ten new species of amphibians including three transparent-skinned glass frogs have been discovered in Colombia.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
Malaria parasite’s rare protein to fight malaria
The parasite that causes malaria can help fight the disease. Research shows that the parasite relies heavily on a unique protein that it only makes in small quantities. The protein is now a drug development target.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
Locusts’ brain chemical may aid in their control
Researchers have linked the transformation of desert locusts, from harmless, solitary creatures to swarm-forming insects, to the brain chemical serotonin. This find may lead to new methods of controlling this pest.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Novel experiments to save Earth
Mankind's apathy towards planet Earth has resulted in natural disasters. Global warming and deforestation bear testimony to this indifference. In the quest for finding a concrete solution to such issues, a few of the world's eminent scientists are putting novel ideas to test, in the Discovery channel's 'Project Earth'. The programme presents scientists who are working on different experiments to save the planet from the hazardous effects of global warming. The episodes include experiments by Jason Box, a scientist from Ohio State University, who wants to prevent glaciers from melting by covering them with blankets. Jason is convinced that his specially chosen material is resilient enough for Arctic conditions. After testing, they deploy a 10,000-square-yard, reflective geo-textile blanket on the Greenland ice sheet. Another episode portrays a unique greenery drive. Thousands of acres of Louisiana mangrove forests left bare by hurricane Katrina and Rita present a perfect ground for scientist Mark Hodges. He uses an aircraft to drop tens of thousands of canisters, each holding a tree seedling.
The efforts undertaken by John Latham, an atmospheric physicist based at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, and Stephen Salter, an Edinburgh University engineer, are shown in another episode. The scientists believe that by changing the size of water droplets in clouds they can increase the clouds' ability to reflect the sun and stop global warming. Another scientist tries to solve the problem of global warming by just scrubbing the air clean of carbon dioxide before it has the opportunity to add to the blanket of greenhouse gases smothering the earth. Canadian professor David Keith introduces a machine that sucks in ambient air, sprays it with sodium hydroxide solution and then expels it as clean air. In another episode, Fred Fergussen, a Canadian engineer specialising in airships, explains the designing of a revolutionary wind turbine that will use the constant winds that exist at 1,000 feet above sea level to produce renewable energy.
The Hindu, 6th February 2009
The efforts undertaken by John Latham, an atmospheric physicist based at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, and Stephen Salter, an Edinburgh University engineer, are shown in another episode. The scientists believe that by changing the size of water droplets in clouds they can increase the clouds' ability to reflect the sun and stop global warming. Another scientist tries to solve the problem of global warming by just scrubbing the air clean of carbon dioxide before it has the opportunity to add to the blanket of greenhouse gases smothering the earth. Canadian professor David Keith introduces a machine that sucks in ambient air, sprays it with sodium hydroxide solution and then expels it as clean air. In another episode, Fred Fergussen, a Canadian engineer specialising in airships, explains the designing of a revolutionary wind turbine that will use the constant winds that exist at 1,000 feet above sea level to produce renewable energy.
The Hindu, 6th February 2009
Potable water from air
Jalimudi village in East Godavari district will get 1,000 litres of potable water every day, produced from air. The water station, the first of its kind set up in any village in India, has begun trial runs. "The water… has been sent for quality tests and it's been certified fit for consumption," Meher Bhandara, director of WaterMaker (India) which manufactures the units, told The Hindu over the phone from Mumbai.Projected as a boon to people in rural areas, especially in the coastal regions, the system runs on electricity and uses the refrigeration technique to condense water from air. Blower driven air is made to pass through filters and a refrigerant is circulated leading to condensation of water, which is collected in a holding tank. The efficacy will depend on the relative humidity and temperature. "Each machine will produce water if the humidity is between 70 and 75 per cent and the temperature between 25 C to 32 C," Ms. Bhandara said. If these are high, there will be more water. The machine, which costs about Rs. 3 lakh, was installed in Jalimudi by the company free of cost.
The Hindu, 6th February 2009
The Hindu, 6th February 2009
India shifting to urban centres
Fifty per cent of India's population is expected to be urban-based by 2030. This projection takes into account an expected 8 and 9 per cent growth rate of the population over the next decade and anticipated shifts from agricultural to non-agricultural occupations and from rural to non-rural employment, according to a report, India: Urban Poverty Report 2009. The report was released by Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja. The United Nations' projection of the urban population percentage is 40 for the same year. Urban Poverty Report 2009, brought out with the aid of the United Nations Development Programme and academicians, draws attention to two aspects. One relates to a clear trend, especially apparent in the last two decades, of urban workers being increasingly pushed into the informal sector, even as space for informal economies in towns and cities shrinks. In the informal sector, the profile of work in urban areas has moved from casual employment to self-employment.The second aspect concerns minimal amenities, a near-absence of rights to land and livelihood, and the higher cost the poor have to incur on transportation and travel to the workplace. Both trends stand to undermine progress towards the Eleventh Five Year Plan goals that focus on "faster and inclusive" growth, the report says.
According to the report, in 2001 an estimated 23.7 per cent of the urban population was living in slums amid squalour, crime, disease and tensions. However, not all slum-dwellers are below the poverty line; they are part of the "other" urban India because of poor city planning and poorer urban land management and legislations.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
According to the report, in 2001 an estimated 23.7 per cent of the urban population was living in slums amid squalour, crime, disease and tensions. However, not all slum-dwellers are below the poverty line; they are part of the "other" urban India because of poor city planning and poorer urban land management and legislations.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
Tulsi to ‘insulate’ the Taj Mahal
Tulsi, known for its medicinal qualities, will now help protect the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution. In an exercise being undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Lucknow-based Organic India, a million tulsi saplings will be planted near the marble mausoleum. A spokesman for the company said it is one of the best plants to purify the environment. It cleanses as it releases high amounts of oxygen, which minimises the adverse impact of industrial and refinery emission. Zonal Forest Conservator R.P. Bharti said planting had been taken up on a big scale.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
Water level down
The water level of major reservoirs in Kerala have decreased further. During the week ending February 2, the water levels of Kallada, Idukki and Idamalayar dams came down by 1.90, 1.66 and 3.55 ft. respectively. Compared to the same period last year, the water levels of Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs decreased by 25.04 and 23.66 ft. respectively. However, water level of the Kallada dam increased by 1.94 ft. The latest water levels of Kallada, Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs stood at 369.82, 2,346.62 and 481.23 ft. respectively.
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
The Hindu, 5th February 2009
International conference on Biotechnology
Biotechnology is currently considered as an useful alternative to conventional chemical process technology in industrial, analytical, environmental, agricultural, food and medical fields, said S F D'Souza, scientist of Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,(BARC) Mumbai.He was delivering the keynote address at the international conference on 'Impact of Microbial Biotechnology in Indian Industry'organised by the MET's School of Engineering, Mala, in the district here on Tuesday.He said that enzyme and microbial biotechnology has influenced the process industry significantly by improvement of existing processes towards achieving better quality product at reduced cost as also in the production of unique products.Pressure on industry to operate within environmentally compatible limits has also been a stimulus to the increased use of biotechnology.
The New Indian Express, 4th February 2009
The New Indian Express, 4th February 2009
U.S.-India sign pact on biofuels
India and the United States on Tuesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in production and marketing of biofuels in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner and in accordance with national priorities and socio-economic development goals.A statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said eight specific areas were identified for collaborative activities. Biofuel feedstock production based on sustainable biomass would be carried out with active involvement of local communities through non-edible oil seed-bearing plantations on wastelands.Under the MoU, thrust would be on production and development of quality planting materials and high sugar containing varieties of sugarcane, sweet sorghum, sugar and cassava. Besides this, other areas of cooperation are advanced conversion technologies for first generation biofuels and emerging technologies for second generation biofuels, technologies for end-use applications in the sector based on a large-scale centralised approach and stationary applications in rural areas and industry for motive power and electricity production.
The Hindu, 4th February 2009
The Hindu, 4th February 2009
12 new frog species spotted
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Flagging the extent of species diversity in the Western Ghats, researchers have reported the discovery of a dozen species of tree frogs from the region. The discovery by S.D. Biju of Delhi University and Franky Bossuyt of the Free University of Brussels is published in the latest issue of Zoological Journal of Linnean Society, London. The paper is titled 'Systematics and phylogeny of Philautus Gistel, 1848 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) in the Western Ghats of India, with descriptions of 12 new species.'A Delhi University release on Tuesday said the findings followed 10 years of field study in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, complemented by laboratory research. The paper is unique for the sheer number of new species described, the release said.The paper, while making a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Philautus (mostly bush frogs and tree frogs), also reports the rediscovery of a bush frog that was considered extinct. The rediscovered Travancore bush frog (Philautus travancoricus) had not been reported since its discovery more than 100 years ago. It was found now in a highly degraded environment in the Vagamon area of Kottayam district.The genus Philautus was discovered in India in 1854. Over the 155-year period since then, 32 species under this genus have been reported from the Western Ghats. Dr. Biju has been associated with the discovery of 19 of them, including the 12 reported now. In their paper, he and Dr. Bossuyt, a systematics expert, also report the possible extinction of two of the species reported decades ago."This highlights the need for a new conservation strategy for our country. Seemingly small habitat disturbances can wipe out species… Seven of the newly reported species were found in unprotected areas that were forests some time back and are plantations and human habitations now. These species are fast vanishing," Dr. Biju said.
The Hindu, 4th February 2009
The Hindu, 4th February 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
CO2 levels hit fish navigation
The tale of a clownfish that got lost at sea in the 2003 movie Finding Nemo may be a taste of things to come — as rising carbon dioxide levels could leave the fish unable to find their way around, say scientists. Tests on clownfish larvae showed they became disoriented and were unable to find a suitable place to live if they were raised in seawater that had absorbed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The effect is potentially devastating for a wide range of fish populations because many rely on odours in seawater to seek out the right habitats to live in, according to researchers investigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on marine life. The world's oceans soak up vast quantities of carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels. By absorbing the gas, oceans become more acidic. Global ocean pH has dropped around 0.1 points since pre-industrial times. But with increasing carbon emissions expected, this pH is predicted to fall a further 0.3 to 0.4 points by 2100. Writing in the American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the scientists describe how clownfish larvae lose the ability to sense vital odours in more acidic waters, probably owing to the damage caused to their olfactory systems. "They can't distinguish between their own parents and other fish, and they become attracted to substances they previously avoided. It means the larvae will have less opportunity to find the right habitat, which could be devastating for their populations," said Kjell Doving, a co-author from the University of Oslo.
Clownfish eggs are carried on the ocean currents. When they hatch, the larvae pick up scents leading them to reefs and anemones, where they make their homes.In the study, scientists checked how well the larvae followed odours in normal seawater, which has a pH of 8.15, and compared it with their performance in slightly acidified seawater that mimics ocean conditions expected in 2100 and beyond. At a pH of 7.8, the larvae stopped following odour trails released by reefs and anemones. Instead, they homed in on scents they normally avoided, including those released by plants and other organisms which thrive in the wrong kinds of habitat for the fish. The larvae also lost the ability to use smell to distinguish between their parents and other fish. At pH of 7.6, the larvae were unable to follow any kind of odour in the water, and instead swam in random directions.
Clownfish eggs are carried on the ocean currents. When they hatch, the larvae pick up scents leading them to reefs and anemones, where they make their homes.In the study, scientists checked how well the larvae followed odours in normal seawater, which has a pH of 8.15, and compared it with their performance in slightly acidified seawater that mimics ocean conditions expected in 2100 and beyond. At a pH of 7.8, the larvae stopped following odour trails released by reefs and anemones. Instead, they homed in on scents they normally avoided, including those released by plants and other organisms which thrive in the wrong kinds of habitat for the fish. The larvae also lost the ability to use smell to distinguish between their parents and other fish. At pH of 7.6, the larvae were unable to follow any kind of odour in the water, and instead swam in random directions.
The Hindu, 4th February 2009
Call for rational approach to conservation
Protection of wetlands should go hand in hand with legislation to prevent the razing of hills, Additional Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar said here on Monday.Delivering the inaugural address at a seminar organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in connection with the World Wetlands Day, he said destruction of hills was linked to reclamation of wetlands. "Razing of hills depletes groundwater and upsets the natural equilibrium. Soil plundered from hills is used to reclaim low-lying paddy fields and other wetlands, doubling the impact on the environment. "Hence, protection of wetlands and hills demands equal attention." Mr. Jayakumar said man's assault on nature was fuelled by myopic development objectives. He called for making conservation part of the development agenda. The government, he said, could only act as a catalyst. Mr. Jayakumar called for a participatory approach to conservation, involving all stakeholders. George Chackachery, coordinator, Wetland Technical Unit, said the government was studying a proposal to set up a State Wetland Authority. Management action plans for conservation of major lakes like the Ashtamudy, Sasthamkotta and Kottooly have been submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, he added.
The Hindu, 3rd February 2009
10 amphibian species discovered
Scientist announced on Monday the discovery of 10 amphibian species in Colombia that are potentially new to science. They include an orange-legged rain frog, three poison frogs and three transparent "glass" frogs. During a three-week expedition in Colombia's north western Tacarcuna hills in the Darien Gap bordering Panama, scientists identified about 60 species of amphibians, 20 reptiles and almost 120 species of birds. Many of them are apparently unique to the area."without a doubt this region is a true Noah's Ark"' said Jose Vicente Rodriguez Mahecha, Conservation International's (CI) scientific director in Colombia".
The expedition, led by CI herpetologists and ornithologist from Colombia's Ecotropico Foundation, yielded potentially new species of amphibians, including three glass frogs, whose transparent skin care reveal internal organs, a harlequin frog, two rain frogs and one salamander. Colombia has one of the most diverse amphibian communities in the world, with 754 species currently recorded. Scientists consider amphibians important indicators of ecosystem health", the group said in a statement. Many species are impacted by climate change. "With porous, absorbent skin, they often provide early warnings of environmental degradation caused by acid rain, or contamination from heavy metals and pesticides that can also harm people".The scientists found large mammals such as the endangers Baird's tapir, the white lipped peccary and four species of monkeys Geoffroy's spider monkey.Geoffroy's tamarin, the white-throated capuchin and the mantled howler monkey. Other finds included Central American species never before recorded in northern South America, including a salamander, a rain frog, a small lizard and a snake
The expedition, led by CI herpetologists and ornithologist from Colombia's Ecotropico Foundation, yielded potentially new species of amphibians, including three glass frogs, whose transparent skin care reveal internal organs, a harlequin frog, two rain frogs and one salamander. Colombia has one of the most diverse amphibian communities in the world, with 754 species currently recorded. Scientists consider amphibians important indicators of ecosystem health", the group said in a statement. Many species are impacted by climate change. "With porous, absorbent skin, they often provide early warnings of environmental degradation caused by acid rain, or contamination from heavy metals and pesticides that can also harm people".The scientists found large mammals such as the endangers Baird's tapir, the white lipped peccary and four species of monkeys Geoffroy's spider monkey.Geoffroy's tamarin, the white-throated capuchin and the mantled howler monkey. Other finds included Central American species never before recorded in northern South America, including a salamander, a rain frog, a small lizard and a snake
The Hindu, 3rd February 2009
Swaminathan moots food security policy for Kerala
M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, has called upon agriculture scientists to go to the land from the lab. He was chairing a State-level policy dialogue on 'sustainable food security of Kerala' organised by the Navasakthi Trust, a non-governmental organisation, at Thazhava. Dr. Swaminathan said that the food production situation was bad globally. Therefore, a policy on food security was urgently needed. More awareness and encouragement measures were needed. Kerala should seriously ponder over ways to reverse the decline in paddy cultivation. He suggested that the government declare a 'food security saviour award' for all those who make a notable contribution for improving the food security of the State. Steps should also be taken to reduce the cost of production.
The Hindu, 30th January 2009
Bacteria could help control dengue fever
Controlling the spread if mosquitoes using bacteria that halve the insects lifespan could virtually eliminate the transmission of dengue fever, which kills around 12,500 people a year. Traditional methods for controlling the spread of mosquito-borne disease, such as using bed nets and draining wetlands are ineffective for the Aedes aegytpi mosquitoes that spread dengue fever virus because they bite during the say and thrive in urban areas. Scott O' Neill a geneticist at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia and his team has now developed a way to kill the mosquitoes before the dengue virus is mature enough to infect people if they are bitten. Dengue fever takes approximately eight to 10 days to incubate in mosquitoes, and therefore tends to be spread by older insects.The team used a strain of the insect-infecting Wolbachia pipentis bacterium, which usually infects fruit flies and causes them to die early. By adapting the bacterium to infect A. aegytpi, the team hoped to cut the mosquito's lifespan. After unsuccessful attempts to infect the dengue fever mosquitoes with the naturally occurring form of W.Pipientis, the team grew the bacteria in a culture with the mosquito cells. Over a period of three years, some of the bacteria adapted so that they could successfully infect female mosquitoes. The scientists found that the lifespan of the infected mosquitoes was around 30 days, roughly half the expected 60-day survival rate of laboratory-reared mosquitoes. The team bred the infected females to produce whole populations of infected mosquitoes, which also lived for only 30 days. Dengue Viruses can mature at different rates, making it difficult to predict the absolute age at which the mosquitoes need to be killed. But O' Neill says that if the adapted Wolbachia also have the average age of mosquitoes in the wild transmission of the viruses could be reduced to nearly zero. If the results of the cage studies are positive, O Neill says the next step would be try the same technique using wild, free-roaming mosquitoes. O Neill says an advantage of his 'bio pesticide' approach is that it is more likely to get regulatory approval than other ongoing attempts to control the spread of dengue fever by genetically modifying the disease-carrying mosquitoes.The transgenic method is being researched by geneticist Luke Alphey at the University of Oxford, U.K., who founded a company called Oxitec to genetically modify the dengue fever mosquito. They modified mosquito larvae so that they need to be fed the drug tetracycline to survive. When these lab-reared mosquitoes are released into the wild, they breed as normal but their offspring die because they don't have access to the drug, thereby reducing to total wild population size.
The Hindu, 29th January 2009
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