Dendrodoris callosa

<p>A recent study from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> has explored the question of why flat-faced dogs are so popular despite their major health risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results of the study suggest that flat-faced dogs such as pugs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/">bulldogs</a> have infant-like traits and behaviors that humans find irresistible.</p>



<p>"Infant-like traits may be present not only in appearance but also in behavior in brachycephalic breeds, eliciting caring behavior in owners," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-issues">Health issues</h2>



<p>Pugs and French bulldogs, with their wrinkled faces and flat noses, have charmed their way into the hearts of many dog lovers</p>



<p>However, these brachycephalic breeds are also prone to severe health issues, raising questions about the seemingly paradoxical rise in their popularity.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-brachycephalic-dogs-so-popular">Why are brachycephalic dogs so popular?</h2>



<p>The term "brachycephalic" refers to breeds of dogs that have flattened faces and shortened muzzles, a result of selective breeding rather than natural evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the known health risks, such as breathing and skin problems, these breeds have witnessed an unprecedented rise in ownership in recent years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Kennel Club reported a 2,747-percent increase in registered French Bulldogs since 2004 in the UK alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brachycephalic-paradox">The brachycephalic paradox</h2>



<p>The researchers aimed to understand the so-called "brachycephalic paradox" - why these breeds continue to gain popularity despite well-documented welfare issues, high veterinary costs, and shorter lifespans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The focus of this paper is the ‘kindchenschema’ effect (also known as the cute effect); a well-studied phenomenon in psychological research in which infantile features in images of both children and animals are regularly found to provoke positive and affectionate feelings in human observers, and to prompt careful and nurturant behaviors," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Our aim here is to discover whether relative muzzle shortening across a range of dog breeds is linked to the key facial features known to be appealing to, and to elicit nurturant behaviors in, human observers."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Specifically, we sought to discover whether muzzle shortening in the sagittal plane of dogs’ heads (i.e. in profile) is statistically associated with known ‘kindchenschema’ features in the coronal plane (i.e. fronto-facial features such as the relative size of eyes and forehead)."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team used a unique experiment to compare 30 flat-faced dogs, including 15 English bulldogs and 15 French bulldogs, and 13 Hungarian Mudis, a breed with mid-length muzzles.</p>



<p>The dogs were presented with three boxes with different opening mechanisms, each containing a sausage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The animals had two minutes to open the boxes while both the experimenter and the owner stood out of direct sight.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, Mudis were much more adept at solving the task, but the brachycephalic breeds were 4.5 times more likely to look back at the human observers for help.</p>



<p>This suggests that short-faced dogs have a tendency to seek out human assistance when faced with problems. As a result, the dogs may be perceived as helpless - forging a stronger bond with their owners. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kindchenschema-effect">The kindchenschema effect</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the assistance-seeking behavior of these dogs seems to be tied to the kindchenschema effect, just as the researchers had hypothesized.</p>



<p>The experts also confirmed that the short muzzle length in brachycephalic dogs correlates with more infant-like facial proportions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basic-human-instincts">Basic human instincts</h2>



<p>Despite the public's understanding of the adverse health impacts, the study suggests that the innate human tendency to care for creatures that appear helpless or childlike may override cognitive reasoning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The behaviors of flat-faced dogs that people interpret as helplessness and help- seeking - together with childlike looks - seem to activate our basic nurturing instinct.</p>



<p>"Humans find it very difficult to cognitively override strong instinctive predispositions and still choose brachycephalic breeds, disregarding future health and welfare issues," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradoxical-appeal-nbsp">Paradoxical appeal&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This brings to light the ethical dilemma surrounding the demand for these breeds. While their "cute" features may be compelling, they also set the stage for a range of health problems.</p>



<p>"Recent research has indicated that many owners understand that brachycephalia can have adverse consequences for health but choose to keep such breeds anyway," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"This may be partly due to the perceived positive behavioral traits of some of these breeds, with owners’ denial of their dogs’ health problems, or with the paradoxical appeal of disabled dogs."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Either way, there is little doubt that some aspects of the appearance of brachycephalic animals is also a crucial driver of ownership."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study forces us to confront questions about responsible pet ownership and ethical breeding practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Going forward, increased awareness and education are crucial for prospective pet owners to make informed decisions that consider the well-being of these beloved animals.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41229-8#:~:text=Owners%20might%20interpret%20these%20behaviours,eliciting%20caring%20behaviour%20in%20owners." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Flat-faced dogs have childlike traits that humans cannot resist

A recent study from Eötvös Loránd University has explored the...

Photo,Of,A,Red-crowned,Amazon,amazona,Viridigenalis

<p>The endangered red-crowned parrot species is flourishing in the urban expanses of South Texas. This surprising discovery lies contrary to the usual detrimental impact of urban development on most animal species.</p>



<p>These vibrant birds have remarkably adapted to urban life despite widespread deforestation, pollution, and the illicit pet trade relocating them from their native habitats. The study was helmed by a <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M</a>-led research team, co-authored by Dr. Donald J. Brightsmith and graduate student Simon Kiacz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-urban-dwellers">Unexpected urban dwellers</h2>



<p>Red-crowned parrots are characterized by their predominantly green plumage and distinctive cluster of red feathers on their heads. They originally inhabited a compact region in Northeastern Mexico. Due to rampant habitat destruction and illicit poaching, their existence is under severe threat in their native lands. </p>



<p>This fact makes their proliferation in urban Texas all the more extraordinary. The unauthorized trade often involves poaching of eggs or fledglings, later sold at exorbitant prices.</p>



<p>Simon Kiacz noted, "Parrots are popular pets in places like South Texas and Latin America.” The lack of awareness regarding their protected status, even among law enforcement, is alarming. It’s crucial to note that the animal trade has significantly contributed to the red-crowned parrots’ presence in Texas, with many being brought over legally in the 1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-texas-embraces-red-crowned-parrots">Texas embraces red-crowned parrots</h2>



<p>Texas has embraced these fascinating birds, awarding them native species status which is pivotal for their protection. Dr. Brightsmith highlighted the importance of this status, stating, “Without native species status, it would be much more difficult to provide protection for the species.” </p>



<p>This acknowledgment spurred interest from <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife</a>, paving the way for extensive research on the adaptation and well-being of these parrots in South Texas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-path-to-conservation">Mapping the path to conservation</h2>



<p>The research team meticulously counted and mapped the parrots, concentrating especially on the Rio Grande Valley. Remarkably, places like Brownsville have adopted the red-crowned parrot as their official mascot. </p>



<p>With around 900 parrots residing in South Texas, Kiacz and his team closely monitored their breeding activity. These observations have provided a comprehensive insight into their thriving population.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-urban-adaptation">Symbiotic urban adaptation</h2>



<p>The adaptation and thriving of red-crowned parrots in urban environments are unusual. The species, deemed as “synanthropes,” coexists harmoniously with human-made environments. Kiacz explains, “Humans have basically created the perfect environment for these parrots.” </p>



<p>The relationship stems from their mutual liking for well-watered, ornamental plants producing fruit and seeds year-round. Even the propensity to plant non-native palm trees has inadvertently provided perfect nesting cavities for these parrots, further solidifying their urban adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coexisting-with-red-crowned-parrots">Coexisting with red-crowned parrots</h2>



<p>Despite their flourishing existence and negligible competition with local species for food, the parrots’ noise levels have been the sole inconvenience to the locals. The researchers hope that their findings will usher in heightened awareness and improved conservation efforts. They stress the importance of understanding and accepting these birds as part of the urban environment.</p>



<p>Kiacz emphasized the need for communal harmony stating, “the best help we can give these parrots is to teach people how to live with parrots as neighbors.” For instance, maintaining a dead, yet safe tree can provide nesting spaces for these parrots, fostering a symbiotic coexistence.</p>



<p>Brightsmith and Kiacz are currently delving deeper. They are studying the intricate relationships between red-crowned parrots and their sister species, exploring potential natural hybridization and its conservation implications.</p>



<p>In summary, the thriving existence of red-crowned parrots amidst urban sprawl is a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability. It opens up a plethora of opportunities for research and provides a unique perspective on urban conservation strategies, emphasizing the balance between urban expansion and biodiversity. </p>



<p>The exploration of harmonious coexistence and continued conservation efforts are essential steps towards protecting these vibrant beings, allowing them to continue being our colorful neighbors in the urban jungle.</p>



<p>This study was <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/7/878" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently published</a> in the scientific journal <em>Diversity</em>.</p>



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Endangered red-crowned parrots are thriving in urban Texas areas

The endangered red-crowned parrot species is flourishing in the urban...

Macro,Image,Of,A,Dead,Bee,On,A,Leaf,From

<p>Recent research discovered that over 10% of English river sites contain hazardous levels of pesticides that are toxic to bees and also prohibited by the European Union (EU). </p>



<p>The alarming levels of neonicotinoids, particularly in rivers in the east of England, South East, and West Midlands, expose severe environmental concerns and potential risks to aquatic life and human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damaging-presence-of-neonicotinoids">Damaging presence of neonicotinoids</h2>



<p>Of the 283 river sites that underwent examination by the Environment Agency between 2020 and 2022, at least one of the five neonicotinoids was present in 29. It is distressing to note that 55% of these 29 sites exhibited one or more neonicotinoids above the <a href="https://echa.europa.eu/environmental-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Quality Standard</a> (EQS) set by the EU, deemed safe for aquatic species. Furthermore, over four times the acceptable limit of one or more pesticides marked 21% of the sites.</p>



<p>The research brought to light the presence of clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. These pesticides, banned in the UK since 2018 for outdoor crops, are notorious for their harmful impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and aquatic organisms. </p>



<p>Thiacloprid and Acetamiprid were also identified. The former was prohibited in 2020 due to potential detrimental effects on human health, while the latter, still allowed in the UK, is known to accumulate and damage various living organisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-areas-with-highest-concentrations">Areas with highest concentrations</h2>



<p>The east of England, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber showcased the highest concentrations of neonicotinoids at single sites. The rivers Ivel, Nene, Ouse, Tame, and Waveney in these regions were the most prevalent for pesticide use.</p>



<p>Tessa Wardley, the Director of Communications and Advocacy at the <a href="https://theriverstrust.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rivers Trust</a>, emphasized the likely understatement of the actual extent of neonicotinoid pollution in English rivers due to infrequent and inadequate monitoring by the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment Agency</a>, especially during wet weather when the risk of rapid flushing of pesticides into rivers is heightened.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controversy-and-debate">Controversy and debate</h2>



<p>This revelation coincides with ongoing debates within the government regarding the renewal of the usage of thiamethoxam for the fourth consecutive year. This debate has sparked controversy due to previous emergency authorizations contradicting expert counsel. </p>



<p>The EU Court of Justice, in January 2023, deemed such emergency authorizations of seeds treated with banned neonicotinoids as violations of EU law.</p>



<p>Nick Mole, Policy Officer at Pesticide Action Network UK, termed the findings as “hugely concerning,” urging the UK government to put a halt to ‘emergency’ extensions for the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neonicotinoids-kill-bees-and-threaten-hundreds-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">banned pesticides</a> and to institute a robust and well-funded monitoring system for all UK water bodies urgently.</p>



<p>Barnaby Coupe, Land Use Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts, also criticized the UK government's ongoing approval of toxic pesticides, which he claims has ignored scientific findings and expert advice, resulting in a significant reduction in wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-actions">Government actions</h2>



<p>In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) assured that their comprehensive Plan for Water is addressing every source of pollution through enhanced investment, stricter regulation, and tougher enforcement. </p>



<p>They further highlighted the government's commitment to minimizing the risks and impacts of pesticides and reducing the use of insecticides by farmers through increased funding and sustainable farming incentives.</p>



<p>In summary, the new research has sparked renewed urgency and concern regarding the hazardous levels of prohibited pesticides in English rivers, revealing the far-reaching impacts on wildlife, aquatic life, and potentially human health. </p>



<p>The government is under increased pressure to enhance monitoring, regulation, and enforcement to combat the rising levels of harmful pesticides and to reconsider the allowances and extensions granted for the use of such chemicals in the agriculture sector.</p>



<p>This study was conducted by the <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/rt.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rivers Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link</a> (WCL) </p>



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Concerning levels of bee-harming pesticides discovered in English rivers

Recent research discovered that over 10% of English river sites...

<p>Traces of ancient proteins found in fossilized dinosaur feathers may shed new light on the evolution of feathers, according to a study from <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/">University College Cork</a>.</p>



<p>The research was led by Dr. Tiffany Slater and Professor Maria McNamara of UCC’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science. The experts collaborated with scientists based at Linyi University and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-proteins">Fossil proteins</h2>



<p>"Fossil proteins are valuable tools in evolutionary biology. Recent technological advances and better integration of experimental methods have confirmed the feasibility of biomolecular preservation in deep time, yielding new insights into the timing of key evolutionary transitions," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The team analyzed 125-million-year-old feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus and the early bird Confuciusornis from China, in addition to a 50-million-year-old feather from the United States.</p>



<p>While previous research indicated that modern feathers have a different composition than ancient feathers, the new study reveals that they share the same protein composition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, this confirms that the chemistry of feathers originated much earlier than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beta-proteins-nbsp">Beta-proteins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It’s really exciting to discover new similarities between dinosaurs and birds,” said Dr. Slater.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To do this, we developed a new method to detect traces of ancient feather proteins. Using X-rays and infrared light we found that feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus contained lots of beta-proteins, just like feathers of birds today.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team ran experiments to investigate how feather proteins break down during the fossilization process. This helped the experts interpret the chemical signals preserved in the fossil feathers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weird-chemistry">Weird chemistry</h2>



<p>“Modern bird feathers are rich in beta-proteins that help strengthen feathers for flight,” said Dr. Slater.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Previous tests on dinosaur feathers, though, found mostly alpha-proteins. Our experiments can now explain this weird chemistry as the result of protein degradation during the fossilization process."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"So although some fossil feathers do preserve traces of the original beta-proteins, other fossil feathers are damaged and tell us a false narrative about feather evolution.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted that experiments show that feather beta-proteins can survive moderate thermal maturation. "As predicted by our experiments, analyses of Mesozoic feathers confirm that evidence of feather CBPs can persist through deep time," they wrote.</p>



<p>“Traces of ancient biomolecules can clearly survive for millions of years, but you can’t read the fossil record literally because even seemingly well-preserved fossil tissues have been cooked and squashed during fossilization," said study senior author Professor Maria McNamara.</p>



<p>"We’re developing new tools to understand what happens during fossilization and unlock the chemical secrets of fossils. This will give us exciting new insights into the evolution of important tissues and their biomolecules. “</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02177-8"><em>Nature Ecology and Evolution</em></a>.</p>



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Modern bird feathers contain traces of dinosaur feathers

Traces of ancient proteins found in fossilized dinosaur feathers may...

<p>The outlook for the endangered purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya australis, endemic to southeastern Australia, has been bleak. Over the past three years, there has been a concerning loss of coral aggregations in the Port Stephens estuary, historically its largest habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This species is not only vital in its own right, as one of the Federal Government's 100 priority species on the Threatened Species Strategy, but also serves as an essential habitat for other species, most notably the Endangered White’s seahorse and baby snapper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hope-for-the-corals">New hope for the corals</h2>



<p>A study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04298-x">Marine Biology</a> offers a glimmer of hope for the endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corals-have-a-vegetarian-side-that-keeps-them-alive-in-nutrient-poor-areas/">corals</a>. The research reveals new insights into the reproductive life of this coral species, offering hope for its future survival.</p>



<p>The lead researcher, <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au/">Southern Cross University</a> PhD candidate Meryl Larkin, said the paper was a welcome turnaround from her earlier work, which showed how badly the species had been decimated by shifts in sediment and La Niña flood events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our discoveries open new doors for conservation strategies, including potential restoration efforts,” she said. “It has given us real hope we can keep this coral off the extinction list.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-reproduction-of-corals-nbsp">Understanding the reproduction of corals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Corals can reproduce both sexually and asexually, with some being hermaphroditic or distinctly male and female. Before this study, the reproductive dynamics of Dendronephthya australis remained a mystery.</p>



<p>Larkin utilized diverse methods, from histological analyses of fresh specimens to lab-based studies. She was conducting lab work at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute when she observed, for the first time, eggs and sperm within coral fragments from different colonies, indicating the existence of separate male and female colonies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-the-lab">Breakthrough in the lab</h2>



<p>Larkin then achieved a pioneering feat - successfully developing IVF methods for the coral, achieving larval settlement in a lab, and reintroducing coral babies back into the wild where they continue to thrive.</p>



<p>“This was a major step forward in the prospect of recovery by the species because, from just a few remaining colonies, we were able to produce hundreds of new individual corals,” said Larkin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>She noted that the findings could be used to support the growth of wild populations and create new coral colonies to repopulate areas of habitat where they previously flourished.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Larkin’s research, sponsored by Southern Cross University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, highlights the vital importance of understanding reproductive processes and early life stages to grasp the dynamics of a species.</p>



<p>“Reproduction and early life stages are fundamental for understanding the dynamics of any species, particularly marine invertebrates,” said Larkin. “These stages are essential for population establishment and growth, and understanding them helps us identify threats and extinction risks.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-purple-cauliflower-soft-coral">More about the purple cauliflower soft coral</h2>



<p>The purple cauliflower soft coral is aptly named for its distinctive appearance, resembling the branching, clustered look of cauliflower, tinged with a purple hue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike hard corals that build reefs with their calcium carbonate skeletons, soft corals possess a more flexible structure, which often gives them a more fluid, tree-like appearance underwater.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>Endemic to south-eastern Australia, the largest populations of the purple cauliflower soft coral have been historically found in the Port Stephens estuary in New South Wales. Here, they thrive in estuarine environments, preferring areas with strong tidal flows that bring in ample nutrients.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological Importance</h3>



<p>The soft coral plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem. Not only does it contribute to the biodiversity of its marine habitat, but it also offers shelter and a breeding ground for various marine species. In such roles, it supports the larger marine food web and helps maintain ecological balance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>Dendronephthya australis is one of the 100 priority species listed on the Federal Government’s Threatened Species Strategy. Over recent years, the coral has experienced a significant decline, especially in the Port Stephens estuary where there has been a complete loss of aggregations (clusters of colonies).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Factors contributing to its decline include shifts in sediment, La Niña flood events, and potentially other human-induced stressors like pollution and habitat destruction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-strategies">Reproductive strategies</h3>



<p>Coral reproduction is a fascinating and complex subject. The recent groundbreaking research led by Meryl Larkin has unveiled some mysteries of the Dendronephthya australis's reproductive life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that these corals have distinct male and female colonies - a fact unknown before this research. Understanding the reproductive strategies of such corals is crucial for their conservation, as it opens doors to potential restoration efforts.</p>



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Understanding the sex lives of endangered soft corals could save them

The outlook for the endangered purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya...

Spider,Web,Or,Cobweb,With,Water,Drops,After,Rain,Against

<p>Scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk using genetically modified silkworms, creating fibers with a toughness six times superior to that of Kevlar, a material prominently used in bulletproof vests. </p>



<p>This revolutionary work is the first to fabricate full-length spider silk proteins through silkworms, presenting a methodology that might give rise to an eco-friendly substitute to prevalent synthetic commercial fibers such as nylon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-synthetic-fiber-issues">Tackling synthetic fiber issues</h2>



<p>Synthetic fibers like nylon have been widely used, but they pose environmental concerns due to their ability to release detrimental microplastics and their production from fossil fuels leading to greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>Scientists, therefore, have been exploring spider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a> as a sustainable alternative, given its exceptional mechanical properties and potential applications in various fields like medical sutures, textiles, military, aerospace technology, and biomedical engineering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovating-spider-silk-production">Innovating spider silk production</h2>



<p>Silkworm silk is the only large-scale commercialized animal silk fiber, with proven rearing techniques. Junpeng Mi, a PhD candidate at the College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering at <a href="https://english.dhu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donghua University</a>, reveals that utilizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Spider-Silk-fibers_transgenic-silkworms_CREDIT-Junpeng-Mi_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetically modified silkworms </a>opens avenues for the low-cost, mass commercialization of spider silk fibers. </p>



<p>This alternative is not just innovative but solves persistent issues in spider silk synthesis, such as applying a protective “skin layer” to the silk, allowing it to endure humidity and exposure to sunlight. Genetically modified silkworms, by virtue of having a similar protective layer on their fibers, overcome this problem, making them the ideal conduit for spider silk production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-step-in-silk-synthesis">Evolutionary step in silk synthesis</h2>



<p>To achieve the synthesis, Mi and his team integrated spider silk protein genes into the silkworm’s DNA, ensuring the expression in their glands. This intricate process involved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-created-a-transparent-squid-allowing-them-to-see-inside-while-its-still-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR-Cas9</a> gene editing technology and countless microinjections into fertilized silkworm eggs, a step Mi described as one of the most significant challenges of the study. </p>



<p>Observing the red glow in the silkworms’ eyes under a fluorescence microscope indicated the success of gene editing, a moment of triumph and excitement for the team. Further, “localization” modifications were crucial to align the transgenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/welcome-to-the-not-so-creepy-crawly-world-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider silk proteins</a> with proteins in the silkworm glands, ensuring the proper spinning of the fiber. </p>



<p>The team also proposed a “minimal basic structure model” of silkworm silk to guide these modifications, a concept that Mi emphasizes as a crucial shift from previous research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-with-engineered-spider-silk">Future with engineered spider silk</h2>



<p>Junpeng Mi foresees the application of insights gained from this study to further enhance the toughness and strength of spider silk fibers by developing genetically modified silkworms capable of producing spider silk fibers from both natural and engineered amino acids. </p>



<p>This introduces the possibility of over one hundred engineered amino acids, unveiling immense potential for the development of engineered spider silk fibers.</p>



<p>Mi is confident about the potential for large-scale commercialization of this innovation, promising a sustainable and versatile material that could revolutionize industries, offering solutions ranging from more comfortable clothing and advanced bulletproof vests to medical sutures catering to global demand exceeding 300 million procedures annually.</p>



<p>In summary, this pioneering research marks a significant leap towards environmentally friendly and sustainable material production, confronting the ecological drawbacks of synthetic fibers. It paves the way for extensive applications, impacting numerous domains, reinforcing the potential of bioengineered products in addressing modern-day challenges. </p>



<p>As scientists venture deeper into the realms of spider silk synthesis, the anticipation of more discoveries and innovations in this domain holds promise for a future where sustainability and technology converge.</p>



<p>More about spider silk </p>



<p>The complete study is available in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/matter/fulltext/S2590-2385(23)00421-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Matter</a>.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Spider silk produced by genetically modified silkworms is 6x stronger than Kevlar

Scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk using genetically modified silkworms,...

<p>The worldwide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-rhino-day-celebrating-and-protecting-the-magnificent-rhinoceros/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhino</a> population is displaying a remarkable resurgence, with the latest data revealing an increase to approximately 27,000 individuals despite the persistent threats of poaching and habitat degradation. This rebound marks the first comeback for some species in over a decade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-context">Historical context</h2>



<p>At the pinnacle of the 20th century, around 500,000 rhinos roamed across the landscapes of Africa and Asia. Sadly, their numbers have seen drastic reductions since then, primarily due to human activities. </p>



<p>A glimmer of hope emerged last year when populations in certain regions started showing signs of recovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-rhino-population-trend">Positive rhino population trend</h2>



<p>Statistics released by the <a href="https://rhinos.org/our-work/research-and-publications/afrsg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group</a> reported a global rhinoceros population of around 27,000 at the conclusion of 2022, indicating a hopeful trend. Specifically, the southern white rhinos experienced growth for the first time since 2012, rising from 15,942 at the end of 2021 to 16,803. </p>



<p>Additionally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-majestic-and-endangered-black-rhinoceros-past-present-and-unknown-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black rhinos</a>, native to east and southern Africa, where poaching for their horns severely decreased their numbers, also improved by approximately 5%, going from 6,195 to 6,487 over the past year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-pay-off">Conservation efforts pay off</h2>



<p>Efforts by conservationists to establish new populations significantly contributed to this population surge. </p>



<p>Dr Michael Knight, the chair of the IUCN rhino group, emphasized the importance of building on these positive developments and remaining vigilant, stating, “With this good news, we can take a sigh of relief for the first time in a decade."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-situation-for-javan-and-sumatran-rhinos">Critical situation for Javan and Sumatran rhinos</h2>



<p>However, not all species are faring well. The Javan and Sumatran rhinos remain critically endangered and in grave risk of extinction, with their numbers continuing to decline steadily. </p>



<p>Some estimates suggest as few as 34 Sumatran rhinos remain, often located in isolated forest patches, hampering their ability to mate and reproduce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-response-and-challenges">International response and challenges</h2>



<p>The international community continues to rally around conservation efforts, with Dr Jo Shaw, the CEO of Save the Rhino International, reaffirming a commitment to the future of all five rhino species. However, challenges persist, particularly in Africa, where rhino deaths increased in 2022. </p>



<p>There is also concern over the stable but threatened population of greater one-horned rhinos in India and Nepal, where habitat loss and poaching continue to be substantial issues. Illicit activities have also been reported in the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/608/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ujung Kulon National Park</a> in Indonesia, home to all 76 of the existing Javan rhinos.</p>



<p>In summary, the rising numbers of several rhino species are a testament to the relentless efforts of conservationists and international cooperation. However, this progress is fragile and underscores the imperative to intensify conservation efforts, particularly for the critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos. </p>



<p>Sustained vigilance, combined with innovative conservation strategies and robust international support, will be paramount in ensuring the long-term survival and flourishing of these majestic creatures.</p>



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Global rhino population numbers slowly rebound

The worldwide rhino population is displaying a remarkable resurgence, with...

Dendrodoris callosa

Taxonomic tree: