Antarctic Lake Beneath the Ice Sheet Tested

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130129121943.htm
January 29th, 2013

Scientists and engineers have drilled 800 meters into Antarctic ice to retrieve samples of a sub-glacial lake that has not been in contact with light and the atmosphere for many thousands of years. Scientists part of this project were able to obtain water and sediment samples of sub-glacial Lake Whillans with the use of a hot-water drill. It was essential that the drill was kept immaculately clean so that samples were not contaminated.

One may ask how this will help. The samples can be observed for microscopic organism. These organisms have been exposed to extremely cold temperatures as well as complete darkness for several thousands of years. It will be interesting to see how these organisms have evolved in order to adapt to such harsh conditions. Scientists also believe that these findings will help us understand how life may exist in similar conditions on other planets within our solar system.

Only recently, thanks to new technologies such as satellite and other mapping technologies, have we found out about an intricate system of sub-glacial rivers and lakes. In some areas the ice sheets separating the rivers and our atmosphere is almost two miles thick. The lakes can be incredibly large. The largest one, Vostok Subglacial Lake, is almost equivalent in size to Lake Ontario.

The entire project required over a decade of international planning as well as over three years of preparation. The researchers announced on January 28 that the mission was a success. The project was intended to help scientists learn more about these lakes in an attempt to protect them from contamination. As of now, the samples are being shipped off to various laboratories for chemical and biological analyses.

I found this article interesting because it ties in directly with the topic that we are discussing in class: evolution. These findings show how life can possibly adapt to extreme situations. It is incredible that these lakes and rivers have been preserved for thousands of years and it will be interesting to see how these microorganisms have evolved. It can also help us understand life on other planets such as Mars, which is currently being investigated.

Antarctic Ice Sheet: Warming Fast

Studies have found that the massive Western Arctic Ice Sheet is warming up twice as much as was previously thought, and researched. Even though the temperature in all parts of the world, and in all climates is heating up, there is a faster and larger temperature rise on the Western Arctic Ice sheet than what the average rise of the temperature is. Previous research suggested that there will be a temperature rise, but this temperature rise is about twice more than what was originally thought it would be. The even more frightening thing is that there is a trend of temperature rise in the summer. This could potentially cause melting or affect the surface mass balance of the sheet.
Researchers have said "We've already seen enhanced surface melting contribute to the breakup of the Antarctic's Larsen B Ice Shelf, where glaciers at the edge discharged massive sections of ice into the ocean that contributed to sea level rise," Monaghan said. "The stakes would be much higher if a similar event occurred to an ice shelf restraining one of the enormous WAIS glaciers."
This shows the potential danger this one event could ave to the world, how it could restrain the region's natural ice flow, overflow the ocean, etc. Similar events have happened in the close past, and a similar continuation of events could cause a harm to the environment. The Western Arctic Ice Sheet is very sensitive towards climate change, and it if gets in to contact with warm water, it can start largely contributing to the rise in sea level yearly.

It's a CATastrophe!

Cats are Ruthless Killers. Should they be killed?
by Hannah Waters
published January 29, 2013 at ScientificAmerican.com

In a single year, cats in America alone kill an estimated 1.4 to 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 to 20.7 billion birds a year. They are regarded as a highly dangerous invasive species, devastating ecosystems.  On island nations, they are responsible for about 14% of bird, mammal, and reptile extinction, while threatening about 8% of endangered species. Currently, many communities with large feral cat populations use a trap-neuter-release method of cat population control. This rests on the theory that if cats are unable to reproduce, than their population will decline, thereby protecting small mammal, reptile, and bird species. However, this method is ineffective, since a single female cat can have three litters of 4 to 6 cats every single year. In a response to this growing issue, Waters proposes the euthanasia of stray cats. Computer simulations have suggested that this would be highly effective at reducing the invasive predator populations. Waters claims that, "if we value biodiversity and wildlife and can manage to overcome our predilection for cute cat faces over cute bird faces, cat populations should be controlled through humane killing, just like many other invasive species." Animal rights organizations such as The Wildlife Society and PETA support the killing of stray cats to protect ecosystems.

This is a very interesting and controversial issue. On one hand, we don't want to kill adorable cats, but on the other, we do not want to upset fragile ecosystems or tolerate species extinctions. I must agree with the author though, the problem serious threatens ecosystems, as well as biodiversity in general. As Michael Hutchins, of The Wildlife Society says as, "we turn our backs on our native wildlife in favor of protection non-native predatory cats... [we] ignore the inconvenient truth about the morality they inflict." However, I think that preventative action should only occur in areas where the ecosystems are more fragile, like islands and more isolated locations, as well as when no suitable homes or shelters are available. In regard to domesticated, pet cats, I agree with Waters that they should be spayed or neutered and their owners should be aware of their hunting activities. 

Livestock falling ill in fracking regions, raising concerns about food

Article name: Livestock falling ill in fracking regions, raising concerns about food
Author: Elizabeth Royte
Date: 28.01.2013.
Publication: Environmental News Network

While it is still not absolutely certain, it is suspected that the chemicals used in drilling processes are poisoning livestock. The link between the two was suggested by Michelle Bamberger, a veterinarian from Ithaca, and Robert Oswald, a molecular medicine professor from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. They gathered 24 cases of livestock that has displayed signs of illness (physical and neurological) after being exposed to the drilling chemicals. In their Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy they described the effects on animals over a period of several years.

They believe that this should be taken as a warning and sign that some regulations should be made. The difference made by the deaths are still considered insignificant but the situation could possibly escalate. This is especially worrisome as the livestock produces food for humans to eat as well (ie. milk could be contaminated).

Additional statistics can be found in the article (link is above).

To me, it is naturally worrying that the food people get can be poisonous but I also feel like this could cross the border into animal cruelty as the animals suffer pretty painful deaths from the poisoning and that should really not be happening. I hope the report about this is taken seriously and not delayed until the situation turns drastic.

Baby brain, adult disease

 Illnesses that relate to memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's, are always inked to the changing of the brain, most of the time due to age. Such illnesses are not typically gotten before late adulthood, but now, recent studies have shown, that even infant's brains can get the early signs of Alzheimer's. A new study found a brain difference linked to Alzheimer's in the temporal lobe. This part of the brain is smaller for those who have the disease, than those without the disease. Until now, researchers did not relate the size of the temporal lobe to this disease. But now, they found that the size of the temporal lobe at birth can determine whether someone will have Alzheimer's in the future. Now, it's key that small regions of the brain can be smaller at birth, and then they can foreshadow what is to come...

Chimpanzee co-operation linked to 'social bond' hormone

Scientists have now found out why unrelated chimpanzees interact or co-operate with each other outside of a sexual relationship.
A team of famous international researchers provided evidence, that increased levels of the "love-hormone" oxytocin playes a big role in co-operation. They stated, that wild chimpanzees, which were part of a grooming session with a "bond partner" had shown higher levels of the oxytocin hormone in their urine, than after grooming with a "non bond partner". Whether they were related or not did not play role here. The results of this study were published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Other scientists also test the oxytocin levels in wild chimps urine in uganda, after the grooming session had ended. The hormone oxytocin is associated with mother-child bonding, or released by touches and hugs. It has never really been stated that it was released in non-sexual interactions though. The relationships described above can be seen as friendships in the animal kindom.
It is proven that animals that have cooperative relationships do have increased rates of offspring survival and greater longevity.
When comparing these social bonds in chimps, to those bonds found in humans, it is to be said that even if humans are not in a sexual relationship, nor related, they still co-operate, communicate or interact. g the main story"And nobody really has a good explanation for how this can happen."
Findings of the study suggest a direct link between social bonds and co-operative behaviour.
For me personally this was very very interesting to read, because we had studied the hormone oxytocin in psychology before, so I know exactly what happens when this hormone is released, and how it affects the body. It was great being able to connect these two subjects and learning something new out of this. I also believe that it is obvious that the chimps probably interact with each other, even though they are not in a sexual relationship or related. Humans and chimps are quite similar, therefore they might show similar actions or behaviour. 

Aspergillus Crop Contamination

Fortified by Global Warming, Deadly Fungus Poisons Corn Crops, Causes Cancer
by Mollie Bluoudoff-Indelicato
January 15, 2013
found at ScientificAmerican.com

The Aspergillus (Aspergillus flavus) contamination of crops is posing a serious problem to world health and agriculture market. This fungal pathogen releases deadly spores that prove fatal when ingested. Symptoms of ingestion are jaundice, liver cancer, and internal bleeding. The results of contamination are so severe that in 1995, Saddam Hussein worked on weaponizing the fungi. So far, researchers have been unable to find a species immune to this fungus. The recent drought affecting over half of the United State has lead to a recent increase in contaminated crops. Last year, over 50% of Missourian crops were contaminating, making a sharp increase from 2011's record of 8%. This is explained by the popularity of hot, dry areas, which are A. Flavus' ideal habitat. The threat of contamination is even greater in developing nations, where they lack the technology to properly check for A. Flavus in crop. Also, in Africa, nations export their safe, legally uncontaminated product overseas, while selling the tainted crops domestically, causing serious health and safety issues. In addition, the Aflatoxins in the crop also react strongly with hepatitis B, which is more common in Africa and China, helps to speed up liver failure. This has lead to 750,000 reports of new liver cancer patients. People, however, aren't the only ones put at risk from crop contamination. Cattle and pets are at very high risk. In 2007, a mass pet food recall was initiated by the contamination of this fungus.

Aspergillus flavus

This is a very serious issue that greatly threatens both public health and agriculture. The rising temperatures, caused by the decaying ozone layer are leading to increased A. Flavus growth, which poses a serious danger to our food sources. This demonstrates the immediate necessity of combating climate change, by decreasing fossil fuel use. Also, the destroying of crops affected by this fungus could also contribute to food shortages, increasing world hunger In addition, it is especially important to inform and assist farmers in developing countries deal with this issue to ensure decreased exposure to the deadly spores.This would greatly help decrease the occurrence of liver cancer, the 6th most common type of cancer. Right now, over 5 billion people, around the world are at risk for A. Flavus related health issues, and immediate action must be taken to help eradicate this fungus from our crops.