PARIS, April 01, 2014 (AFP) - Zebras have stripes to deter the tsetse and other blood-sucking flies, according to a fresh bid to settle a debate that has raged among biologists for over 140 years.
Since the 1870s, in a dispute sparked by the founders of evolutionary theory Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, scientists have squabbled over how the zebra got its trademark look. Are its stripes for camouflage, protecting the zebra with a "motion dazzle confusion effect" against hyenas, lions and other predators in the savannah? Do the stripes radiate heat to keep the zebra cool? Or do they have a social role -- for group identity, perhaps, or mating? But a new study, published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday, says the strongest likelihood is that the stripes discourage parasitic flies. The finding was intriguingly thrown up by lab experiments in 2012 that showed how blood-feeding flies shun stripey surfaces and prefer instead to land on uniform colours. Researchers led by Tim Caro of the University of California at Davis, say there is no black-and-white answer to the Great Stripe Riddle -- but the insect theory is by far the best bet. A solution to the riddle of zebra stripes, discussed by Wallace and Darwin, is at hand," they write. The team found a strong geographical overlap between zebras and the two groups of biting flies, Tabanus and Glossina, that feed on equid species, which explains why zebras would need a shield against this pest. There is also plenty of indirect evidence, they say. Other equid species, such as wild horses, are far more likely to be plagued by biting insects. Researchers find comparatively little blood from zebras in tsetse flies, even though the zebra has a thin coat with hair strands that are shorter and finer than those of giraffes and antelopes. At the same time, zebras are far less susceptible to sleeping sickness, a tsetse-borne disease that is widespread among other African equids. The correlation between reduced biting-fly nuisance and stripes is "significant," says the study. Conversely, there is no consistent support for camouflage, predator avoidance, heat management or social interaction hypothesis Parasitic flies can hand on a range of diseases when they bite their prey, and their appetite can be enormous. Experiments with horse-flies carried out in the United States found that cows can lose between 200 and 500 cubic centimetres (0.4 and 1.05 pints) of blood per day to the insects, and as much as 16.9 kilos (37.2 pounds) in weight over eight weeks.
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Adopt a Pet, Save Your Life! You’ve heard before: Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue and you save a life. And while those words ring true 365 days each year, they have even more meaning on April 11 – National Pet Day, founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige in hopes of saving some of the 16,000 unwanted pets killed eachday in U.S. shelters. Indeed, providing a forever home for a dog or cat is a loving, noble and worthwhile act. But based on findings from some four decades of medical research, their lives aren’t the only ones being “saved” in their adoption. Here are six ways pets can save your life from America’s top killer – heart disease – and improve your overall health: 1. Stress Management Nerves frayed from working like a dog? Your dog (or cat) works for you, providing instant “om” for stress relief. Through their constant entertainment, affection and loving antics, they provide joyful mental floss for whatever bites at our spirit. Just how much? Consider one study from the State University of New York at Buffalo, in which researchers found that when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when accompanied by a spouse, family member or close friend. (Sorry, two-legged loved ones.) And the benefits of pets aren’t only for here-and-now stress: Returning soldiers victimized by Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) – a potentially devastating condition in which a terrifying ordeal such as war warps the “fight-or-flight” response – report impressive, if not amazing, improvement from trained service dogs provided by groups such as K9s for Warriors. 2. Lower Blood Pressure Studies vary on the actual impact, but this much seems clear: Having a pet seems to have the potential to keep blood pressure in check – especially in those at-risk or already diagnosed with high blood pressure, reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Exercise, of course, is one way to control blood pressure – and dogs help provide that. But don’t fret, feline aficionados: After University of Minnesota researchers studied 4,435 Americans between ages 30 and 75, they concluded that those without a cat had a 40 percent higher risk of heart attack and a 30 percent great risk of dying from heart disease than did cat owners. 3. Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides Another heart-helping benefit of pet ownership: Pet owners of either gender – but men, in particular – typically have lower levels of artery-clogging cholesterol and triglycerides than those without four-legged friends. Why? Although some speculate that healthier people are just more likely to have pets, the American Heart Association notes that dogs help (or require?) their owners adopt a healthier lifestyle. One study of more than 5,200 adults showed that dog owners not only engaged in more walking and physical activity than non-dog owners, but were 54 percent more likely to get the “recommended level of physical activity.” 4. Reduced Pain Granted, sometimes pets are a pain – think chewed shoes or soiled rugs – but if you have chronic pain caused by arthritis, migraines or other conditions, they can be effective medicine…literally. One study from Loyola University found that when patients recovering from total joint replacement surgery received hospitals visits from therapy dogs, they required 50 percent less post-operative pain medication compared to other surgical patients. Another study, at a Pittsburgh pain clinic, found that 84 patients with fibromyalgia who engaged with dogs for just 15 minutes prior to an appointment with their doctor reported having less pain, fatigue and stress compared 49 other patients who didn’t interact with the dogs. Coincidence? Not according to the researchers who recommend expanded use of dogs in doctors’ offices. 5. Help with Depression Along with medication and other treatments, those with mild to moderate depression feel better with Fido or felines. Reasons: Pets provide unconditional, and uncomplicated, love to improve self-esteem. They require attention and responsibility, which experts say can add positive focus, value and importance to the lives of the depressed, They invoke routine, and a daily schedule is another benefit to those with depression. And pets, of course, combat the isolation that often fuels depression. Beyond just a mind-mending distraction, pets can actually promote feel-good hormones: Studies show that just petting a dog or cat boost levels serotonin and dopamine, two brain chemicals that some research suggests can cause or worsen depression when in short supply. If you don’t have depression, maybe you can thank your pet. 6. Fewer Allergies
Take note, expecting and new Moms: In recent years, several studies have found that infants’ later risk of developing allergies and asthma is reduced – as much as 50 percent – when they are exposed to dogs. More great news: Babies who live in a pet-filled household also tend to develop stronger immune systems compared to young’uns in canine-free homes. The explanation, discovered just months ago: Apparently, there’s something in the dust of dog-filled homes that seems to promote a protective response against microbes that have been linked to allergies and asthma. WASHINGTON, March 31, 2014 (AFP) - Volcanoes and asteroids are sometimes blamed for wiping out nearly all life on Earth 252 million years ago, but US research Monday suggested a more small-time criminal: microbes.
These microbes, known as Methanosarcina, bloomed in the ocean on a massive and sudden scale, spewing methane into the atmosphere and causing dramatic changes in the chemistry of the oceans and the Earth's climate, according to the new theory put forth by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and colleagues in China. Scientists studied sediments in rock formations in south China, seeking to explain why the end Permian extinction happened and what caused the largest of five major death events in Earth's history to reap so much destruction over tens of thousands of years. Volcanic eruptions on their own could not explain why the die-off happened so fast, but they may have released extra nickel into the environment, which fed the microbes, said MIT researcher Gregory Fournier. "A rapid initial injection of carbon dioxide from a volcano would be followed by a gradual decrease," said Fournier. "Instead, we see the opposite: a rapid, continuing increase," he added. "That suggests a microbial expansion." Microbes can increase carbon production exponentially, which might explain the speed and potency of the mass extinction, he said. The research, funded by the US space agency NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Basic Research Program of China, appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a peer reviewed US journal. The Boxer is a short-haired, medium-sized breed with a square, short muzzle. Originating from Germany in the 1800s, the breed is related to the Bulldog, and was originally bred as hunting companions. The Boxer's strength and agility made it perfect for running down and holding on to large prey until the hunter could reach it. The Boxer is classified with the working group of dogs. It has, in both past and present, worked with the military as a pack carrier and messenger, with police K9 units, as guides for the blind, and as both attack and guard dogs. The Boxer's high level of intellect, its devotion to those it is attached to, and its ability to be relaxed with those who are small or disabled make this breed an ideal pet. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Boxer is tightly muscular, with a squarely proportioned body. It stands from 21 to 25 inches in height at the withers, and weighs from 55 to 75 pounds. The head is the most distinctive and the most valued in overall appearance. with a blunt and broad muzzle and an undershot jaw - meaning that the lower jaw is longer than the upper. This is a brachycephalic breed, though not as extreme as the Bulldog. The muzzle is not as short, and the underbite not as pronounced. The teeth and tongue do not appear with the Boxer when its mouth is closed. When the Boxer is standing at attention, the line of the body, from the back of the head, slopes gently down the neck to the withers, and the chest is full-bodied, as if puffed out with pride. The Boxer is muscular throughout, but not overly so in any one area. This breed should be proportionally athletic in appearance. In movement, the Boxer covers a lot of ground with its wide gait. The coat is shiny and short, and can be in several shades of fawn, which range in shades of tan/yellow, to browns, to reds. The other acceptable coloring is brindle, a type of coat striping where any shade of fawn is striped by black. It is common for Boxers to have additional marking called "flash," where the chest, face, or paws are white. Flash can be in one area or in all of the expected areas of the body. The Boxer has an alert expression, making it appear to always be watching for something to happen, even when at rest. Its hefty appearance and strong jaw make the Boxer an impressive watchdog. With its unusual combination of strength and agility, combined with stylish elegance, the Boxer stands apart from other dogs. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT An active family will surely find the Boxer to be a perfect companion. The Boxer is high-spirited, curious, outgoing, and dedicated. It responds well to commands and is sensitive to the needs of those it serves. In general, this breed is good with other household pets and dogs, but may sometimes show signs of aggression towards strange dogs or to dogs of the same gender. Otherwise, there should be no other signs of aggression towards strangers that it is introduced to. The Boxer is known to be temperamentally reserved with strangers, so at its worst, the Boxer should be indifferent to new people. With those it is familiar with, the Boxer may get overly rambunctious, and will need to be trained from a young age not to jump on people. Playing, however, should be highly encouraged. Its bright, playful attitude and highly social nature make the breed an excellent companion for the park, for exercise, and for keeping the family motivated. CARE The Boxer’s coat needs just occasional brushing to get rid of dead hair. Daily physical and mental exercise is essential for the dog, which also loves to run. A long walk on leash or a good jog is enough to meet the dog’s exercise needs. It is not suited to live outdoors nor does it like hot weather. The dog is at its best when given a chance to spend equal time in the yard and home. Some Boxers may snore. HEALTH The Boxer has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years and suffers from minor aliments like colitis, gastric torsion, corneal erosion, and hypothyroidism. Diseases that are more complicated are canine hip dysplasia (CHD), Boxer cardiomyopathy, and subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Sometimes degenerative myelopathy and various types of cancer are also seen in the breed. The breed severely reacts to acepromazine and is sensitive to heat. White boxers can be deaf. Thyroid, hip, and cardiac tests are advised for this breed of dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The Brabenter Bullenbeiser and the Danziger Bullenbeiser are the two extinct central European breeds from which the present day Boxer is derived. Bullenbeiser stands for bull-biter, and these types of dogs were helpful in chasing large game such as small bear, deer, and wild boar in the forests. The dogs hung on to the prey until the hunter came and killed it. To achieve this, an agile and strong dog with a recessed nose and a powerful broad jaw was necessary. These were the same qualities which were sought in a dog used for bull baiting, a sport that was popular in several European countries. The English favored the Bulldog for the sport, while Germans used large mastiff-like dogs. In and around the 1830s, efforts were made by German hunters to form a new breed by crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-like dogs for size, and with Bulldogs and terriers for tenacity. The crossbreed that was created was a hardy and agile dog with a strong grip and a streamlined body. When British law put an end to bull baiting, the Germans used the dogs mainly as butcher's dogs, taking charge of cattle in slaughter yards. In 1895, a boxer was entered into a dog exhibition and the following year the first Boxer club, Deutscher Boxer Club, was established. It is thought that the name Boxer might have originated from the German word, Boxl -- the name by which the dog was known as in the slaughterhouses. Being among the first breeds to function as military or police dogs in Germany, the Boxer later established itself as a utility dog, show dog and family pet by 1900. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, but it was not until the 1940s that the Boxer began to make gains in popularity. Over the years it has come to be one of the most popular companion dogs in the United States, currently standing as the sixth most popular breed in the U.S. Sooner or later every dog lover returns home to find some unexpected damage inflicted by his or her dog; or, more specifically, that dog's teeth. Although dogs make great use of their vision and sense of smell to explore the world, one of their favorite ways to take in new information is to put their mouths to work.
Fortunately, chewing can be directed onto appropriate items so your dog isn't destroying things you value or jeopardizing his own safety. Until he's learned what he can and can't chew, however, it's your responsibility to manage the situation as much as possible, so he doesn't have the opportunity to chew on unacceptable objects. Why dogs chew Puppies, like infants and toddlers, explore their world by putting objects in their mouths. And, like babies, they teethe for about 6 months, which usually creates some discomfort. Chewing not only facilitates teething, but also makes sore gums feel better. Adult dogs may engage in destructive chewing for any number of reasons. In order to deal with the behavior, you must first determine why your dog is chewing—and remember, he's not doing it to spite you. Possible reasons for destructive chewing include:
Important! You may need to consult a behavior professional for help with both separation anxiety and fear-related behaviors. Manage the situation Take responsibility for your own belongings. If you don't want it in your dog's mouth, don't make it available. Keep clothing, shoes, books, trash, eyeglasses, and remote control devices out of your dog's reach. Give your dog toys that are clearly distinguishable from household goods. Don't confuse him by offering shoes and socks as toys and then expecting him to distinguish between his shoe and yours. Supervise your dog until he learns the house rules. Keep him with you on his leash in the house so he can't make a mistake out of your sight. Confine him when you're unable to keep an eye on him. Choose a "safe place" that's dog-proof, and provide fresh water and "safe" toys. If your dog is crate trained, you may also place him in his crate for short periods of time. Give your dog plenty of people-time. Your dog won't know how to behave if you don't teach him alternatives to inappropriate behavior, and he can't learn these when he's in the yard by himself. Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise. If your dog is bored, he'll find something to do to amuse himself and you probably won't like the choices he makes. On the other hand, a tired dog is a good dog, so make sure he gets lots of physical and mental activity. The amount of exercise should be based on his age, health, and breed characteristics. If you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise. Offer him an acceptable chew toy instead, and praise him lavishly when he takes the toy in his mouth. Build a toy obsession in your dog. Use his toys to feed him. At mealtimes, fill a Kong-type toy with his kibble. If your puppy is teething, try freezing a wet washcloth for him to chew on. The cold cloth will soothe his gums. Supervise your puppy so he doesn't chew up and swallow any pieces of the washcloth. Make items unpleasant to your dog. Furniture and other items can be coated with a taste deterrent (such as Bitter Apple®) to make them unappealing. Caution! Supervise your dog when you first try one of these deterrents. Some dogs will chew an object even if it's coated with a taste deterrent. Also be aware that you must reapply some of these deterrents to maintain their effectiveness. Offer your dog a treat in exchange for the item in his mouth. As your dog catches on to this idea, you can add the command "Give" as his cue to release the object in exchange for the yummy treat. Don't chase your dog if he grabs an object and runs. If you chase him, you are only giving your dog what he wants. Being chased by his human is fun! Instead call him to you or offer him a treat. Have realistic expectations. At some point your dog will inevitably chew up something you value; this is often part of the transition to a new home. Your dog needs time to learn the house rules and you need to remember to take precautions and keep things out of his reach. What not to do Never discipline or punish your dog after the fact. If you discover a chewed item even minutes after he's chewed it, you're too late. Animals associate punishment with what they're doing at the time they're being corrected. Your dog can't reason that, "I tore up those shoes an hour ago and that's why I'm being scolded now." Some people believe this is what a dog is thinking because he runs and hides or because he "looks guilty." In reality, "guilty looks" are actually canine submissive postures that dogs show when they're threatened. When you're angry and upset, your dog feels threatened by your tone of voice, body postures, and/or facial expressions, so he may hide or show submissive postures. Punishment after the fact will not only fail to eliminate the undesirable behavior, but could provoke other undesirable behaviors as well. In celebration of his 5th birthday, Beco the elephant showed off his impressive water polo skills at the Columbus Zoo on March 26. The adorable Asian elephant tirelessly stomps through a miniature watering hole and pursues a shiny red ball to no avail in a video from the zoo featured above.
Despite Beco's numerous attempts to squash the darn thing, the ball is resilient and manages to escape form beneath his heavy feet several times. It's a hilarious merry-go-round of fury and frustration. Eventually, though, the adorable elephant resigns from the strenuous water polo game and plops down on his hiney. Watch the video above for the most adorable elephant video we've ever seen. A recent Huffington Post article about a U.K. dog, titled Dog Dies After Eating Electronic Cigarette Capsule.
Evidently, dog owner Keith Sutton dropped a nicotine capsule from his pocket, which was quickly picked up by Ivy, his 14-week-old Staffordshire bull terrier. The curious puppy didn't even consume the entire capsule, as Sutton reports Ivy “had chewed it and pierced the plastic container. She had only ingested the tiniest amount, but by the time I picked her up she was frothing at the mouth.” Within ten minutes Sutton had Ivy receiving treatment on an emergency basis by a veterinarian, but the toxic effects of nicotine had taken their toll and Ivy didn't survive. Electronic cigarettes have grown in popularity over the past few years. Instead of smoking a flame-lit cigarette, smokers use electronic cigarettes to deliver a nicotine infused blast of vapor. This means of drug (and nicotine is a very addictive one) delivery has led to the term "vaping" being applied to the process of smoking an electronic cigarette. Although lingering plumes of toxin-filled smoke are not produced from electronic cigarettes, there are still concerns that the vapor exhaled during vaping contains enough harmful substances to negatively affect the health of people and pets in close proximity to the “vaper.” Fortunately, major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York have extended their smoking bans to jnclude electronic cigarettes in bars, farmers' markets, parks, and restaurants. Even more dangerous than the vapor are the capsules or cartridges contained within electronic cigarettes. According to the USA Today article, E-cigarettes: No smoke, but fiery debate over safety, the cartridges contain a combination of “nicotine, water, glycerol, propylene glycol (used in inhalers), and flavorings.” According to Wikipedia, Nicotine is “a potent parasympathomimetic alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solanaceae) and a stimulant drug. It is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. It is made in the roots and accumulates in the leaves of the plants.” The Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) reports that nicotine is capable of causing a variety of moderate to severe toxic effects, depending on the dose consumed, which manifest in the following clinical signs:
Besides electronic cigarettes, owners have to be careful with other products laced with the stimulant, such as nicotine gum and lozenges, raw tobacco (that which is chewed or inserted into a pipe or rolled in paper), and conventional cigarettes. According to PPH: Nicotine is a rapid acting toxin and, often, pets will show signs of poisoning within 1 hour of ingestion. Some types of nicotine gums also contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs. The acid in the stomach slows the absorption of nicotine so the administration of antacids (e.g., H2 blockers) is not recommended. Pets ingesting small amounts of nicotine often vomit spontaneously and may self-decontaminate. However, even when vomiting occurs, veterinary evaluation after ingestion is typically recommended so that the heart rate, blood pressure, and neurological status can be monitored. Treatments including additional decontamination, IV fluids and medications to slow the heart rate, decrease the blood pressure or stop tremors may be needed. Although pet owners strive to take the best care of of our canine and feline companions, we sometimes unintentionally or inadvertently engage in activities that put their health and safety at risk. Therefore, it's best to ensure that substances that are potentially toxic to our pets (including plants, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, etc.) are not brought into the home. Additionally, access to the outdoors should be restricted and known toxins (nitrogen-rich fertilizers, coffee-bean based mulches, insecticides, herbicides, etc.) should be eliminated from our yards. If you are an electronic cigarette “vaper," please keep all items out of your pet’s reach and only exhale your vapor in a well-ventilated, outdoor area away from pets (and children). Additionally, change the electronic cigarette cartridge in a location where your pet cannot inadvertently consume the cartridge/capsule should it fall to the ground. Ultimately, the best course of action would be to highly prioritize your and your pet’s health by following the National Cancer Institute’s guide: Where To Get Help When You Decide To Quit Smoking. |
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