TinySci

What swims, has binocular vision, leg-like appendages, and can squeeze into the smallest of spaces with ease? This guy can, a newly discovered species of anglerfish which is so unique that scientists speculate it may belong to a new family of fish, which in itself is somewhat rare with only 5 new fish families having been added to our general taxonomy in the last 50 years. Though anglerfish in general are not uncommon, any fish with front-mounted eyeballs generally are, implying that these little dudes may see the way we do.

Source: University of Washington
Photo: M. Snyder, starknakedfish.com / divingmaluku.com

Biology

Researchers in the UK beat the bullet and managed to grow human – cow hybrid embryos which lived for three days in a tube before dying. The researchers are not happy because they were shootin’ for six days. The Pope’s upset, though I’m not sure why. Look, worse case, we have werewolves and vampires rummaging through my trash at night. At best, Daryl Hannah shows up, except not the actress, but a mermaid. It could be worse, right?

Source: BBC

Biology

What’s this scaly cute mammal hanging here on the left? It’s a pangolin. I didn’t learn about these critters until I saw them in one of my kid’s favorite books: “Tails“. The next time they came to mind was yesterday when I found that some Chinese turn these guys into soup. Taste just like chicken? Who knows. One thing’s for sure, they’re certainly not as plentful.

It’s hard to be surprised. For thousands of years the Chinese have used/eaten just about anything in the name of herbal remedies. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. That is, unless you ask Tiger what they do to his bones. Or worse, his penis. Then there’s Rhino whose horn of fingernail-cartilage is driving it to extinction. Supposedly those practices are on the decline, which is great, but considering we’re still receiving news of this type, who really knows?

It’s a shame, really, that the 20th century hasn’t delivered on the promise of providing a solid science background and a healthy dose of skepticism to the next generation in an effort to help eradicate mysticism and unsubstantiated health claims. It’s not just the minds of tomorrow that are suffering – don’t be surprised if your kids’ only exposure to these creatures is some backwater blog.

Biology Endangered Species, Pangolin

Ecologists in Berkeley teamed with researchers from Save the Elephants and discovered that those elephants which herd with dominant matriarchs traveled significantly less for food when resources were scarce. I guess sometimes it is about who you know.
Source: Berkeley

Biology Elephants